Voice Features Not Working
Troubleshoot microphone and speaker problems
Understanding Voice Features
AskFLC's voice features allow you to speak questions and hear AI responses read aloud. When voice features aren't working, it's usually due to browser permissions, hardware settings, or compatibility issues. This guide will help you diagnose and fix the problem.
Voice Input Issues (Microphone)
"Microphone Access Denied"
The browser blocked or you declined permission for AskFLC to access your microphone.
How to Fix:
Chrome / Edge:
- Click the lock icon or "Site settings" in the address bar
- Find "Microphone" in the permissions list
- Change it from "Block" to "Allow"
- Refresh the page and try again
Firefox:
- Click the microphone icon with a slash in the address bar
- Select "Allow" for microphone access
- Refresh the page
Safari:
- Safari menu → Settings → Websites → Microphone
- Find askflc.com and select "Allow"
- Refresh the page
"Microphone Not Detected" or "No Input"
Your device can't find a working microphone or it's not properly configured.
Troubleshooting Steps:
Check Physical Connection
If using an external mic, ensure it's properly plugged in. Try unplugging and plugging it back in.
Check System Settings
Windows: Settings → System → Sound → Input → Test your microphone
Mac: System Preferences → Sound → Input → Check input level bars
Make sure the correct microphone is selected and volume is turned up.
Test in Another App
Try recording a voice memo or using another app that requires a microphone. If it doesn't work elsewhere, it's a system issue not specific to AskFLC.
Update Drivers (Windows)
Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers → Right-click your microphone → Update driver
Microphone Works But AI Doesn't Hear Me
Voice input activates but your words aren't being recognized or transcribed.
Common Causes & Fixes:
- Speak clearly and close to microphone: Position yourself 6-12 inches away and speak in a normal, clear voice
- Reduce background noise: Speech recognition works best in quiet environments
- Check your internet connection: Voice recognition requires a stable connection to process speech
- Wait for the recording indicator: Ensure the microphone icon shows it's actively listening before speaking
Voice Output Issues (Speakers)
Can't Hear AI Responses
Voice output is enabled but you don't hear the AI speaking.
Quick Checks:
Check System Volume
Make sure your computer/device volume is turned up and not muted. Check both system volume and browser tab volume (right-click the tab in Chrome/Edge).
Verify Correct Output Device
Windows: Click sound icon in taskbar → Select output device
Mac: System Preferences → Sound → Output → Select speakers/headphones
Test With Other Audio
Play a YouTube video or music to verify your speakers/headphones are working properly.
Check Headphone Connection
If using headphones, ensure they're fully plugged in. Try unplugging and reconnecting, or testing with different headphones.
Voice Output is Choppy or Garbled
AI voice plays but sounds robotic, cuts out, or is hard to understand.
Possible Solutions:
- Check internet connection: Slow or unstable connection can cause choppy audio
- Close unnecessary tabs: Too many open tabs can slow down audio processing
- Restart your browser: Refreshing browser resources can improve performance
- Try a different browser: Speech synthesis quality varies by browser
Browser Compatibility
Voice Feature Support by Browser:
Chrome / Edge (Recommended)
Full support for both voice input and output with the best quality and reliability
Safari
Supports voice features but may require additional permission steps
Firefox
Voice input supported; voice output quality may vary
Older Browsers
Voice features may not work on browsers more than 2 years old. Update for best experience.
Advanced Troubleshooting
Reset Browser Permissions
Sometimes completely resetting permissions for AskFLC can fix persistent issues:
- Go to browser settings
- Find "Site Settings" or "Permissions"
- Search for askflc.com
- Click "Clear & reset" or "Reset permissions"
- Reload AskFLC and grant permissions again when prompted
Check System Privacy Settings
Mac: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy → Microphone/Camera
Windows: Settings → Privacy → Microphone/Camera
Ensure your browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) is allowed to access microphone/speakers at the system level.
Still Having Issues?
If voice features still don't work after trying these steps, contact our support team:
Email: support@askflc.com
Include: Your browser & version, operating system, what you've tried, and specific error messages