Mic not working
A blocked microphone permission is a common cause. Run the mic test first to see what the page can hear; nothing leaves your device.
Run the test first
Mic test
What the mic test checks
The mic test asks to use your microphone, then listens and measures the sound level. Speak near the microphone and watch the test reading. If it moves, the page is receiving sound. If it stays still, check the selected input and its volume, then try again.
The test can also show an error when the browser cannot get microphone access. The error type helps point to the next step. It does not prove that the microphone itself is broken: a permission, connection, input choice, or another program may be the cause.
Tell which case you have
If the test reports NotAllowedError, access was denied or is switched off. The listed steps cover permission for the site, browser, or app, as well as microphone access in system settings.
NotFoundError means the browser could not find a microphone to use. Check whether it is connected or switched on, and whether the right input is selected. The listed steps also cover reconnecting a Bluetooth microphone and updating or reinstalling the Windows audio driver.
NotReadableError means the microphone could not be read. Another program may be using it, or the browser may need to be restarted. OverconstrainedError means the selected microphone could not meet the request, so try a different microphone. If there is no clear error but the test bar barely moves or stays still, the input level may be low, or apps may not be allowed to use the device for audio.
Why a microphone stops working
Microphone access can be blocked at more than one level: for the site, the browser or app, or the device settings. A microphone can also be missing because it is disconnected, switched off, or not chosen as the input.
Sometimes the microphone is available but another program is using it. A selected microphone may also fail to meet the request. When the test can listen but its bar does not respond much, low input volume or an audio access setting may explain the result.
What to do next
Use the steps shown for your case and platform, then run the mic test again. If the test bar moves when you speak, the microphone is sending sound to the page. If an error remains, or no microphone appears after checking access, connection, and input choice, follow the listed steps for that case.
If the listed steps do not restore the microphone, stop troubleshooting here and seek repair or replacement support. The page's steps include checking the connection and switch, and on Windows updating or reinstalling the audio driver. A persistent problem after those checks may need service.
By the error your test showed
Blocked
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Allow the microphone for the site in Chrome
Open the site in the Not allowed list and set its microphone permission to Allow, then reload the page.
Source: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome (computer), Google Chrome Help, checked November 6, 2026
Let Chrome use the microphone in the system settings
Even when the site is allowed, the computer can block Chrome. If Chrome shows a dialog with a link to the system settings, turn the Microphone switch on there. Quit and restart Chrome so the change applies.
Source: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome (computer), Google Chrome Help, checked November 6, 2026
Allow the microphone for the site in Chrome on Android
Choose the option that lets sites ask for the microphone. If the site is under Blocked, tap it and choose Allow.
Source: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome (Android phone and tablet), Google Chrome Help, checked November 6, 2026
Allow the microphone for the site in Safari
Pick Ask or Allow in the menu next to the site. Deny blocks it. These choices are not shared with your other Apple devices.
Source: Change Websites settings in Safari on Mac, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Turn on microphone access in the Windows privacy settings
Switch on access for the device and for apps. Browsers are desktop apps, so one shared switch covers all of them and you cannot allow a single desktop app.
Source: Windows camera, microphone, and privacy, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Turn on the microphone for your browser on a Mac
In the list, switch on the microphone for the browser you use, then reload the page.
Source: Control access to the microphone on Mac, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Check that the browser app may use the microphone on iPhone
Make sure the app is switched on in the list. If it is already on or not listed, Apple says to contact the app maker.
Source: If the microphones on your iPhone aren't working, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Allow the microphone for the app on Android
You can set it per app or per permission. The choices are Allow only while using the app, Ask every time, and Don't allow. Menu names can differ between phones.
Source: Change app permissions on your Pixel phone, Pixel Phone Help, checked November 6, 2026
Check the system switch for the microphone on Android
A quick switch can turn off microphone access for all apps. A green dot at the top right means an app is using the microphone; tap it to see which one.
Source: Check if your Android camera or microphone is on or off, Android Help, checked November 6, 2026
Not found
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Choose your microphone as the input device in Windows
Pick the microphone you want under Input. If it is not in the list, check that it is connected.
Source: Test your microphone, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Check the microphone switch and connection
Look for an on/off switch on the microphone or headset, try another input jack or another microphone, and exit programs that might hold the microphone.
Source: Test your microphone, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Choose the microphone as the Mac sound input
Select the device in the list of inputs, then drag the input volume slider up.
Source: Change the sound input settings on Mac, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Remove a Bluetooth microphone and add it again
Charge the device, remove it from the list, then pair it again. Turning Bluetooth off for ten seconds and on again can also help.
Source: Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Update or reinstall the audio driver
An old or faulty audio driver can hide the microphone. Update it first. If that fails, uninstall the device and restart so Windows installs it again.
Source: Fix sound or audio problems in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Busy
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Close other programs that use the microphone
Windows' own microphone page tells you to exit other programs that might be using the microphone before you test it again.
Source: Test your microphone, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Restart Chrome and join again
Restarting Chrome reloads the apps and extensions that may hold the microphone or camera. Then reopen the page and allow access again.
Source: Fix audio issues in Google Meet (computer), Google Meet Help, checked November 6, 2026
Setting not available
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Pick a different microphone in Chrome
Use the drop-down to choose a default microphone that is plugged in and working now, then reload the page.
Source: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome (computer), Google Chrome Help, checked November 6, 2026
Not allowed on this page
The browser blocks devices here, for example inside a frame on another site or under a company policy.
Interrupted
Something stopped the device while it was starting. Try again; if it happens again, restart the browser.
Other checks
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Raise the input volume and watch the test bar
Speak and watch the bar under Test your microphone. If it does not move, raise the input volume. If it moves, Windows hears the microphone and the problem is in the app or browser.
Source: Test your microphone, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Let apps and Windows use the device for audio
Open the properties of your microphone and make sure the setting that allows apps and Windows to use it for audio is on.
Source: Test your microphone, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Questions
Why is my mic not working in the test?
The site may not have permission, the microphone may be missing or not selected, or another program may be using it. Run the test and use the error type to choose the matching steps.
What does it mean if the test bar does not move?
The page is not receiving much sound from the selected input. Check that the microphone is connected and selected, then check its input volume and audio access settings.
Why does the test say microphone access is blocked?
The site, browser or app, or device settings may be preventing access. The NotAllowedError steps cover these permission levels for the listed platforms.
What does NotFoundError mean for my mic?
The browser could not find a microphone to use. Check its switch and connection, and make sure the intended input is selected.
Can another program stop the microphone test from working?
Yes. NotReadableError can appear when another program is using the microphone. Close other programs that use it, then retry the test.
Is this a hearing test?
No. It checks whether the page can receive sound from your microphone and measures its level. It does not test hearing.