How to test your microphone
- Press Start mic test and allow access when the browser asks.
- Speak normally. The green bar and the waveform should move with your voice. If you have more than one mic, pick the right one in the list.
- Press Record 5 seconds, say a sentence, and listen to the playback. This is how other people hear you.
How to read the result
The level is shown in dBFS, where 0 is the loudest a microphone can deliver before it distorts. For normal speech at a comfortable distance:
| Level while you speak | What it means |
|---|---|
| Below −50 dBFS | Too quiet or not working. Check mute switches and the input volume. |
| −40 to −15 dBFS | A healthy range for calls and voice chat. |
| Above −6 dBFS, bar turns red | Too loud. The signal may clip and sound distorted. |
The spectrum under the waveform shows which frequencies the mic picks up. A healthy mic shows activity across the low and middle range when you talk. A spectrum that stays flat while you speak points to a muted or broken input.
The three switches change what your browser does to the sound. Video call apps use the same processing, so turning them off lets you hear the raw microphone. If your voice sounds watery or cuts in and out with noise suppression on, try a quieter room or a mic closer to your mouth.
Mic not working? Fixes for Windows and Mac
First checks
- Look for a mute switch on the headset cable, a mute button on the mic itself, or a mic mute key on the laptop (often F4 or F8).
- Close other apps that may hold the mic, such as Zoom, Teams, Discord or OBS.
- Unplug and reconnect USB mics. Try a different port.
Windows 10 and 11
- Open Settings, Privacy and security (Privacy on Windows 10), Microphone. Turn on microphone access and allow desktop apps and your browser to use it.
- Open Settings, System, Sound, and pick the right input device. Speak and check that the input volume bar moves. Raise the volume if it is low.
- Under More sound settings, Recording tab, right-click your mic, choose Properties, Levels, and set it to 70 to 90. Check that it is not disabled.
- Still silent? Open Device Manager, expand Audio inputs and outputs, uninstall the microphone and restart.
Mac
- Open System Settings, Privacy and Security, Microphone, and switch on access for your browser.
- Open System Settings, Sound, Input, select your mic and speak. The input level should move. Raise the input volume slider.
- Restart the browser after changing permissions, since macOS applies them when the app starts.
In the browser
Click the lock or settings icon left of the address bar and set Microphone to Allow. In Chrome you can also open Settings, Privacy and security, Site settings, Microphone, and choose the default device.
Testing your mic before Zoom or Teams
This page uses the same browser audio path that web versions of Zoom, Teams and Google Meet use, so if your voice sounds clear in the recording here, it will sound clear there too. In the desktop apps, also check that the app itself has the right microphone selected under its audio settings, because they keep their own choice.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most about this test.
How do I test my mic online?
Press Start mic test, allow microphone access, and speak. If the bar and waveform move, your mic works. Record a 5 second clip to hear the quality.
Why does the mic test show no sound?
The mic may be muted by a switch or key, set to a very low input volume, blocked by privacy settings, or in use by another app. The fixes on this page cover each case for Windows and Mac.
Can I hear myself during the mic test?
Yes. Tick Hear yourself to send the mic to your speakers or headphones. Use headphones, or you will get a loud feedback whistle.
Is my recording uploaded?
No. The recording stays in your browser memory and disappears when you close the page.
Does this work on a phone?
Yes. Mobile Chrome and Safari both support the test. On iPhone, you need to allow the microphone for Safari in the prompt that appears.