Hardware Testing & Setup
No Microphone Detected in Secure Browser
If you’re using a secure or locked-down browser (often required for proctored tests) and your microphone isn’t being detected, it’s usually due to restricted permissions or system-level blocking. This can prevent the system from capturing your audio, which may lead to interruptions, inability to communicate, or even disqualification from the test.
✅ Common Causes and Fixes
| What Might Be Wrong | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Secure browser blocks device access | Restart the secure browser and ensure all permissions are granted when prompted. |
| Mic access not allowed in system settings | Go to system settings and enable mic access for all apps. |
| Another app is locking the mic | Close other apps like Zoom, Teams, or Skype that might be using the mic. |
| External mic not connected properly | Reconnect the USB or audio jack. Try a different port if needed. |
| Mic disabled in BIOS or device manager | Check system BIOS (advanced) or use Device Manager to enable it. |
| Antivirus or security software is blocking mic | Temporarily allow mic access or ask IT to whitelist the secure browser. |
- Use the internal mic if the external one fails
- Reboot your device before launching the secure browser again
- Test the mic in a regular browser first to ensure it works outside the secure environment
🔧 Final Check: Allow Microphone at OS Level
Make sure the operating system allows microphone access for all applications:Windows:
- Go to:
Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone - Enable microphone access for all apps (secure browsers may not appear by name)
macOS:
- Go to:
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone - Ensure microphone access is turned ON system-wide
Secure Browsers Tip:
- If you denied mic permission when prompted at launch, exit and relaunch the secure browser—it won’t ask again unless restarted.
🆘 Need More Help?
If your mic is still not detected:- Share your device type, OS version
- Attach a screenshot of the error (if available)
- Contact *Talview Support* with steps already tried