Microphone-Access Issue in VoiceThread via Canvas (Chrome)

Sometimes, the following error message appears when attempting to access VoiceThread  through Canvas in the Chrome web browser:

"It looks like you're on a website that doesn't allow access to your microphone. Please open in a new tab to record your audio or webcam comments."

The error message will appear in VoiceThread as: 

There are two solutions to this issue:

Use Firefox

Try re-accessing this content in Firefox if you have the most recent version. If you are using an older version of Firefox, you will need to update. You can install or update Firefox through the link for your type of computer:

• PC
• Mac

Change Chrome Settings

You can make these changes to Chrome to allow microphone access in VoiceThread: 

I. Make sure you are using an updated version of Chrome. If you are using an older version of, you will need to update Chrome.

II. Make sure Chrome is not blocking access to your microphone or webcam by following these steps:    

1. Click on the menu icon (looks like 3 vertical dots) at the top-right.
2. Select Settings. 
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Advanced.
4. Find the “Privacy and Security” section and click Site Setting.
5. Click the Microphone option.
6. Make sure the correct microphone is selected from the top of the page.
7. Make sure no variation of "voicethread.com" appears in the blocked list. If it does, click on the trash can icon next to it to remove it.
8. Go back to step 4 and repeat this process for the "Camera" option.

III. Make sure VoiceThread cookies are allowed in Chrome:

1. Click the menu icon on the top-right.
2. Click Settings.
3. Scroll down the page and click Advanced.
4. Find the “Privacy and Security” section and click Site Setting.
5. Click Cookies.
6. Toggle the "Allow sites to save and read cookie data (recommended)" button to the “On” position.
7. Make sure that the "Block third-party cookies” option is in the” Off” position.

If you need assistance, please email online-learning-help@sas.upenn.edu.