If you tap or click record and nothing happens, or you see an error, the cause is almost always one of these three things, in this order of likelihood:
Microphone permissions are off or set to "Ask" and the prompt was dismissed
The app or browser tab is in a stuck state and needs a restart
Your device is out of local storage (mobile only)
Already recording, but the audio quality is poor or the mic isn't picking you up well? Check out the following article:
Microphone Permissions
Microphone Permissions
Scribenote needs permission to access your microphone. This is the single most common cause of "can't start a recording."
Web App - Chrome
Web App - Chrome
When you first start a recording, Chrome shows a permissions prompt. Click Allow.
If you previously clicked Block, or you never saw the prompt:
Click the lock or tune icon next to the URL bar at
www.scribenote.com.Find Microphone and set it to Allow
Refresh the page and try recording again. You should see a microphone icon in the address bar confirming the mic is active.
Web App - Firefox
Web App - Firefox
If your microphone permissions are denied, you'll see a microphone icon with a line through it in the address bar.
Click the crossed-out mic icon.
Clear the Blocked setting by clicking the X.
Refresh the page. You should see the Allow prompt next time you start a recording, click Allow.
Web App - Safari
Web App - Safari
When you first start a recording, Safari shows a permissions prompt. Click Allow.
If you previously clicked Never for This Website, Don't Allow, or you never saw the prompt:
In the top menu bar, click Safari → Settings for This Website… while you're on Scribenote.
Find Microphone in the option and set it to Allow (or Ask if you want to be prompted each session).
Refresh the page and try recording again.
If you've checked browser permissions and recording still won't start:
If you're not already on Chrome, try it. Chrome has the fewest issues with mic access.
Check System Settings → Sound (Mac) or Settings → Sound (Windows) to make sure the right mic is selected and not muted.
On a clinic or work computer, your IT policy or VPN may silently block mic access for browsers. Check with your clinic IT team or admin.
Mobile App - iOS
Mobile App - iOS
Force-close Scribenote (see Restarting section below).
Open the Settings app.
Search "Scribenote" and tap the result.
Toggle Microphone on.
Reopen Scribenote and try recording.
Mobile App - Android
Mobile App - Android
Force-close Scribenote (see Restarting section below).
Open the Settings app.
Tap Privacy → Permission manager → Microphone.
Tap Scribenote and select Allow.
Reopen Scribenote and try recording.
Restarting/Refreshing
Restarting/Refreshing
If permissions are correct and recording still won't start, the app may be in a stuck state.
Web App - All Browsers
Web App - All Browsers
Refresh the page (Cmd/Ctrl + R). If that doesn't help, fully close the browser tab and reopen it.
Mobile App - iOS
Mobile App - iOS
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to bring up the app switcher. Swipe up on the Scribenote preview to close it, then reopen the app.
On iPhones with a Home button, double-click the Home button instead of swiping up.
Mobile App - Android
Mobile App - Android
Swipe up from the bottom and hold, then let go to bring up the app switcher. Swipe up on the Scribenote preview to close it, then reopen the app.
On Androids with a Home button, double-click the Home button instead.
Storage (Mobile Only)
Storage (Mobile Only)
If your phone or tablet is nearly full, recordings can fail to start. Scribenote doesn't need much, but if you have less than 100 MB free, clear some space.
Mobile App - iOS
Mobile App - iOS
Open the Settings app.
Search storage and tap the result under General.
Check how much space is free.
If it's under 100 MB, try one of the following:
Delete unused apps, photos, or downloads.
Offload unused apps to free up space without deleting their data:
In the iPhone Storage menu, tap an app you don't use often.
Tap Offload App.
Confirm by tapping Offload App again.
Mobile App - Android
Mobile App - Android
Open the Settings app.
Tap Storage.
Check how much space is free.
If it's under 100 MB, try one of the following:
Delete unused apps, photos, or downloads.
On some devices, you may also see options like Free up space, Clean up, or Smart Storage to help remove unused files or apps automatically.