Microphone not working in Zoom or Teams? Start here

Check the microphone at three levels

You can hear the meeting, but everyone says you are silent. Hearing other people confirms speaker output; your microphone input still needs its own check. Start with the physical device, then the computer, then the meeting app.

If the meeting has already started, tell the host through chat while you test. If the invitation offers an approved phone-audio option, that may help you participate while you investigate afterward.

1. Check physical mute and the selected device

Look for a mute button on the headset, cable, microphone, or keyboard. Some headset booms mute when lifted. Then check the meeting's own mute control. An unmuted app cannot override every physical switch.

Reconnect the headset and check that a Bluetooth model is charged and connected to the computer you are using. Microsoft's Teams microphone guide includes these checks and selecting the microphone in the app.

Read the actual device name in the microphone menu. After docking, the selected input may be a webcam or display rather than your headset. Compare the available names with the hardware on your desk.

If you are unsure which connection a headset uses, our Bluetooth versus Wi-Fi guide explains the difference.

2. Test the microphone in Windows 11

1. Open Settings → System → Sound.
2. Under Input, select the microphone you want to use.
3. Open its properties and use Start test. Speak normally, stop the test, and play the recorded sample where offered.
4. Check the input volume if your voice is very quiet.

Next, open Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. Check microphone access and the app-access controls, including desktop-app access where relevant. Microsoft's Windows microphone troubleshooting guide explains these settings.

If the system test works but the meeting does not, focus next on the app's device selection and permissions. If the microphone is absent from Windows altogether, record that result and try a compatible direct connection or another microphone before changing drivers.

3. Check input and permissions on a Mac

Open System Settings → Sound → Input and select the intended microphone. Review the available input controls and volume. Apple's sound input guide explains selecting and adjusting an input device.

Then open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and allow the meeting app you intend to use. If you join through a browser, check that browser's access. Follow any prompt to quit and reopen the app so the change applies.

Apple's microphone privacy guide describes app permissions. If a work-managed setting is unavailable, give IT the app name and the exact disabled control.

4. Test the selected microphone in Zoom or Teams

Zoom

Open the Zoom desktop app's Settings → Audio. Choose the intended microphone and run Test microphone, listening for the replay. During a meeting, use the menu beside Mute/Unmute to check your input selection. Zoom's audio test guide also covers the speaker test and joining meeting audio.

Microsoft Teams

Open Settings → Devices and review the microphone selection. Use Make a test call if your desktop version offers it; this test is unavailable in Teams for web. During a meeting, check the menu beside the microphone control. Microsoft's Teams audio settings guide explains the available controls.

For either app, a useful test is a short sentence played back through its own audio test. A successful operating-system test and a failed app test give support a specific boundary to investigate.

5. For browser calls, check the site's permission too

In Chrome, open Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Microphone. Check the selected microphone and whether the meeting site is blocked. Allow the trusted meeting site you intend to use, then reload or rejoin as needed.

Google's camera and microphone permission guide explains that the browser can also need permission from the computer. Work or school policies may control these settings.

Clearing every cookie is an early detour for a microphone problem. First check the device and permissions. Our cache and cookies guide explains what those deletions affect.

Common questions

My local test is clear, but other people hear broken audio. What next?

Report that distinction and compare a different microphone or connection when practical. If other meeting functions also lag, use our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide. A clear local recording alone cannot confirm the quality of a live call.

What information helps IT solve this?

Include the computer, microphone, app or browser version, selected input name, and whether the system and app tests each worked. Mention any dock or headset change. Use a harmless test sentence when sharing a sample; avoid recording a private meeting for troubleshooting.