Follow these step-by-step solutions to fix common microphone and speaker problems — from mic not detected and no audio input to speaker crackling and echo issues. Find fixes for browser permissions, driver problems, device selection errors, and audio configuration issues across all platforms.
Ensure your microphone is properly plugged in. For USB mics, try a different port. For wireless, check battery.
Click the lock icon in your browser's address bar → Site Settings → Allow Microphone access.
Windows: Settings → Privacy → Microphone → Enable access
Mac: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Microphone
In your system sound settings, ensure the correct microphone is selected as the default input device. View detected devices.
Outdated drivers can cause issues. Check your device manufacturer's website for updates.
Check system volume, browser volume, and physical speaker/headphone volume controls.
Ensure correct output device is selected. Check speaker details.
Try playing audio from another website or application to isolate the issue. Use our speaker test.
Windows: services.msc → Windows Audio → Restart
Mac: sudo killall coreaudiod
Click the lock/info icon in your address bar → Reset permissions → Reload the page.
Go to chrome://settings/content/microphone → Remove this site from blocked list → Reload.
Windows: Settings → Privacy → Microphone → Allow apps to access
Mac: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Microphone → Enable for your browser
The most effective solution. Prevents speaker audio from being picked up by the mic. Test your headphones.
Reduce volume to minimize audio reaching the microphone.
Move your microphone away from speakers.
Check your app/software settings for echo cancellation options. Test for echo.
System volume, app volume, browser volume, and physical device volume.
Windows: Sound settings → Recording → Properties → Levels → Increase Microphone Boost
Mac: System Preferences → Sound → Input → Increase input volume
Move closer to your microphone, typically 6-12 inches for best results. Check audio levels.
Audio clipping causes distortion. Reduce microphone gain/boost in system settings.
Loose or damaged cables cause crackling. Try different cables.
Move away from electronic devices, routers, and phones that may cause interference. Analyze background noise.
Open system sound settings and verify the correct input/output device is selected as default.
Many of our tools have device selectors. View your microphones or view your speakers.
Remove the Bluetooth device and pair it again.
Low battery can cause audio issues. Charge your device.
Stay within range of your computer. Walls and obstacles can affect signal.
Some Bluetooth profiles have poor microphone quality. Try using "Hands-Free" profile for calls. Test latency.
If you're still experiencing issues after trying these solutions, contact us with details about your problem and we'll try to help.
Learn more about our audio testing tools on our about page.