aflow can't use my microphone

Last updated: October 2, 2026

aflow records visits through Chrome. Chrome has to allow aflow to use your microphone, and your computer has to allow Chrome. Find the message you see below. The same steps fix dictation.

The first time you record

When you first select Start recording, a small aflow window opens and asks you to Allow microphone access. Choose an Allow option in Chrome's prompt. The window closes on its own and recording starts.

“Microphone access was denied”

  1. Try again. If you closed the window or dismissed Chrome's prompt, select Start recording again and choose an Allow option.
  2. Unblock aflow in Chrome. If you blocked the microphone before, Chrome won't ask again. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Microphone. Find aflow in the list of sites that aren't allowed (it may appear as a chrome-extension:// address). Change it to Allow, or remove it so Chrome asks again. Google's Chrome microphone help has more detail.
  3. Allow Chrome in your computer's settings. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and turn on Google Chrome. On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone and turn on microphone access, including for desktop apps. Then quit and reopen Chrome.
  4. Ask your IT team. If your organization manages Chrome or your computer, a policy may be blocking the microphone.

“Microphone is in use by another app”

Another program is using your microphone. Close video calls, dictation software, or other recording apps, then try again.

“No microphone detected”

Plug in or reconnect your microphone or headset. For a Bluetooth headset, make sure it's connected to this computer. Then try again.

The recording is quiet or has no speech

If aflow warns that your Microphone level is low, or says a recording didn't capture any usable speech, the wrong microphone may be selected.

  1. Select Audio settings, the gear button next to Start recording.
  2. Pick your microphone under Input device. Browser auto-select uses Chrome's default microphone.
  3. Speak and watch the level meter move, then select Done.

Still stuck?

If you see Recording couldn't start, open the panel's menu, select Reload panel, and try again.

For anything else, email support@aflowhealth.com with the exact message you see and whether you use a Mac or Windows computer.