Microphone Test
Grant microphone permissions. Record a short phrase, watch the live visualizer, and verify clear audio playback.
RECORDING COMPLETE. PLAYING BACK...
How to Use This Test
Grant Microphone Permission
Click the 'Start Recording' button and allow microphone access when your browser prompts you. This permission is required for the test to function.
Speak Into Your Microphone
Once recording begins, speak a short phrase clearly into your device's microphone. The live frequency visualizer will show audio levels in real time.
Listen to Playback
After the 3-second recording completes, the audio will automatically play back through your speakers or headphones.
Rate Your Experience
If the playback sounds clear and at a normal volume, tap 'Clear Playback' to pass. If the audio is muffled, distorted, or silent, select 'Poor / No Sound'.
What Your Results Mean
Clear Playback
Your microphone captured audio clearly and the playback was audible at a normal volume. The microphone hardware is functioning correctly.
Poor or No Sound
The recording was silent, extremely quiet, or heavily distorted. This may indicate a hardware issue, permission problem, or incorrect default input device selection.
Visualizer Shows No Activity
If the frequency bars don't move while speaking, the microphone may be physically blocked, disabled in OS settings, or the wrong input device is selected.
Audio Sounds Robotic or Choppy
This can occur with low-quality Bluetooth connections, excessive CPU load, or audio driver issues. Try a wired connection or close resource-heavy applications.
Common Problems and Fixes
Browser blocks microphone access
Check your browser's site permissions — click the lock icon in the address bar and ensure microphone access is set to 'Allow'. On mobile, also verify that the OS-level microphone permission is granted to your browser app in Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
Recording plays back silence
Verify the correct input device is selected in your OS sound settings. On Windows, right-click the speaker icon > Sounds > Recording tab. On macOS, go to System Preferences > Sound > Input. Ensure the microphone isn't muted and the input volume slider is adequate.
Audio is heavily distorted or clipping
Distortion usually means the input gain is too high. Move further from the microphone, speak softer, or lower the input volume in your OS sound settings. Hardware defects in the microphone diaphragm can also cause permanent distortion.
Visualizer bars are very small or flat
Low visualizer activity suggests weak input signal. Increase the OS microphone volume/boost setting, clean the microphone grille of debris, or test in a quieter environment to rule out noise cancellation interference.
Bluetooth headset microphone not detected
Ensure the Bluetooth headset is connected and set as the default recording device. Some headsets require the HFP (Hands-Free Profile) for microphone use — A2DP alone only supports audio output. Re-pair the headset if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the browser ask for microphone permission?
Modern browsers require explicit user consent before any website can access your microphone. This is a critical privacy protection that prevents malicious sites from secretly recording audio. Click 'Allow' when prompted to grant access for this test only.
Is my microphone audio recorded or stored on a server?
No. All audio processing happens entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API and MediaRecorder API. The recording is stored temporarily in your device memory and is never uploaded to any server. Once you close the tab, the audio data is permanently deleted.
Why can't I hear my playback recording?
If playback is silent, ensure your speakers or headphones are connected and volume is up. Also check that the microphone isn't muted at the OS level. On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone. On macOS, check System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone.
My microphone sounds muffled or distorted. What's wrong?
Muffled audio can indicate a physically obstructed microphone grille (clean with a soft brush), excessive background noise, or a hardware defect. Distortion often means the input gain is too high — try speaking softer or moving further from the device. If the issue persists across multiple apps, the microphone may need professional repair.
Which microphone does this test use on devices with multiple mics?
The browser requests the default audio input device, which is typically the primary microphone. On smartphones, this is usually the bottom-facing mic. Laptops often default to the built-in array microphone. You can change the default input device in your OS sound settings before running the test.
Does this test work with Bluetooth headsets?
Yes. If a Bluetooth headset with a microphone is connected and set as the default input device, the browser will use it. Switch between built-in and Bluetooth microphones by changing your system's default input device before starting the test.
What does the frequency visualizer show?
The real-time visualizer displays the frequency spectrum of your microphone input. Each bar represents a frequency band from low (bass) to high (treble). Taller bars indicate louder sound at that frequency. A functioning microphone should show dynamic bar movement when you speak or make noise.
Why This Test Matters
Verifying microphone functionality before an important video call or online meeting
Troubleshooting audio issues when others can't hear you on Zoom, Teams, or Discord
Checking a used phone's microphone before purchasing to avoid hidden hardware defects
Confirming microphone repair was successful after a device service
Diagnosing why voice recordings or voice-to-text input sounds unclear