TestTheMic
Menu

Troubleshooting guide

Mic Too Quiet? How to Make Your Microphone Louder

Run the test, speak normally and watch the verdict. If it says “too quiet”, these are the fixes that work, with sources from Microsoft and Apple.

Press Start, then choose Allow when your browser asks to use the microphone.

Private by design. Audio is processed locally in your browser and never uploaded. There is no server for audio, nothing is recorded unless you press Record, and recordings are never stored: they live in this tab’s memory until you delete them or leave the page. Privacy

Fix a quiet microphone

  1. Position the microphone correctly. Microsoft lists correct positioning as a fix for a low microphone volume. Keep the mic close to your mouth and pointed at it, and watch the meter while you move.
  2. Check the connection and the device. Make sure the microphone or headset is connected correctly, and select it in the “Microphone” list in the test above.
  3. Raise the input volume in your system (steps below), then speak again and check that the verdict turns to “working”.
  4. Try with and without browser processing. Tick “Use the browser’s sound processing” in the test: browsers can apply automatic gain control, which many calling apps use. Compare both results.

Raise the input volume

Windows 11

  1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
  2. Under Input, select your microphone to see its properties.
  3. Under Input settings, select Start test and speak normally. Select Stop test and Play to hear the recorded sample.
  4. Adjust the Input volume slider if needed.

Source: Microsoft Support “Fix microphone problems”, read October 10, 2026. On Windows 10 the Levels tab of the Device Properties has Microphone and Microphone Boost sliders.

Mac

  1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Sound in the sidebar.
  2. Click Input and select the device you want to use.
  3. Drag the Input volume slider. Apple notes that if someone speaks softly you can increase the input volume so your Mac can better capture the voice.

Source: Apple Support “Change the sound input settings on Mac”, read October 10, 2026.

Phone or Chromebook

Volume controls differ by device and are not covered here yet. Use the live meter above to check any change you make.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my microphone so quiet?

Common reasons: the microphone is too far away or pointed the wrong way, the system input volume is low, or the wrong microphone is selected (for example a webcam mic instead of your headset).

How loud should my mic be in this test?

Speak normally. When the verdict says “working”, your loudest moment sits between −35 and −8 dBFS in our rule of thumb. If it says too quiet, raise the input volume or move closer. If it says too loud, do the opposite.

Does raising the input volume add noise?

Raising input volume also raises background noise, so move the mic closer to your mouth first if you can. Use the background noise test to check your room.

The slider is already at the top. What now?

Check the position and the selected device first. Some microphones and headsets have their own volume or gain control. Contact the manufacturer if it stays quiet.

More microphone help

Sources

  1. Microsoft Support: Fix microphone problems (Windows 11 and Windows 10). https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/fix-microphone-problems-5f230348-106d-bfa4-1db5-336f35576011
  2. Apple Support: Change the sound input settings on Mac. https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-the-sound-input-settings-mchlp2567/mac

Read and checked: October 10, 2026. Vendors change their menus, so if a name differs on your device, use the vendor page above. Found a mistake? Email info@testthemic.app.