Here's how to test your microphone and transcription in Cluely before joining a call. Please note the pre meeting audio test is only available for Mac as of Dec 16, 2025.
Where to Find Audio Settings
Open Cluely
Go to Settings → General
Scroll to the Audio Settings section
What You'll See
The Audio Settings panel shows:
Microphone source: The microphone Cluely is using (your system's default)
Audio level: 12 bars that show your microphone input level in real time
Test Microphone button: Start a 15-second test
How to Test Your Microphone
Click Test Microphone
Grant microphone permission if prompted
Speak into your microphone
Watch the audio level bars respond to your voice
Wait up to 15 seconds for transcription to appear
Review the transcript to confirm it captured your speech
During the Test
A countdown shows time remaining (15 seconds)
The audio level bars animate with your voice
You can click Stop to end the test early
The test stops automatically after 15 seconds
After the Test
If speech was detected, you'll see a transcript
If no input was detected, you'll see an error message
Important Notes
Microphone Selection
Cluely uses your system's default microphone
The displayed device name is your system's default
To change the microphone, set a new default in your system settings (macOS System Settings or Windows Sound Settings)
After changing your default, refresh Cluely to see the updated device name
Device Changes During Testing
If you plug in headphones or change your default microphone while Cluely is open, the displayed device name updates
An active test continues using the original device until it finishes or you stop it
Start a new test after changing devices to use the new microphone
Platform Differences
Windows and Apple Silicon Macs: Uses Recall AI for transcription
Intel Macs: Uses AudioTee (same functionality, different backend)
Both platforms provide the same testing experience
Troubleshooting
No Microphone Detected
Check that a microphone is connected and enabled
Verify microphone permissions in your system settings
Try restarting Cluely
No Audio Level Showing
Speak louder or move closer to the microphone
Check your system's microphone input level
Ensure the microphone isn't muted
No Transcript Appears
Wait the full 15 seconds
Speak clearly and at a normal volume
Check your internet connection (transcription requires connectivity)
Try again; transcription can take a few seconds
Wrong Microphone Being Used
Set your preferred microphone as the system default
Close and reopen Cluely to refresh the device list
Start a new test after changing devices
Tips for Best Results
Test in the same environment where you'll be taking calls
Speak at your normal meeting volume
Test with the same microphone you'll use during calls
Run a test if you switch microphones or audio devices
Check the transcript for accuracy
Need More Help?
If issues persist:
Check your system's microphone settings
Ensure Cluely has microphone permissions
Try restarting your computer
Contact support with details about your setup
Note: This test uses the same transcription technology as your actual calls, so a successful test indicates your setup should work during meetings.