What the microphone test is for
A call where the other side cannot hear you wastes everyone’s time. This test shows straight away whether your microphone delivers a signal, how loud it is and what you actually sound like. The level meter moves while you speak, and a short five-second recording lets you listen back to your own voice.
Use it when you have connected a new headset, when people tell you that you sound quiet or distorted, or when an app claims it cannot find a microphone. If the meter moves here, the hardware and the browser permission are fine, and the cause is likely the input selected in the other app.
Everything happens locally. The audio is analysed in your browser to draw the meter, and the test recording is kept only in the memory of this tab so you can play it back. Nothing is uploaded, and the recording is gone as soon as you leave the page.
Step by step
- Connect your headset or microphone and close apps that might be using it.
- Press “Start microphone” and allow access when your browser asks.
- Speak at your normal volume. The bar should move clearly, and the peak marker shows your loudest moment.
- If you have more than one input, choose another one from the list and compare.
- Press “Record 5 s”, say a sentence, and listen to the playback that appears below.
- Press “Stop microphone” to release the device.
Common problems and fixes
The meter does not move
Check that the right input is selected, both in the list here and in your system settings. Many headsets have a mute switch on the cable or on the ear cup. On Windows, open Settings > System > Sound and check the input volume; on macOS, open System Settings > Sound > Input.
The browser blocks the microphone
In Chrome, click the icon left of the address bar, open Site settings and set Microphone to Allow. In Firefox, open the permissions icon in the address bar and remove the block. In Safari, go to Safari > Settings > Websites > Microphone. On macOS and Windows, the operating system also has to allow the browser to use the microphone under its privacy settings.
Another app is holding the microphone
Some programs reserve the microphone exclusively. Quit call and recording software completely, including background helpers, and start the test again.
The recording sounds distorted or very quiet
If the meter often hits the top, lower the input volume or move the microphone a little further away. If it barely moves, raise the input volume or speak closer to the microphone. A headset microphone should sit at the corner of your mouth, not directly in front of it.
Bluetooth headset sounds poor
Many Bluetooth headsets switch to a lower-quality mode when the microphone is in use. That is a limitation of the connection, not of the test. A wired headset or a separate microphone usually sounds noticeably better.
Tips
- Listen to the recording with headphones. Laptop speakers hide hum and background noise.
- Test in the same room you will call from. Echo from bare walls is easy to hear in the playback.
- Keep a steady distance from the microphone so your volume doesn’t jump while you talk.
- If you use several devices, rename them in your system settings so you can recognise them in every app.
Frequently asked questions
Is my recording uploaded?
No. The five-second recording stays in the memory of this tab and disappears when you leave the page. Nothing is sent to a server.
Why does the recording sound different from a call?
Call apps add their own noise suppression and echo cancellation. This test uses the browser’s standard processing, so small differences are normal.
What level should I aim for?
While speaking normally, the bar should move well into the middle of the range without regularly hitting the end. That leaves room for laughter or emphasis without distortion.
Why are the microphone names missing?
Browsers only show device names after you have granted access. Start the microphone once and the list fills in.
Does the test work on a phone?
Yes, in current mobile browsers. On an iPhone, Safari may ask for permission every time you open the page.
Can I test my speakers with this as well?
Indirectly. Playing back your recording tells you whether the audio output works. For a dedicated speaker check, the timer’s “Test sound” button is a quick alternative.