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Microphone Test
Press start and allow microphone access, then speak.
Microphone not working? Try these fixes
- Allow access: click the padlock or camera icon in your browser's address bar and set Microphone to Allow.
- Pick the right device: use the dropdown above. Laptops often list several inputs (built-in, headset, webcam).
- Windows: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone, and make sure access is on for your browser.
- Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone, and tick your browser.
- Check the mute switch: many headsets and keyboards have a physical mute button.
- Close other apps: Zoom, Teams or Discord can lock the mic. Close them and test again.
How this microphone test works
When you press Start, your browser asks for permission to use the microphone, then reads the incoming sound level many times per second and draws it as the bar above. The sound is analysed live on your own device. It is not recorded or sent anywhere. The optional 5-second recording is held in memory only so you can hear it played back, and it is gone when you close the page.
What the level bar should look like
- Normal speech about 15 cm from the mic: the bar should move into roughly the middle of its range and pass the 40% mark on louder words.
- Barely moving or under 10%: the input is too quiet. Raise the input volume in your system settings, or move closer.
- Constantly at 100%: the signal is clipping and will sound distorted. Lower the input volume or move back a little.
- No movement at all: the browser is probably using a different device, or the mic is blocked or muted. Choose another input from the dropdown.
Get cleaner sound
Test in the room you will actually use. Hard walls and fans add echo and noise that you will hear in the playback. A headset mic usually beats a laptop mic because it sits closer to your mouth. If you use a USB microphone, plug it straight into the computer, not an unpowered hub.
Test for a specific app or computer
Settings differ by system and app, so we wrote a guide for each: Windows 10 and 11, Mac, Zoom and Discord. If you are about to join a video call, also run the webcam test, and use the speaker test to confirm you can hear everyone else.
Last updated: 2026-10-04
Frequently asked questions
Is my voice recorded or uploaded?
No. The test runs entirely in your browser. Audio never leaves your device, and the 5-second recording only exists in memory until you close the page.
Why does the meter not move?
Your browser may be using the wrong input, or microphone access is blocked. Choose another device in the dropdown and check your system privacy settings.
Does this work for headset and USB microphones?
Yes. Any microphone your computer detects will appear in the device list.