Before your test begins, you may need to grant access to your microphone, camera, or screen so we can record your session. The exact permission requirements depend on what your test records. Some tests record only your screen, while others also record your microphone and camera. The prompts on your screen will guide you through the required setup, but you can also review the permission setup steps here in this article.
In this article:
What you'll need to grant
For tests that require you to think out loud:
- Microphone access, so we can record what you say as you work
- Camera access, only if the test specifically requires it
- Screen sharing access
For tests that require screen sharing only:
- Screen sharing access only. You won't need to grant microphone or camera access.
How to grant permission
If your test requires you to think out loud, you'll grant microphone access first. Some tests also use your camera. If yours does, you'll need to grant camera access too. (If your test records your screen only, skip to Step 4).
-
On the Check your camera and mic screen, select Share access. Your browser will open a permission prompt.
-
In the prompt, select Allow while visiting the site.
-
You'll see a preview of your camera feed. Make sure your face is centered on screen, then say the phrase shown on screen to check your microphone. Select Continue when you're ready.
-
On the Share your entire screen page, select Share screen. Your browser will open a screen sharing prompt.
-
In the prompt, make sure Your entire screen is selected, then select Share.
-
Check the preview to make sure your entire screen is captured, including the UserTesting page. If something looks off, select Reset sharing and try again. If everything looks good, select Continue.
If you accidentally blocked a permission
Don't worry if you blocked a permission by mistake. You can reset it in your browser settings and pick up where you left off.
For Chrome
- Select the three dots in the top-right corner of your browser and select Settings.
- Select Privacy and security, then Site settings.
- Under Permissions, select Camera or Microphone.
- Select the arrow next to UserTesting.
- Change your preference from Block to Allow.
For more details, visit Chrome's instructions for resetting camera and microphone permissions.
Once you've updated your settings, return to your test and the prompt will reappear.
For Microsoft Edge
- Select the three dots in the top-right corner of your browser and select Settings.
- Select Privacy, search, and services, then Site permissions, then All sites.
- Select the UserTesting site.
- Change the dropdown for Camera or Microphone from Block to Allow.
For more details, visit Microsoft's instructions for camera and microphone permissions in Edge.
Once you've updated your settings, return to your test and the prompt will reappear.
If you're on a Mac and your browser doesn't have access
If your Mac's system settings are blocking camera, microphone, or screen access for your browser, you'll need to update them before your test can record. The steps below work for macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia. If you're on an older version of macOS, visit Apple Support for version-specific instructions.
For camera or microphone access
- Open System Settings on your Mac.
- Select Privacy & Security, then select Camera or Microphone.
- Turn on access for your browser.
- Select Quit & Reopen when prompted to restart your browser.
- Return to your test URL and continue from where you left off.
For more details, visit Apple's instructions for camera and microphone access.
For screen recording access
- Open System Settings on your Mac.
- Select Privacy & Security, then select Screen & System Audio Recording.
- Find your browser in the list and turn on access. If your browser isn't listed, return to your test and try sharing your screen. This will prompt your Mac to add it to the list.
- Select Quit & Reopen when prompted to restart your browser.
- Return to your test URL and continue from where you left off.
For more details, visit Apple's instructions for screen and audio recording access.