When your video is working and you’re on screen perfectly, the next step is to check if your microphone sound works as intended. If this is not the case, follow the steps below to properly set up your microphone.
1. Choose the right microphone
Before going live, select the right microphone in the dropdown menu. An indicator below the menu shows if we are receiving sound. Want to use an external microphone? Chances are your computer uses the internal microphone by default. Make sure to check if this is the case.
If you are already in the live environment you can change the microphone by clicking the "gear" icon in lower right corner.
2. Check your mute settings
Some microphones have a built-in mute option or button to mute the incoming sound. Make sure this is turned off.
3. Incognito window
Try it again in incognito. Your browsers history won't be saved so you have a clean slate to start with without any extensions or plugins.
You can open an incognito window in the side menu of the browser.
4. Update your browser
Make sure your browser is always up-to-date. This might sound trivial, but it can make a world of difference. We’re using WebRTC, for which new developments are released constantly. Developers for browsers are hard at work to improve streaming experiences for all, so it’s essential to keep updating your browser whenever a new version is released.
Google Chrome
Open the menu by clicking on the three dots at the top right of your browser and click 'Settings'
Then select ‘About Google Chrome’ and choose ‘Update’, or type
chrome://settings/helpin your address bar and select ‘Update’.
Microsoft Edge
Open the menu by clicking on the three dots at the top right of your browser and click 'Settings'
Then select 'About Microsoft Edge' and choose 'Update', or type
edge://settings/helpin your address bar and select 'Update'.
Mozilla Firefox
Open the menu by clicking on the three lines at the top right of your browser and choose 'Help'
Then select 'About Firefox'. Any available update will be installed automatically.
5. Restart your browser
It can help to completely restart your browser. This is especially useful for people that don’t turn off and restart their computer a lot.
6. Microphone already in use
Make sure to check if the microphone isn’t used by another application. This could be Skype, for example. If this is the case, close the application and open the webinar again from WebinarGeek. Still doesn’t work? Try restarting your computer.
7. Restart your computer
Do not skip this step! When restarting the browser doesn’t solve your problems, shut down the computer. Software that’s running in the background will also be closed. Make sure to open WebinarGeek first when restarting your computer, so your other software can’t start using your webcam first.
8. Ensure your browser allows your microphone to be used
Google Chrome
Paste the following into your browser:
chrome://settings/content/microphone?search=content
and make sure the correct microphone is selected and WebinarGeek is present in the 'Allow' list.
Microsoft Edge
Paste the following into your browser:
edge://settings/content/microphone?search=content
and make sure the correct microphone is selected and WebinarGeek is present in the 'Allow' list.
Mozilla Firefox
Refresh the page. Select the right webcam and microphone in the dropdown menu and click “allow”. If you already blocked camera access by accident, you can reset the permission by clicking the crossed out camera/microphone icon. Both methods are demonstrated in the GIF below.
Computer settings
Recent updates for Windows and Mac OS made it harder for software to use your microphone.
In Windows, go to your 'Settings'
Then select 'Privacy'
Finally go to 'Camera' to ensure your browser has access to your camera under 'Give apps permission to access your camera/microphone' (read more about this setting here).
For Mac OS, go to your System preferences.
Go to 'Safety & Privacy'
Finally select, 'Privacy', next click on 'Camera' and make sure your browser has access to your camera/microphone (read more about this setting here).
9. Check if the microphone works in another program or website
Double-check your microphone works elsewhere. Try, for instance, Skype. No sound there either? Your microphone may be broken or not connected properly. Try reconnecting the microphone (in another port) and check it again.
10. Check your anti-virus
Some anti-virus software does not allow browsers to access your camera/microphone. Disable your anti-virus software temporarily, close your browser (or open an incognito window), and try again. If it works, then something in your anti-virus software is blocking access and you need to contact them to find out how. For Kasperky for instance you can find the instructions here.
11. Still no sound and other software do work together with your microphone?
Chat with one of our technical support members right here, we’d love to help you out.