1. Check if Messenger Pigeon is detecting sound
When you start recording, you should see moving waves (like in the image below).
If the bars are moving, your microphone is picking up sound. If they stay flat, your microphone isn’t capturing audio.
✅ “Example of the Messenger Pigeon audio visualizer when recording.”
❌ “Example of the Messenger Pigeon audio visualizer when NOT recording sound.”
💡 Tip: If you don’t see the visualizer move, stop the session and check your microphone settings.
2. Allow microphone access
💻 On Mac
Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.
Make sure Messenger Pigeon is turned on.
💻 On Windows
Go to Settings → Privacy → Microphone.
Turn on Allow apps to access your microphone, then make sure Messenger Pigeon is enabled.
📱 On iPhone
Go to Settings → Privacy → Microphone.
Find Messenger Pigeon and turn the switch on.
You can also check within Settings → Messenger Pigeon to make sure microphone permissions are granted.
📱 On Android
Go to Settings → Apps → Messenger Pigeon → Permissions.
Select Microphone and choose Allow only while using the app.
Restart the app and start a new recording to test it.
3. Find the best recording position
Sit close to the speaker or lecturer.
Keep your microphone pointed toward the sound source.
Avoid having objects near your mic that might make extra noise, such as papers, keyboards, or fans.
On phones, don’t cover the bottom microphone when holding or placing your device on a surface.
💡 Tip: For best results, use a small external directional microphone or place your device on a stable stand to minimize vibrations and background noise.
4. Use built-in voice isolation (Mac, Windows, iPhone)
Both computers and some phones have built-in tools to make your voice clearer:
Mac: Go to System Settings → Sound → Input, then turn on Voice Isolation or Reduce Background Noise.
Windows: In Sound Settings → Input Device Properties, enable Noise Suppression or Audio Enhancements.
iPhone: During a call or recording, swipe down from the top-right corner → tap Mic Mode → choose Voice Isolation.
(Note: Android devices vary, but many have “Noise Reduction” or “Clear Voice” options in their sound settings.)
5. Messenger Pigeon automatically reduces background noise
You don’t have to do all the work yourself. Messenger Pigeon automatically removes background noise when generating live captions or lecture transcripts. And If you’re on a Standard, Pro, or Pro+ plan, you can also replay your lecture using human-sounding text-to-speech voices.
This feature converts your transcript into smooth, natural-sounding audio — perfect for reviewing lectures recorded in noisy environments.
For more information on making recordings take a look at this blog post: https://www.habitatlearn.com/post/recording-tips-for-messenger-pigeon-users