If the AI Scribe is not picking up audio, work through these checks in order. A 30-second test recording before an important session is the fastest way to confirm everything works.
The browser cannot access your microphone
When you first record, your browser asks for microphone permission. If it was ever denied, the recorder cannot hear anything until you re-allow it:
Click the padlock or settings icon next to the web address, find Microphone, and set it to Allow, then reload the page.
Also check the operating system: on Windows, Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone (make sure your browser is allowed); on Mac, System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.
It records, but captures nothing (or the wrong sound)
Check the microphone selection in the recorder and in your browser's site settings. Laptops docked to external monitors often default to a microphone that is muted or across the room.
Check for a hardware mute switch or keyboard mute key.
Close other apps that may be holding the microphone (a video call platform left running is the usual culprit).
The first words are missing
Give the recorder a moment: click record, watch for the timer to start counting, then begin speaking.
The "include audio from a virtual meeting" option is missing
Capturing meeting audio directly is only available in some desktop browsers (Chrome and Edge). On Safari, iPad, or phone browsers the option does not appear; use the speaker method instead: speakers on, no headphones, volume near your speaking voice.
Browser-specific quirks
Brave blocks microphones in private windows by default (check the Shields settings, or use a standard window).
On iPad or iPhone, keep the BastionGPT tab in the foreground and the screen unlocked while recording; switching apps or locking the screen can pause capture.
Chrome and Edge on a desktop or laptop are the most dependable setup for long sessions.
The transcript contains text nobody said
Long stretches of silence or very low audio can occasionally produce filler text. If a transcript contains sentences that were never spoken, check the microphone selection and level and run a short test recording. If a real session was affected, contact support with the session title and date.
For telehealth setups (capturing both sides of a video visit), see how the AI Scribe records telehealth conversations. For processing times and missing transcripts, see how long transcriptions take.