How to test in 3 steps
- 1
Click "Turn on microphone" and allow
The browser asks for microphone permission. Choose Allow. Audio is processed only on your device.
- 2
Speak and watch the waveform
The level bar and the wave should move with your voice. Tap near the mic and clap to test sensitivity.
- 3
Record 5 seconds and play back
Put on headphones or turn on the speakers and click Record. Listen for clarity, distortion, low volume or hum.
Reading the results
- Clear waveform while speaking, 40–80% level, clean playback: good microphone.
- Flat line, 0% despite permission: the mic is muted by a hotkey, disabled in the OS, or dead. Try another device in the list.
- Only 5–15% when speaking loudly: weak or blocked mic. Check the input volume in the OS before concluding.
- Level stays at 10–20% in silence: high background noise. Unplug the charger; if it drops, the power supply is the cause.
- Playback distorts or clips on loud sounds: faulty audio circuit or Microphone Boost set too high.
Tips for used laptops
- Most laptops have two mics for noise cancelling. Cover each mic hole (usually either side of the webcam) while speaking: if covering one side makes the level collapse, the other mic is dead.
- Plug a headset into the 3.5 mm jack and select it in the list to test the jack at the same time.
- After the mic, run the speaker test to finish checking the audio system.
Frequently asked questions
I allowed access but the waveform does not move+
Check: 1) Windows Settings → Privacy → Microphone allows the browser; 2) in Sound settings the right input device is selected and its volume is not at 0; 3) some laptops have a mic mute key (often Fn + F4) with an indicator light; 4) pick another device from the list if there are several.
The recording is very quiet+
Open Sound settings → Input → Device properties, raise the volume to 100 and enable Microphone Boost if available. If it is still quiet, the mic hole may be blocked by dust or the mic is failing. Laptop mics usually sit next to the webcam or on the front edge.
I hear hum, hiss or crackle+
A steady hum while you are silent is electrical noise, common on older machines or with a cheap charger. Unplug the charger and test again: if the hum goes away it is the charger, otherwise the audio circuit.
The browser never asked for permission+
You probably blocked it before. Click the lock icon in the address bar, find Microphone, choose Allow and reload. In Safari go to Settings → Websites → Microphone.
Does the tool record and upload my voice?+
No. The test recording stays in your browser's memory, only you can hear it, and it is gone when you close the page. There is no server storing anything.