# Error opening recording device

## Causes

This error indicates a problem with the hardware used for recording, whether it is permissions, drivers, connections, or if you ask the device to do something it cannot do. 

## Fixes

You can attempt the common troubleshooting steps to attempt to resolve it

{% content-ref url="../common-troubleshooting-steps" %}
[common-troubleshooting-steps](https://support.audacityteam.org/troubleshooting/common-troubleshooting-steps)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% hint style="success" %}
If these troubleshooting steps aren't working for you, feel free to ask in our communities: 

* [Forum](https://forum.audacityteam.org/)
* [Discord](https://discord.gg/audacity)
  {% endhint %}