Recording and playback

Why can’t I record?

Run through this checklist:

1. Has the browser been granted microphone permission?
   • Chrome: click the lock icon in the URL bar → Microphone → Allow.
   • Firefox: look for the microphone icon in the URL bar and grant permission.
   • Safari: Preferences → Websites → Microphone → set namedrop.io to Allow.
2. Try a different browser. Chrome and Firefox work best.
3. Is a microphone connected? Open another recording app to check that your mic is working at all.
4. Did you select the right microphone? If you have multiple input devices (built-in, USB, Bluetooth), make sure NameDrop has the right one selected.

Why can’t I hear anything when I try to record?

Same checklist as above. Most “can’t hear” issues are actually “can’t record” issues — the recording never started, so there’s nothing to play back. Verify mic permission first, then re-try the recording.

If the recording exists but playback is silent, check your output device — sometimes the browser routes audio to a different sink (HDMI, Bluetooth) than the one you’re listening on.

How can I record on a device with a better microphone?

You’ve got two options:

1. Log in on the other device. Open user.namedrop.io/login on the device with the better mic, and re-record from there.

2. Request a recording-only link from your dashboard. From your dashboard, request a unique link that opens directly into the recorder. NameDrop emails you the link; open it on the device with the better mic. Useful if logging into a personal account on a shared/work device isn’t ideal.