When to use it
The mic and webcam test checks that your camera and microphone work before something important: a job interview, an online exam, a doctor’s video appointment, a work meeting or a live stream. It shows your camera picture and its resolution, a live sound meter for your microphone, and lets you record five seconds to hear exactly how you sound.
How to test your camera
- Under Camera, press Test camera and allow access when your browser asks.
- Your camera preview appears, with a line confirming it works and showing its resolution and frame rate (for example 1280 × 720 at 30 fps).
- Have more than one camera? Choose another from the Camera menu.
- Press the button again to stop the camera.
How to test your microphone
- Under Microphone, press Test microphone and allow access.
- Speak normally. The bars move with your voice, and a message confirms “Your microphone works” when sound is picked up.
- Choose another microphone from the menu if you have several, such as a headset and a built-in mic.
- Press Record 5 seconds and play back to hear how you sound to others.
A worked example
You have a video interview in an hour on a laptop with a USB headset. Press Test camera: the preview shows the built-in camera at 1280 × 720, so lighting and framing look fine. Press Test microphone: the bars barely move, because the laptop’s built-in mic is selected. Choose the headset in the Microphone menu, speak again, and the bars jump. Record five seconds and play it back: clear voice, no echo. In the interview app, select the same headset.
Tips for looking and sounding good
- Face a window or lamp so light falls on your face, not behind you.
- Put the camera at eye level; stack books under a laptop if needed.
- Use a headset or earphones to avoid echo and background noise.
- Close other apps that might be using the camera, like other video call apps.
- Test on the same device and network you’ll use for the call.
Common mistakes
- Clicking “Block” by accident when the permission prompt appears. Use the address-bar icon to change it.
- Testing the wrong device. Laptops often have several microphones; pick the one you’ll use.
- Leaving the camera covered by a privacy shutter.
- Testing only the camera. Most call problems are about sound.
Private by design
Video and sound stay on your device. Nothing is recorded or uploaded unless you press record, and even then it stays in your browser.
Related tools
Record your voice with the Voice Recorder, capture your screen with the Screen Recorder, or check your display with the Screen Tester.