# How to fix microphone permission for the Zero voice assistant

Source: https://0xr.space/m/how/fix-microphone-permission-for-the-voice-assistant  
Published 2026-10-10, updated 2026-10-20, by ZeroXR, the maker of Model Explorer (https://0xr.space/).

Zero asks for the microphone the first time you press Zero on the dock at 0xr.space, with the browser's own dialog. Choose Allow. If the popup was closed, the panel says “The permission popup was closed. Tap the mic again and choose Allow.”, and a Try again button asks once more.

If you chose Block, the browser will not ask again and tapping cannot help: the panel says Microphone access is blocked for this site. Allow the microphone in the browser's settings for 0xr.space, then press Zero. In the Model Explorer app on Meta Quest the headset stops asking after a refusal; tap the mic to open Settings, or go to Quest Settings, Apps, Model Explorer, Permissions, and turn Microphone on.

## Steps

1. Press Zero on the dock and choose Allow in the browser's popup.
2. Popup closed: tap Try again or the mic, and choose Allow.
3. Blocked in a browser: open the site settings for 0xr.space, allow Microphone and reload.
4. Quest app: Quest Settings, Apps, Model Explorer, Permissions, turn Microphone on, then press Zero.

## Questions

### In VR the popup never appeared. Where is it?

It may be hidden behind you or to one side. Look around for it, or leave and re-enter the room, then press Zero again.

### It says the microphone could not be started.

Another app is holding the microphone. Close it and try again.

### Does Zero listen all the time?

Only while its session is open after you press Zero. It ignores speech that is plainly not for it.

## Related guides

- [How to connect the Zero assistant to an AI agent on your computer](https://0xr.space/m/how/connect-the-zero-assistant-to-an-ai-agent-on-your-computer)
- [How to talk to a voice assistant about a 3D model](https://0xr.space/m/how/talk-to-a-voice-assistant-about-a-3d-model)
- [How to ask an AI to explain the parts of a 3D model in VR](https://0xr.space/m/how/ask-ai-to-explain-the-parts-of-a-3d-model-in-vr)
- [How the Zero free preview works, and how to add your own Gemini key](https://0xr.space/m/how/zero-assistant-free-preview-and-your-own-gemini-key)