Microphone Test
Test your microphone by speaking. See real-time audio levels and frequency visualization.
How to Use This Test
- Click the start button and allow microphone access when your browser prompts you for permission.
- Speak into your microphone and observe the real-time audio level meter and frequency visualization to confirm it is picking up sound.
- Use the recording feature to capture a short clip and play it back to evaluate audio clarity and quality.
What This Test Checks
This microphone tester helps you verify that your mic is working and producing clear audio before joining a call, recording a podcast, or streaming.
- Microphone detection and browser permission status
- Real-time audio input level monitoring
- Frequency spectrum visualization
- Audio recording and playback for quality assessment
- Input sensitivity and background noise levels
Troubleshooting
If you're having issues:
- Verify the correct microphone is selected as the default input device in your operating system's sound settings.
- Check that the microphone is not muted in your system tray or sound control panel.
- For USB microphones, try a different USB port or cable. For analog mics, ensure you are using the correct (pink) audio jack.
- Close other applications that might be using the microphone exclusively (Zoom, Discord, OBS).
Reset Mic Permissions by Browser
Nine times out of ten, "mic not working" is a denied browser permission rather than broken hardware. Reset it per-browser:
Chrome and Edge
- Click the padlock (or tune) icon left of the address bar, then Site settings.
- Set Microphone to Allow and reload.
- If this site is missing from the list, open
chrome://settings/content/microphone(oredge://settings/content/microphone) and remove any block entries.
Firefox
- Click the padlock icon → Connection secure → More information → Permissions.
- Uncheck Use default for Use the Microphone and choose Allow.
Safari (macOS)
- Open Safari → Settings → Websites → Microphone and set this site to Allow.
- Also confirm System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → Safari is on.
iOS Safari / Chrome
On iPhone and iPad, browser mic access is controlled at the OS level. Go to Settings → Safari → Microphone (or Chrome's equivalent). Confirm Privacy & Security → Microphone lists the browser as allowed.
Fix Input Problems by Operating System
Windows 10 / Windows 11
- Open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. Turn on Microphone access, Let apps access your microphone, and verify your browser is allowed.
- Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settings → Input. Confirm the correct device and speak — the level bar should move.
- Open Sound settings → Device properties → set input volume to 70-80%. Higher values introduce distortion.
- Disable Audio enhancements (same device properties page) — they sometimes mute or distort input.
macOS
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and toggle on each browser and app that needs access.
- Open System Settings → Sound → Input. If your mic isn't listed, unplug and re-plug the USB cable.
- Adjust input level so the meter peaks around three-quarters when you speak at normal volume.
Linux
- Run
pavucontrol(orpwvucontrolon PipeWire). Under Input Devices, unmute the mic and set the level. Under Recording, confirm the browser is capturing from the right source. - If the device doesn't appear, run
arecord -lto check kernel-level detection.
Common Symptoms and Fixes
Mic is too quiet in calls
- Raise the OS input level first — per-app boosts are lossy.
- USB condenser mics (Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB) need the gain knob turned up on the mic itself, not in software.
- Headset mics mounted too far from your mouth lose 6-10 dB — keep it 2-3 cm away.
Echo on calls
- Caused by the speaker output feeding back into the mic. Wear headphones instead of using speakers.
- Windows: enable Listen to this device — only for diagnosis, never leave on.
- Disable software AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation) if it's mangling the signal instead of fixing the echo.
Static, hum, or buzzing
- Ground loop hum (low 50/60 Hz tone): move the mic or PC to a different power circuit, or use a USB isolator.
- USB 3.0 port interference with 2.4 GHz devices is real — plug the mic into a USB 2.0 port if possible.
- Cheap XLR-to-USB adapters introduce hiss. A real audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett Solo, etc.) eliminates it.
Preparing for a Video Call
Before an important call, run this microphone test, the audio output test, and the webcam test together — together they verify every device call software will use, in under a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I grant microphone permission in my browser?
When you click the start button, your browser will show a permission prompt. Click 'Allow' to grant microphone access. If you previously blocked it, click the lock or info icon in your browser's address bar, find the microphone setting, and change it to 'Allow', then reload the page.
Why is my microphone not picking up any sound?
First, check that the correct microphone is selected in your system sound settings. Ensure the mic is not muted and the input volume is turned up. For external mics, verify the USB or audio cable is securely connected. Also make sure no other application is exclusively using the microphone.
Can I test an external USB microphone with this tool?
Yes, this test works with any microphone your operating system recognizes, including USB condenser mics, XLR mics via audio interfaces, headset mics, and built-in laptop microphones. Select the correct input device in your system settings before starting the test.
Is my audio recorded or sent to a server?
No. All audio processing happens locally in your browser using the Web Audio API. No audio data is transmitted to any server. Any recordings you make are stored only on your device and are not uploaded anywhere.
Time to upgrade? Consider these microphones:
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