Microphone Not Working? Fixes for Every Browser | Gliglish

Microphone Help

Microphone not working? Let's fix it in a few minutes.

Step 1. Run the mic test

Before changing any setting, check what's actually wrong:

🎤 Free online mic test

If the bars move when you speak and you can hear yourself in the playback, your microphone works, and any problem is with the app or website you were using, not the mic. If the test fails, it tells you why (blocked, not found, busy) and the fixes below apply.

Step 2. Unblock the microphone in your browser

Chrome and Edge (computer or Android)

Click the lock icon (or the sliders icon) left of the web address > Site settings or Permissions > set Microphone to Allow. Reload the page.

Safari on Mac

Menu Safari > Settings for This Website… > Microphone > Allow. Reload the page.

iPhone and iPad

Open Settings > Apps > Safari (or the browser you use) > Microphone > Allow. Also make sure the website itself is allowed: in Safari, tap the á´€A icon in the address bar > Website Settings > Microphone > Allow.

Sound too quiet during recording? iPhones use a separate volume for calls/recording: press volume up while the microphone is active. More on iPhone volume.

Firefox

Click the microphone icon in the address bar and remove the "Blocked" entry, then reload and click Allow when asked.

Step 3. Check the system permissions

Mac

System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone > make sure your browser is allowed. Quit and reopen the browser after changing it.

Windows

Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone > turn on Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone, and allow desktop apps.

Still not working?

  • Wrong microphone selected: if you have several (built-in, headset, webcam), pick the right one in the mic test's microphone picker.
  • Bluetooth headsets: make sure they're paired, selected, and charged. When in doubt, unplug everything and test the built-in microphone first.
  • Hardware mute: many headsets have a physical mute switch or button.
  • Microphone busy: close other apps that use the mic (video calls, recording apps), then reload.

If nothing works, write to me at [email protected] with your device and browser, and I'll help.

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