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Enable Microphone settings

A. On Your Web Browser (for web applications)​

When using a website that requires your microphone (like a video conferencing tool or online recorder), your browser will typically ask for permission the first time.

1. Google Chrome:​

  • When prompted:

    • When a website asks to use your microphone, a prompt will appear at the top-left of the browser window.

    • Click "Allow".

  • Changing existing permissions:

    • Go to the website.

    • Click the lock icon (or info icon) to the left of the website address in the address bar.

    • In the dropdown, you'll see "Microphone." Select "Allow" from the dropdown menu if it's currently set to "Block" or "Ask."

    • Alternatively, go to Chrome Settings (three dots in top-right) > Privacy and security > Site settings > Microphone. Here you can manage permissions for all sites.

Reference Link for Google Chrome: Use your camera and microphone in Chrome - Google Chrome Help

2. Mozilla Firefox:​

  • When prompted:

    • When a website asks to use your microphone, a bar will appear at the top of the window.

    • Select "Allow" (and optionally "Remember this decision").

  • Changing existing permissions:

    • Go to the website.

    • Click the permissions icon (usually a small microphone or a shield) in the address bar.

    • You can change the permission there.

    • Alternatively, go to Firefox Settings (three lines in top-right) > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Microphone (Settings...). Here you can manage permissions for all sites.

Reference Link for Mozilla Firefox: How to manage your camera and microphone permissions with Firefox - Mozilla Support

3. Apple Safari:​

  • When prompted:

    • A prompt will appear asking for microphone access. Click "Allow".

  • Changing existing permissions:

    • Go to the website.

    • In the Safari menu bar, click Safari > Settings (or Preferences).

    • Go to the Websites tab.

    • Click Microphone in the sidebar.

    • Find the website in the list and set its permission to "Allow" or "Ask".

Reference Link for Apple Safari: Change Websites settings in Safari on Mac - Apple Support (Look for the "Microphone" section on this page).

4. Microsoft Edge:​

  • When prompted:

    • A prompt will appear at the top of the browser window. Click "Allow".

  • Changing existing permissions:

    • Go to the website.

    • Click the lock icon (or info icon) to the left of the website address in the address bar.

    • In the dropdown, you'll see "Microphone." Select "Allow" from the dropdown menu.

    • Alternatively, go to Edge Settings (three dots in top-right) > Cookies and site permissions > Microphone. Here you can manage permissions for all sites.

Reference Link for Microsoft Edge: Turn camera and microphone on or off for websites in Microsoft Edge - Microsoft Support

B. On Your Device's Operating System​

1. Windows:​

  • Via Settings:

    • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security.

    • Under "App permissions," click on Microphone.

    • Make sure "Microphone access" is turned On.

    • Also, ensure "Let apps access your microphone" is turned On.

    • You can then choose which specific Microsoft Store apps have access. - For desktop apps (like Zoom, Discord, etc.), ensure "Let desktop apps access your microphone" is turned On.

  • Check Default Device:

    • Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select "Sound settings" (or go to Start > Settings > System > Sound).

    • Under "Input," make sure your desired microphone (e.g., headset mic, built-in mic) is selected as the input device.

    • Speak into the microphone and check the "Test your microphone" bar to see if it's picking up sound.

Reference Link for Windows: Turn on app permissions for your microphone in Windows - Microsoft Support

2. macOS:​

  • Via System Settings:

    • Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).

    • Click Privacy & Security in the sidebar.

    • Scroll down and click on Microphone.

    • You'll see a list of applications that have requested microphone access. Toggle the switch On next to the apps you want to grant permission to.

Reference Link for macOS: Control access to the microphone on Mac - Apple Support (Note: The URL might vary slightly by region, but this is the official Apple Support guide).

3. Android (Phone/Tablet):​

  • Via App Permissions:

    • Go to Settings.

    • Tap Apps (or "Apps & notifications," "Applications," etc.).

    • Find and select the specific app you want to grant microphone access to.

    • Tap Permissions.

    • Tap Microphone.

    • Select "Allow only while using the app" or "Allow" (avoid "Deny").

  • Quick Settings (some devices):

    • Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.

    • Look for a microphone icon. If it's highlighted or showing as "off," tap it to enable global microphone access.

Reference Link for Android: Change app permissions on your Android phone - Google Help

4. iOS (iPhone/iPad):​

  • Via App Permissions:

    • Go to Settings.

    • Scroll down and tap on the specific app you want to grant microphone access to (e.g., "WhatsApp," "Zoom").

    • You'll see a list of permissions. Toggle the switch next to "Microphone" to the On (green) position.

Reference Link for iOS:

About privacy and Location Services in iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS - Apple Support (This page covers various privacy settings, including microphone access for apps).