Getting your microphone working
Nimbus records in your browser, so the browser needs permission to use your microphone, and on some devices the browser itself needs permission from the system. Your recordings are only sent when you press Send.
Nimbus needs your microphone
Your browser will ask: choose Allow.
Quick checks
- When you press Record and the browser asks to use the microphone, choose Allow.
- Opened Nimbus from a link in Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or a mail app? Those built-in browsers often can't record. Open the page in Safari or Chrome instead (look for “Open in browser” in the ⋯ menu).
- Close other apps that might be using the microphone, like calls, video meetings or voice memos.
- Using Bluetooth headphones? Their microphone sounds much worse than your phone's or computer's. Pick the built-in microphone above, or use wired headphones.
- Press Test above and sing: the bar should move. If it doesn't, try another microphone from the list, or check it isn't muted.
If the microphone is blocked
Find your device and browser below. After changing a setting, come back and reload the page.
›iPhone or iPad
Safari
- Tap the aA (or page settings) button at the edge of the address bar, then Website Settings.
- Set Microphone to Allow or Ask, then reload.
- Still blocked? In the Settings app, go to Apps → Safari → Microphone (older iOS: Safari → Microphone) and choose Allow or Ask.
Chrome, Firefox or another browser
- In the Settings app, scroll to Apps, open your browser and turn Microphone on.
- Back in the browser, reload and choose Allow when it asks.
iPhone browsers ask again in each new visit unless you set the site to Allow.
›Android
Chrome
- Tap the icon at the left of the address bar, then Permissions (or Site settings).
- Turn Microphone on, then reload.
- No microphone option, or still blocked? Open your phone's Settings → Apps → Chrome → Permissions → Microphone and choose Allow only while using the app.
Samsung Internet, Firefox and others
Look for the site's settings from the address bar or the browser's menu, allow the microphone, then check the browser has the Microphone permission in your phone's Settings → Apps.
If your phone has a privacy toggle for the microphone in quick settings, make sure it isn't switched off.
›Mac
First, let the browser use the microphone
Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and turn on your browser. Then quit the browser completely (⌘Q) and open it again; it won't notice the change until you do.
Then allow Nimbus in the browser
- Chrome or Edge: click the icon at the left of the address bar and turn Microphone on.
- Safari: Safari → Settings → Websites → Microphone, then set this site to Allow.
- Firefox: click the microphone or permissions icon in the address bar and clear the block.
›Windows
First, let apps use the microphone
Open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. Turn on Microphone access, and Let desktop apps access your microphone.
Then allow Nimbus in the browser
- Chrome or Edge: click the icon at the left of the address bar and turn Microphone on.
- Firefox: click the permissions icon in the address bar and clear the block.
Using a headset or USB microphone? Check it's chosen in the list above, and set as the input in Settings → System → Sound.
›Chromebook, Linux and other computers
Click the icon at the left of the address bar and allow the microphone for this site. If the browser can't see any microphone, check the system's sound settings, and on Linux that the browser has permission to use it (for example in a Flatpak or Snap's settings).