Microphone not working? Common fixes
- Check the browser prompt. Most of the time the browser is simply waiting for you to click "Allow" on the permission popup — check if it's hidden behind the address bar.
- Confirm the right device is selected. If you have more than one microphone (e.g. a headset and a laptop mic), check your operating system's sound settings to make sure the correct one is set as default.
- Close other apps using the microphone. Video call apps like Zoom, Teams, or Discord can lock the microphone so no other app — including your browser — can access it.
- Restart your browser. A stuck permission or driver handshake is often cleared by fully closing and reopening the browser.
- Check for a physical mute switch. Many headsets and USB microphones have a hardware mute button or in-line switch that's easy to miss.
How to allow microphone permissions
- Chrome / Edge: Click the lock or tune icon in the address bar → Site settings → set Microphone to Allow → reload the page.
- Firefox: Click the lock icon in the address bar → Connection secure → More information → Permissions tab → allow microphone access.
- Safari (macOS): Go to Safari → Settings → Websites → Microphone → set this site to Allow.
- Safari (iOS): Go to Settings app → Safari → Microphone → Allow, then reload the page in Safari.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tool record or upload my audio?
No. Mic Tester reads your microphone's input level directly in your browser using the Web Audio API. Nothing is recorded, saved, or sent to a server.
Why does the level meter show 0% even though my mic is on?
Speak a little closer to the microphone or raise the input volume in your system sound settings. A very low input gain can show almost no movement even when the microphone itself is working.
Does this work on mobile?
Yes, Mic Tester works in modern mobile browsers on Android and iOS, as long as microphone permission is granted to the browser.