How to use the microphone browser
- Allow access: Click 'Allow' when your browser asks for microphone permission. Browsers hide microphone names until you do. If you denied it, click the 'Allow microphone access' button, or the microphone icon in the address bar.
- Watch the meters: Every microphone is listed with a level bar, a peak marker that slowly falls back after loud sounds, and a small waveform. Make some noise and watch which meters move.
- Find the right mic: Laptops, webcams, headsets, and monitors often each have their own microphone. Tap or speak into one at a time to work out which entry is which.
- Open the recorder: Click a microphone to open the full recorder with a waveform and spectrogram for that mic. Use 'Back to microphone list' to return.
- Default Microphone: This entry follows whatever input your operating system currently has selected.
Reading the level meter
The level bar is a relative indicator, not a calibrated decibel meter. A working microphone shows a small amount of movement in a quiet room and a clear jump when you speak. A bar that never moves, or that sits high even in silence, is worth investigating.
- Working device: The meter and waveform respond immediately to your voice and settle back down when you stop.
- Malfunctioning device: No response, a very weak or erratic response, constant activity in silence, or the microphone missing from the list entirely.
Privacy
Audio is processed only in your browser to draw the meters and waveforms. It is never uploaded to WeTestIt.Live. You can check the network traffic with your browser's developer tools, and revoke permission at any time in your browser's site settings.
Common Microphone Issues & Solutions
No microphones listed, or names are missing
- Permission: Browsers hide microphone names until you grant access. Allow microphone access for this site.
- Operating system privacy: On Windows, go to Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. On macOS, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone, and allow your browser.
- Connection: Unplug and reconnect the microphone. The list refreshes on its own within a few seconds.
The meter doesn't move when I speak
- Wrong microphone: Make sure you're speaking into the microphone whose meter you're watching. Try tapping each mic in turn.
- Mute: Check for a mute switch on your headset or a mute key on your keyboard, and make sure the microphone isn't muted in your system sound settings.
- Input level: Turn up the microphone's input level in your system's sound settings.
- Drivers: Try updating or reinstalling your audio drivers.
The meter moves but I can't hear myself
- This page doesn't play your mic live: The list only visualizes the input. Click the microphone to open the recorder, record a short clip, and press Play to hear it.
Use the meters to quickly confirm which microphones are alive, then open the recorder to check how they actually sound.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have to allow microphone access just to see my devices?
Browsers hide microphone names and details until you grant access, to protect your privacy. You can change the permission later in your browser's site settings.
Does the meter show volume in decibels?
No. It's a relative visual meter, great for checking that a microphone responds, but it isn't calibrated sound-level equipment.
Do you record or upload my audio?
No, not at all. Everything happens in your browser. Feel free to inspect the network traffic with your browser's developer tools.