Microphone test

How to use it

1. 1

   Press Start. The first time, your browser asks whether this page can use your microphone. Say yes.

2. 2

   Say a few words in your normal voice. The bar moves with your voice, and the line under it says whether you're coming through.

3. 3

   If you have more than one microphone, pick the one you want from the list and say something again.

4. 4

   Press Hear yourself to record five seconds and play them back. That tells you how you sound, not only that something is there. The five seconds stay in this tab until you press Clear or leave the page.

5. 5

   Press Stop when you're done. The page stops using your microphone.

If the bar doesn't move

Try these in order. Each one is a quick check, and the first that fixes it is the answer.

1. 1

   Is it muted or unplugged? Microsoft's page on fixing microphone problems says to check that a headset's Mute button isn't active, and that the microphone or headset is connected correctly (a Bluetooth one has to be paired and connected).

2. 2

   Is the right microphone chosen? Pick it in the list on this page. Your computer has its own choice too. On Windows 11, go to Start › Settings › System › Sound and choose the device under Input. On a Mac, open System Settings › Sound, click Input and select it in the list, as Apple's page on sound input settings says.

3. 3

   Is the input volume up? On Windows 11, open the microphone's page under Input and drag the Input volume slider; Start test there lets you speak and play the result back. On a Mac, drag the volume slider on the same Input screen. Apple's page says you can turn the input volume down for loud sound so it isn't too loud or distorted, and up for someone speaking softly.

4. 4

   Is your browser allowed to use it? On Windows 11, go to Start › Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone. Microsoft's page says to make sure Microphone access is on and Let apps access your microphone is on, and that desktop apps need Let desktop apps access your microphone on too. Check both. On Windows 10 the switches are under Settings › Privacy › Microphone. On a Mac, go to System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone. Apple's page on microphone access says you turn access on or off for each app in the list, so find your browser there and make sure it's on.

5. 5

   Still nothing? If Windows can't see the microphone at all, Microsoft's page on fixing microphone problems also walks through uninstalling and reinstalling the audio drivers in Device Manager.

Ready to record with sound?

Once the bar moves, recording with sound is the next step: on a Mac, on Windows 10 or on Windows 11. If a recording still comes out silent, screen recording with no sound goes through the causes.