Mic & Webcam Test
Check your camera, microphone and speakers before the call starts.
How to use the Mic & Webcam Test
- Press Start camera and allow access to see your picture, resolution and frame rate.
- Press Start microphone and speak: the meter shows your level and whether it is too quiet or too loud.
- Record a five-second clip and play it back to hear how you sound.
- Use the Left, Both and Right buttons to check your speakers or headphones.
About this tool
Few things derail a video call faster than "can you hear me?". This page checks each part of your setup in one place. The camera view shows the actual resolution and frame rate your browser receives, which is often lower than the box promises if the lighting is poor or the cable is slow, and you can switch between cameras and save a snapshot.
The microphone meter is measured in decibels relative to full scale, with the usual speech-friendly zone marked by the colour of the bar and a plain verdict beside it. Audio processing is switched off for the test, so you hear what the microphone really picks up, including background hum and echo. A short recording you can play back is the most honest test of all.
The speaker buttons play a gentle tone on the left, right or both channels, which quickly reveals swapped or one-sided headphones. If something fails, the error message explains the likely cause, such as a blocked permission or another app holding the camera.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the browser ask for permission?
Camera and microphone access always needs your consent. The permission lasts for this site only, and you can withdraw it any time from the lock or camera icon in the address bar.
Is my video or voice recorded or uploaded?
No. The picture and sound stay inside your browser. The optional five-second clip is kept in memory for playback only and disappears when you leave the page.
My camera shows a black picture. What should I do?
Another app may be using it: close video call apps and try again. Some laptops also have a privacy shutter or a keyboard key that turns the camera off.
What is a good microphone level?
While speaking normally, aim for about -35 to -10 dBFS, which the meter reports as a good level. Below that you will sound distant; peaks hitting the end of the bar mean distortion.
Why is my webcam resolution lower than advertised?
Cameras drop resolution or frame rate in low light, over slow USB ports or when the browser asks for less. Try better lighting, a different port or another browser.