A quick and free microphone test
Before a video call, a podcast recording or an online exam, it pays to check that your microphone actually works. This free mic test shows you right away. Press the button, allow access, and speak. A live meter and waveform react to your voice, and the page tells you in plain words whether your mic is working.
Everything happens inside your browser. There is no software to install and no account to create, and your audio is never uploaded.
How to test your microphone
- Press Test my microphone. Your browser asks if this page can use your mic. Click Allow.
- Choose your mic. If you have more than one, such as a headset and a built in laptop mic, pick the one you want to check from the dropdown.
- Say a few words. Watch the input level bar and the waveform. They should move as you talk.
- Read the result. When we detect clear sound, the status changes to "Your mic is working". If we hear nothing for a few seconds, you will see a list of fixes.
- Hear yourself. Press Record 5 seconds, speak, and the clip plays back automatically so you can check the sound quality.
What the mic test checks
- Access. Whether your browser and system allow websites to use the microphone.
- Signal. Whether sound is actually reaching the browser, not just whether a device is plugged in.
- Volume. How loud your input is, with a peak marker so you can spot clipping.
- Quality. The playback test lets you hear echo, hiss, hum or a muffled sound.
- Settings. Your sample rate, channel count and whether echo cancellation and noise suppression are on.
When to run a microphone test
- Before meetings. Check your mic before Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams or Skype calls so you are not the person nobody can hear.
- After buying a new mic. Make sure a new headset, USB microphone or webcam works before you rely on it.
- For gaming and streaming. Test your setup before Discord chats, Twitch streams or recording game commentary.
- Before online exams and interviews. Many proctoring tools need a working mic. A quick test avoids last minute panic.
- When something sounds wrong. If people say you sound quiet, crackly or far away, compare inputs here and pick the best one.
Common microphone problems and fixes
The browser says access is blocked
Click the lock or settings icon to the left of the web address, find Microphone and set it to Allow. Then reload the page. On Windows, also check Settings, Privacy and security, Microphone. On a Mac, check System Settings, Privacy and Security, Microphone.
No microphone is found
Plug the mic in again and wait a few seconds. For Bluetooth earbuds, make sure they are connected as a headset, not only as headphones. The dropdown updates automatically when a new device appears.
The meter barely moves
Move closer to the microphone or raise its input volume in your system sound settings. Some headsets have a small mute switch or volume wheel on the cable.
The mic is in use by another app
Apps such as Zoom, Teams, Discord and OBS can lock the microphone. Close them fully, including from the system tray, then press Try again.
Your privacy during the test
This microphone test uses standard browser features to read your audio level on your device. We never receive your audio. The optional 5 second clip is stored only in your browser's memory and disappears when you leave the page. Want to keep a recording? Use our free online voice recorder to record and download MP3 or WAV files.
Once your mic is working, you can also try voice typing to write with your voice, or turn a recording into text with our audio to text converter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my mic is working?
Press Test my microphone and allow access. Then speak normally. If the green level meter moves and the status changes to "Your mic is working", your microphone is picking up sound. You can also record a 5 second clip and listen back.
Is this microphone test safe and private?
Yes. The test runs entirely in your browser. Your audio is analysed on your own device and is never uploaded, stored or shared. The 5 second clip only exists in your browser until you close the page.
Why does the meter not move when I speak?
The browser may be using the wrong input, the mic may be muted, or another app may be holding it. Pick a different microphone from the dropdown, check any mute switch, and close apps like Zoom or Teams. The fixes list on this page walks you through the most common causes.
How loud should my microphone be?
When you speak at a normal volume, the meter should mostly sit in the middle of the bar. If it stays near the left, move closer or raise the input volume. If it hits the right side and turns red, move back or lower the input level to avoid distortion.
Can I test a headset, USB or Bluetooth mic?
Yes. Any microphone your computer or phone can see will appear in the dropdown, including headsets, USB mics, webcams and Bluetooth earbuds. Select it from the list and the test switches over instantly.
Does the mic test work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Open this page in Safari on iPhone or Chrome on Android and allow microphone access when asked. Phones usually only list one or two inputs, so the dropdown may be short.
My mic works here but not in Zoom or Teams. Why?
Each app picks its own input device. Open the audio settings in that app and choose the same microphone that worked in this test. Also check that the app is allowed to use the microphone in your system privacy settings.
Do I need to install anything?
No. The mic test works in any modern browser with nothing to download and no signup. It is completely free.