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The practice bot cannot hear me

Written by Richard Lombos

Check if a Site Can Access Your Microphone (Chrome)

Summary

Use Google Chrome to verify and allow microphone access at the site level, in Chrome settings, and in your operating system. macOS and Windows steps included.

Requirements

  • Browser: Google Chrome

  • OS: macOS or Windows

  • A working microphone selected as the default input

Step 1: Confirm site-level permission in Chrome

  1. Open the target site in Chrome.

  2. Click the Site information icon next to the URL (lock or tune icon).

  3. Select Site settings.

  4. Under Permissions → Microphone, set to Allow.

  5. Reload the page and test.

Step 2: Select your default microphone in Chrome

  1. In a new tab, go to chrome://settings/content/microphone.

  2. Ensure Sites can ask to use your microphone is On.

  3. Choose the correct Default microphone from the dropdown.

  4. Under Customized behaviors, remove the site from Blocked if listed.

  5. Return to the site and reload.

Step 3: Clear a previous block from the address bar

  • If a microphone icon with a red X appears in the address bar:

    1. Click it.

    2. Choose Always allow for this site.

    3. Click Done, then reload.

Step 4: Grant OS-level permission to Chrome

macOS

  1. System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.

  2. Toggle Google Chrome On.

  3. If you changed it, quit and reopen Chrome.

Windows

  1. Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone.

  2. Turn On Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone.

  3. Under Let desktop apps access your microphone, turn On and confirm Google Chrome is allowed.

Step 5: Reset site permissions (last resort)

  1. Start the practice bot with Verity.

  2. Site information icon → Site settings.

  3. Click Reset permissions.

  4. Reload and click Allow when prompted for microphone.

Tips

  • Close apps that may hold the mic: Zoom, Teams, Meet.

  • Check input level is not muted in OS sound settings.

  • Try another input device to isolate hardware issues.

  • Update Chrome to the latest version.

  • Test with a different Chrome profile to rule out extensions or policy.

Success criteria

  • Chrome shows Microphone: Allowed for the site.

  • Correct device selected in chrome://settings/content/microphone.

  • OS privacy settings grant Chrome microphone access.

  • Site records audio or shows an active input meter when you speak.

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