Microphone Test

How the microphone test works

When you start the test, your browser asks for permission to use the microphone. Once you allow it, the page reads the live audio signal and draws it as a waveform. Silence shows a flat line; speech or noise makes it jump. The bar underneath shows the input level, and the panel lists your mic's name and settings.

If you have more than one microphone (for example a headset and a built-in laptop mic), pick the one you want from the drop-down that appears after the test starts.

The line isn't moving. What now?

1. Make a louder sound. Some mics, especially with noise suppression on, ignore quiet sounds. Clap or speak up close.
2. Check the drop-down. The browser may have picked a different microphone than the one you're speaking into.
3. Look for a mute switch. Many headsets have a mute button on the cable or earcup, and some laptops have a mic-mute key.
4. Check the connection. Re-plug USB mics, or make sure a 3.5 mm plug is in the microphone (often pink) socket, not the headphone socket.
5. Close other apps. Zoom, Teams or Discord can hold the mic so the browser can't use it.
6. Reload the page and start the test again.

Fix microphone permissions in your browser

Chrome and Edge

Click the icon to the left of the address bar, open Site settings and set Microphone to Allow. Then reload the page.

Firefox

Click the microphone or lock icon in the address bar, remove the “Blocked” permission and reload the page.

Safari

Open Safari › Settings › Websites › Microphone and set this site to Allow.

Check your system microphone settings

Windows 11 and 10

Open Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone and make sure microphone access, and access for desktop apps, is on. Then go to Settings › System › Sound › Input, choose your mic and check that its volume isn't at zero.

macOS

Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone and allow your browser. Under System Settings › Sound › Input, select your mic and raise the input volume.

ChromeOS, Linux, Android and iOS

Make sure the browser has microphone permission in the system settings, and that the correct input device is selected in the sound settings.

My mic works here but not in Zoom, Teams or Discord

Then the hardware is fine and the problem is in that app. Open its audio settings, select the same microphone you see in the drop-down above, and turn off any “push to talk” or automatic input sensitivity while you test. If it still fails, contact the app's support and mention that the mic passes a browser test; it helps them narrow down the issue.

Frequently asked questions