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Encountering a ‘Microphone not found’ error during onboarding can prevent you from proceeding with your assessment. This error typically occurs due to hardware connection issues, browser permission settings, incorrect input selection, or conflicting applications that are already using your microphone. This article helps you resolve microphone detection issues so you can complete your session successfully.

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🔎 Troubleshooting Common Issues

What might be wrongHow to fix it
External microphone or headset not properly connectedEnsure your external microphone or headset is securely plugged into your computer and powered on.
Check that all cables are firmly connected. If using USB, try a different port. If using Bluetooth, reconnect the device.
Browser does not have permission to access your microphoneClick the Lock icon 🔒 next to the URL in your browser’s address bar, select ‘Site settings’ or ‘Permissions for this site’, and set microphone permission to ‘Allow’.
Another application is currently using your microphoneClose applications like Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams that might be accessing your microphone. Check Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) for background processes using the microphone.
System privacy settings blocking microphone accessGo to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, and enable ‘Microphone access’, ‘Let apps access your microphone’, and ‘Let desktop apps access your microphone’.
Incorrect microphone selected as default input deviceOpen your system sound settings and ensure the correct microphone is selected as the default input device. Also verify the correct microphone is selected in browser microphone settings.
Browser page not refreshed after permission changesPerform a hard reload by pressing Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows) or Command + Shift + R (Mac) to apply the new microphone settings.

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Additional Tips

  • Test your microphone using your system’s sound settings to confirm input levels respond when you speak.
  • Restart your browser completely after adjusting microphone permissions to ensure settings take effect.
  • If using a corporate or school network, check with your IT team about firewall or device control settings that might be blocking microphone access.
  • If the issue persists after trying all steps, try using a different supported browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox.
  • Restart your device if the microphone is still not detected after completing all troubleshooting steps.