Stenowise can’t hear me

Applies to: Windows, macOS, Linux

If Stenowise does not record or gets no signal, check the permission, the selected microphone and the microphone itself. The message in the app shows you where to start.

“No microphone found”

Stenowise adds “Connect a microphone or a headset.”

Connect a microphone or a headset.
Open Settings › Dictation › Microphone › Change.
Check that the microphone appears as “connected” in the “Microphone order”.

If it does not appear there, check the cable and the sound settings of your system.

“No access to the microphone”

Your system does not allow Stenowise to record. Allow the microphone.

Windows

In Windows, open Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone.
Switch on microphone access.
Also allow desktop apps to access the microphone.

macOS

Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone.
Switch on Stenowise.

Linux

On Linux, Stenowise does not ask for a permission. Check in the sound settings of your system that the microphone is switched on.

“Microphone not responding”

Stenowise adds “Stenowise cannot record until it responds.” Unplug the microphone and plug it in again, or move another microphone to the top of the microphone order. As soon as the microphone responds again, Stenowise shows “Microphone available again”.

With “Recording did not start”, Stenowise could not begin the recording. Press the shortcut again.

“No signal” in the on-screen indicator

The on-screen indicator shows “No signal” when nothing arrives from the microphone during a recording. On Linux, Stenowise shows no on-screen indicator. Check these points:

Mute: Many headsets have their own mute button on the cable. Switch the mute off there.
Order: Stenowise records through the first connected microphone on the list. Under Settings › Dictation › Microphone › Change, use “Record” to move the microphone you speak into to the top.
Laptop with the lid closed: Check in the list that the headset is “active”. If the built-in microphone is active, it records the room.
Permission: Check microphone access as described above.

Test the microphone

A short test shows whether your voice comes through. Open Settings › Dictation › Check microphone › Open and click “Start test”. If nothing arrives in the five seconds, the test shows “No signal”. On Windows, it also offers the “Check microphone access” button. There is more in Check your microphone.

If the problem persists, report it under Support › Report a problem and tick “Include the log”.

Last updated 28 September 2026