System requirements & hardware compatibility – Help Center

Otter is available on desktop, web, and mobile devices. To install and use Otter, your device must meet the minimum operating system or browser requirements. Review the supported platforms below, along with microphone permissions, audio device recommendations, and recording considerations to ensure the best experience when recording and transcribing conversations.

Desktop app requirements

The Otter desktop app is available for supported Windows and macOS devices. Make sure your computer meets the minimum operating system requirements before installing the app.

Operating system	Minimum requirement
Windows	Windows 10 or later
macOS	macOS 13.0 or later

Note: Make sure your operating system is updated to a supported version before installing or updating the Otter desktop app.

Mobile app requirements

The Otter mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices. Your device must meet the following minimum operating system requirements to install and use the app.

Operating system	Minimum requirement
iOS	iOS 15 or later
Android	Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later

Note: Starting with Otter mobile app version 3.57, iOS 13 and iOS 14 are no longer supported.

Web browser requirements

You can access Otter directly from a supported web browser without installing the desktop app. Visit otter.ai and sign in to your account using one of the following browsers.

Web browser	Minimum requirement
Google Chrome	Version 67 or later
Mozilla Firefox	Version 59 or later
Safari	Version 15 or later
Microsoft Edge	Version 88 or later

Note: Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge Legacy are not supported. We recommend keeping your browser updated to the latest available version for optimal compatibility and performance.

Microphone requirements and permissions

Otter can record audio using your device's built-in microphone or a compatible external microphone. To ensure Otter can capture audio, connect your microphone and grant the necessary permissions on your computer, browser, or mobile device.

External microphones

You can connect an external microphone to your computer or mobile device using a compatible audio input port, USB connection, Bluetooth, or an audio interface. You can also use your computer's built-in microphone to record conversations.

For microphone recommendations, explore these resources:

Allow microphone access

Otter requires microphone access to record audio. If your microphone is not working, check that the correct input device is connected and that microphone permissions are enabled.

Web browser permissions

When recording from a web browser, allow Otter to access your microphone when prompted. You can review or change microphone permissions in your browser settings.

Mobile app permissions

On iOS and Android, enable microphone permissions for Otter in your device settings.

iOS: Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone, then enable microphone access for Otter.
Android: Open Settings → Apps → Otter → Permissions → Microphone, then select Allow.

Tip: If Otter cannot detect audio, verify that your microphone is connected, selected as the input device, and not muted. Restart Otter after changing microphone permissions if necessary.

Using headsets during virtual meetings

When recording a virtual meeting or class using Otter in a web browser, we generally do not recommend using headphones or a headset. Meeting audio plays through your headphones instead of your computer's speakers, which may prevent Otter from capturing and transcribing other participants' audio.

To record virtual meetings while wearing headphones, we recommend using the Otter desktop app. The desktop app can capture meeting audio directly from your computer, allowing you to use headphones or a headset while recording and transcribing conversations on supported meeting platforms.

Tip: Use the Otter desktop app to record and transcribe virtual meetings while wearing headphones. You can listen to meeting audio privately without needing to play it through your computer's speakers.

Third-party noise cancellation software

Noise cancellation features on your computer, mobile device, headset, or third-party audio software may interfere with Otter's ability to capture audio played through your speakers.

If Otter is not detecting audio from your speakers, temporarily disable noise cancellation or audio filtering features and test your recording again.

Note: Noise cancellation settings vary by device, operating system, and audio software. Refer to your device or software provider's instructions for managing these settings.