1. Microphone test
Record and play back
2. Headphone & earphone speaker test (left / right)
Earphone mic not working? Quick fixes
- Pick the right input. Laptops often keep using the built-in mic. Choose your earphones or headset in the Input device list above, and also in Windows Sound settings or macOS Sound → Input.
- Check the plug. Earphones with a mic use a 4-pole (TRRS) plug. Desktop PCs with separate pink and green sockets need a headset splitter cable.
- Allow microphone access. Click the icon next to the address bar and set Microphone to Allow. On Windows, check Privacy & security → Microphone; on macOS, check Privacy & Security → Microphone.
- Check the mute switch on the cable remote or headset, and make sure another app (Zoom, Teams, Discord) is not holding the mic.
- Bluetooth earbuds: re-pair them and select the “Headset/Hands-Free” input. Lower call audio quality while the mic is in use is normal.
How to read the level meter
Normal speech at a comfortable distance usually sits between −30 and −12 dBFS. Below −45 dBFS while you speak means the mic is too quiet or muted, so raise the input volume. Peaks above −3 dBFS can clip and distort. The background noise figure is measured while you are silent; lower is better, and under −50 dBFS is a quiet room.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my earphone mic online?
Plug in your earphones, click Start mic test and allow microphone access. Pick your earphones in the Input device list, then speak normally. If the level meter moves and the status turns green, the earphone mic works. Record a 10-second clip and play it back to hear how you sound.
Why is my earphone mic not working on my PC or laptop?
The most common causes are: the wrong input device is selected; a 4-pole (TRRS) earphone plug in a 3-pole socket, which needs a headset splitter; browser or Windows privacy settings blocking the microphone; or an in-line mute switch. Check each one, then run the test again.
How do I test a headphone mic or headset microphone?
It works the same way as an earphone mic test. Choose the headset in the input list, speak into it and watch the meter. Normal speech usually sits around −30 to −12 dB on the meter. Peaks close to 0 dB mean the input is too loud and may distort.
Why does my Bluetooth headset sound bad when the mic is on?
When a Bluetooth headset's microphone is active, most headsets switch from high-quality stereo (A2DP) to a hands-free call profile. This lowers both playback and mic quality. That is normal Bluetooth behaviour, not a fault.
Is my voice recorded or uploaded?
No. The level meter, recording and playback all run in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, and the recording is deleted when you leave the page.
How do I check left and right earphone speakers?
Use the Left, Both and Right buttons in the speaker test. You should hear the tone only in the matching ear. If the sides are swapped, the earbuds are in the wrong ears or the audio channels are reversed in your system settings.
Why does the browser not ask for microphone permission?
The microphone may have been blocked earlier. Click the lock or settings icon next to the address bar, set Microphone to Allow, and reload. On Windows, also check Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. On macOS, check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.