How to test your microphone
- Click “Test my mic” and allow access when your browser asks.
- Say a few words. The green level meter and the waveform should move.
- Use “Record 5 seconds & play back” to hear how you sound to others.
- If you have several microphones, pick the right one from the menu above.
What do the numbers mean?
The level is shown in dBFS: 0 dB is the loudest possible signal. Normal speech sits roughly between −30 and −12 dB. If you constantly hit 0 dB, the mic is clipping and sounds distorted. If the level stays below −50 dB, others will barely hear you.
Mic not working? The most common fixes
1. Allow access in your browser
Click the lock or tune icon on the left of the address bar and set “Microphone” to Allow. Then reload the page.
2. Operating system privacy settings
- Windows 11/10: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone → turn on “Microphone access” and “Let desktop apps access your microphone”.
- macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → enable your browser, then restart it.
- Android / iOS: allow the “Microphone” permission in your browser's app settings.
3. Wrong input device
Often the laptop's built-in mic is selected instead of your headset. Pick the right device in the test above. On Windows, set the default under Settings → System → Sound → Input; on macOS under System Settings → Sound → Input.
4. Hardware mute
Many headsets have a mute switch on the cable or mute when you flip the boom up. If the test shows exactly “−∞ dB”, this is almost always the cause.
5. Another app is blocking the mic
Apps like Teams, Zoom, Discord or OBS can take exclusive control of the mic. Close them and try again. On Windows you can disable “Allow applications to take exclusive control” in the advanced sound settings.
6. Drivers and ports
Try a different USB port (directly on the PC, not a hub) or, for 3.5 mm jacks, the correct mic input (pink). Update your audio driver via Device Manager or the manufacturer's website.