How to Give Descript Permission to Record Audio

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to grant microphone access to Descript on macOS.

Quick summary

Granting Descript microphone permission on macOS lets the app record audio directly from your device. You can enable access either through the in-app Allow prompt or via System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.

Steps

In your project, click on the Record button (either for screen recording or audio recording).
If it's your first time recording in Descript, click Allow when the app prompts you to grant microphone access.
Alternatively, open System Settings (or System Preferences, depending on your macOS version).
Select the Privacy & Security section, then click on Microphone.
Toggle the switch next to Descript to allow it to access your microphone.

📌 Why this matters

Microphone permission is a required first step for anyone using Descript to record podcasts, voiceovers, or screen captures with audio. Without it, Descript cannot capture any audio input, blocking the core recording and transcription workflow. Properly configuring macOS Privacy and Security settings ensures Descript has uninterrupted access to your microphone, so you can start recording and editing audio immediately. This setup is essential for content creators, podcasters, and video producers who rely on Descript's AI-powered audio editing tools.

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