Fixing microphone permission problems

This guide helps when a phone appears connected but no transcript arrives. In most cases, the issue is browser microphone permission, not network failure.

Quick path

1. Ask the participant to check whether microphone access is actually allowed.
2. Allow microphone access and reload the page.
3. Run a short spoken test and confirm transcript appears.
4. If still silent, reconnect or replace the phone.

How to recognize a permission issue

Typical symptom: the table is present in the session, but transcript stays empty while people are clearly speaking. A common cause is that the participant tapped "Deny" when prompted the first time.

If multiple tables are affected at once, it is more likely an environment or infrastructure issue. Check [Network basics for workshops](/guides/setup/network-basics-for-workshops) or [Troubleshooting transcription latency](/guides/advanced/troubleshooting-transcription-latency).

iOS sequence that usually works

1. Reopen the session link in Safari.
2. Check website microphone settings and set to "Allow."
3. Reload and speak a short test sentence.
4. Confirm text appears in the correct group.

If the participant switched between many tabs, permission may remain allowed while audio capture still stalls. Closing and reopening the session tab often resets it.

Android sequence that usually works

1. Open the session in the browser used for the workshop.
2. Check site permissions and allow microphone.
3. Reload and test with one sentence.
4. Ensure battery saver is not restricting browser activity.

If it still fails after correct permission settings, run [Reconnecting a disconnected device](/guides/setup/reconnecting-a-disconnected-device).

When to replace the phone immediately

Replace immediately when:

• permission cannot be changed without lengthy troubleshooting
• enterprise device policy blocks microphone access
• workshop timing matters more than recovering that specific device

Then follow [Replacing a phone mid-session](/guides/setup/replacing-a-phone-mid-session).

Related guides

• [Reconnecting a disconnected device](/guides/setup/reconnecting-a-disconnected-device)
• [Replacing a phone mid-session](/guides/setup/replacing-a-phone-mid-session)
• [Network basics for workshops](/guides/setup/network-basics-for-workshops)
• [Testing audio before a workshop](/guides/setup/test-audio-before-workshop)
• [Troubleshooting transcription latency](/guides/advanced/troubleshooting-transcription-latency)