How recording in the browser works
Modern browsers can ask your computer or phone for microphone access and then capture the audio themselves, without any plugin. This tool uses two standard browser features for that: getUserMedia to request the microphone, and the MediaRecorder API to turn the incoming sound into a file.
Which microphone is used is decided by your browser and operating system, normally the default input device. The first time you press record, the browser shows a permission prompt, and nothing is captured until you allow it.
What a quick browser recorder is good for
It suits situations where you just need to grab some audio quickly: a voice memo to yourself, a spoken draft of a message, a short sample for a project, or a test to check that your microphone works. There is nothing to install and no account to create.
It is a simple recorder, not a studio. There is no level meter, pause button, trimming, or noise filter, and the audio is saved as it comes in. For a recording that needs polish afterwards, you can fix the volume with the Volume Booster, clean up hiss with the Noise Reducer, or convert it to a more common format with the MP3 Converter.
Only record people who know and agree to it. Laws on recording conversations vary by place, so get consent before recording anyone else.
How to record and save your voice
- Click Start recording. Your browser asks for permission to use the microphone. Choose to allow it.
- While recording, the button changes to "Recording..." and cannot be clicked again. Speak normally.
- Click Stop when you are done. The microphone is released.
- An audio player appears with your recording. Press play to check it.
- Click Download recording. The file is saved as
recording.webm. - To record again, click Start recording. A new recording replaces the previous one on the page, so download the first before starting the next.
If the microphone cannot be accessed, the tool shows a message asking you to check your browser's permission settings.
Format, privacy, and troubleshooting
The recording is saved as WebM, not MP3 or WAV, and the file name is always recording.webm. WebM plays in most modern browsers and many media players, but some older software and devices will not open it. If you need another format, you will have to convert it. Browsers are not required to produce exactly the same audio settings, so quality can vary a little between devices.
The recording happens entirely in your browser. The audio is not uploaded, and it exists only on your device until you download it.
If nothing happens when you press record, check that your browser has permission to use the microphone for this site, that no other app is holding the microphone, and that the correct input device is selected in your system sound settings. Make sure to press Stop before leaving the page, because a recording that has not been stopped is not available to download.