How to test your microphone online

The fastest route is the online mic test. It needs no download and nothing you say is uploaded, because the signal is analysed inside your browser.

• Open the mic test and press Start test.
• Choose Allow when the browser asks for microphone access. If you miss the prompt, click the lock icon in the address bar and allow the microphone for the site.
• Pick the right input from the device list if you have more than one, for example a headset and a built-in mic.
• Speak at normal volume. The waveform should move and the level meter should rise.

Digital audio is measured in decibels relative to full scale, so 0 dB is the loudest signal that can be stored and everything quieter is a negative number. Speech that peaks between roughly -18 dB and -6 dB is a healthy level: loud enough to be clear, with room before it distorts.

If your peaks stay below about -40 dB, people will struggle to hear you. If the meter touches 0 dB, the signal is clipping, which sounds harsh and cannot be repaired afterwards. Move a little further from the microphone or lower the input volume until your loudest words land inside the green zone.

A meter proves the microphone works, but only your ears can judge how it sounds. Put headphones on and turn on Hear myself to listen to your voice live. Do not do this with open speakers, because the sound feeds back into the microphone and squeals.

You can also record five seconds and play the clip back. That is the closest thing to what other people hear on a call. For anything longer than a quick check, use the voice recorder, which saves MP3 files on your device.

On Windows 10 and 11, Settings > System > Sound shows each input device and a live input volume bar, and the Privacy & security > Microphone page controls which apps and browsers may listen. On a Mac, System Settings > Sound > Input does the same, and Privacy & Security > Microphone lists the apps that have permission.

On iPhone, open the test in Safari and allow access when prompted. If no prompt appears, check Settings > Safari > Microphone. On Android, use Chrome and check the site permissions under the lock icon. The browser test behaves the same on all four systems, which makes it a good way to compare devices.

Work through these in order. Each one rules out a whole category of problem.

• Silent: check that the microphone is plugged in or paired, that no hardware mute switch or mute key is active, and that the correct input is selected.
• Silent only in one app: the browser works but the app does not. Open that app’s audio settings and choose the same input device.
• Too quiet: raise the input volume in the system sound settings, move closer, and turn off any option that lowers microphone levels automatically.
• Distorted: lower the input volume or gain, and speak across the capsule rather than straight into it.
• Noisy or hissy: move away from fans and screens, use a cable that is not bundled with a power lead, and try noise suppression for calls.
• Not detected at all: try another USB port or cable, restart the browser, and close other apps that may hold exclusive control of the device.

Browsers apply three filters designed for calls. Echo cancellation stops your speakers being picked up again, noise suppression reduces steady background sound, and automatic gain control keeps your volume even. They help on a call but can colour a recording, so switch them off in the test to hear the raw signal, and on to hear roughly what a video meeting will sound like.