How to test your microphone
- Press Start mic test and choose Allow when your browser asks.
- Pick your mic in the Microphone list.
- Leave Echo cancellation, Noise suppression and Auto gain control off to see the raw signal. Switch them on and record a clip to hear what Zoom or Discord do to your voice.
- Say a sentence at normal volume. After 5 seconds the result box says Working, Very quiet or Silent.
- Press Record 5 seconds, play the clip back, and use Download clip to save it.
How the level meter works
The tool reads 2,048 samples of your mic signal with the Web Audio API and converts them to dBFS (decibels relative to full scale): level = 20 × log10(|sample value|), with 1.0 as full scale (0 dBFS). Peak holds the loudest sample for 1.5 seconds, then falls back at 40 dB per second; the dark marker shows the same value. Average (RMS) is signal strength smoothed over about 0.2 seconds.
Speech peaks between -18 and -6 dBFS (the green zone) sound clear, and 99% of full scale counts as clipping. After 5 seconds you get one of three results:
| Result | What the tool saw |
|---|---|
| Working | Average (RMS) reached above -50 dBFS and peaks of -40 dBFS or higher |
| Very quiet | Peaks below -40 dBFS, or an average (RMS) that never rose above -50 dBFS |
| Silent | Peaks below -90 dBFS (every sample is zero or almost zero) |
Worked example
With the three processing boxes off (the default), say your loudest syllable reaches a sample value of 0.25. The tool shows Peak -12 dBFS (20 × log10(0.25) is -12.04) and calls it "good level". A steady tone that size has an RMS of 0.707 times its peak, so Average (RMS) reads -15 dBFS and the result box says Working.
Fix a quiet or silent microphone
Keep the mic 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) from your mouth, then raise the input level. On Windows 11, open Settings > System > Sound > Input and drag Input volume up. If it is already at 100, raise Microphone Boost under More sound settings > Recording > your mic > Properties > Levels. On a Mac, use System Settings > Sound > Input (Apple's guide).
Mic test for Discord, Zoom and Teams
If your mic works here, the app is using another input or processing the sound. Choose the same device in Discord (User Settings > Voice & Video > Input Device), Zoom (Settings > Audio > Microphone) or Teams (Settings > Devices > Microphone). Then try the audio recorder or voice memo recorder for longer takes, or the metronome when recording music.
Limits and edge cases
The meter shows what your browser receives after the system volume and driver. It reads digital levels (dBFS), not room loudness (dB SPL). Bluetooth headsets switch to a thin, low quality hands-free mode while their mic is on, so try a wired or USB mic if your voice sounds muffled.
Mic test FAQ
Is my audio uploaded or recorded?
No. The meter reads your mic in your browser, and nothing is uploaded. Only Record 5 seconds records, and that clip stays in memory until you leave the page, unless you press Download clip.
Why is my mic not detected?
No microphone found means nothing is plugged in, the device is disabled or it has no driver. Check that your system's sound input settings list it, then check the site's microphone permission.
Why is my mic so quiet?
Usually the input volume is low, the mic is too far away or the wrong device is selected. Raise Input volume in your sound settings, move within 10 to 20 cm and pick the right device.
How do I test AirPods or a Bluetooth headset mic?
Connect the headset, press Start mic test and pick it in the Microphone list. Expect a low sample rate in Your microphone details, because Bluetooth switches to a thinner hands-free mode.
Does the mic test work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Open this page in Safari on iPhone or Chrome on Android, tap Start mic test and choose Allow. Inside another app, open it in your main browser instead.
Sources: MDN getUserMedia; Microsoft: fix microphone problems.