Verify That Microphone Capture Has Stopped

How to use this workflow

1. Finish the take

   Use Stop rather than Pause. Let Saving finish before starting another action.

2. Inspect active capture indicators

   Check the browser or operating-system microphone-use indicator. Other tabs or applications may be using the same device.

3. Verify the saved result

   Play the local recording and confirm its endpoint. Playback of a saved recording is not evidence that the microphone is still recording.

A four-state microphone check worksheet

Before a real take, record a short non-private test, pause briefly, resume, then Stop. Write the recorder state and the microphone-use indicator at each stage. A paused take can retain its capture stream so it can resume; do not use a paused timer alone as proof that hardware access ended.

The current recorder implementation closes its media tracks during final cleanup. This is a source-code fact, not a physical-device indicator measurement. Indicator appearance and clearing time vary by browser and operating system; no fixed disappearance deadline is promised here.

Swipe or scroll sideways to read all columns.

If the indicator remains active

Check other recording tabs, calls and operating-system input settings. Stop the responsible capture session. If the page remains stuck on Saving, preserve any available recording before reloading; closing an unsaved take can lose it. Do not assume revoking permission saves the recording.

For developers checking their own stream, MediaStreamTrack.stop() sets readyState to ended without firing the ended event from that call. A permission setting can remain allowed after the track has ended. Users do not need to run scripts or grant microphone permission merely to read this guide.

• Use pause and resume deliberately →

Common questions

Continue with your audio

• Open Voice Recorder →
• Use pause and resume deliberately →