Quick answer
Echo and feedback occur when your computer's microphone picks up sound from the speakers, so your voice returns to the other participants with a delay or gets amplified into a squeal. The fastest solution is to use a headset with a microphone, then check the audio settings in the app and the operating system.
How to recognize the problem
- Other participants hear their own voice (echo) while they speak
- You hear a faint echo of your own voice in your headphones
- A high-pitched tone or squeal (feedback) appears when you turn up the volume
- The sound cuts out or stutters while you speak
- The echo gets worse when the microphone is closer to the speakers
Most common causes
Speakers and microphone in the same room
When you use built-in speakers and a microphone, the microphone picks up sound from the speakers, which creates echo or feedback. This is the most common cause.
Microphone boost too high
If the microphone level in the system or app is too high, it also picks up background noise and echo, which makes the effect worse.
Duplicate audio source
When speakers and headphones are active at the same time, or multiple microphones are active, the audio gets mixed and causes echo.
Poor room acoustics
Hard surfaces (walls, glass, desk) reflect sound, so the microphone picks up the reflected sound again, which comes back as echo.
App not configured properly
Some apps have automatic audio adjustment or echo cancellation enabled that does not work well with external devices.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Use a headset with a microphone
The most effective solution is to use a headset with a microphone (wired or wireless). It prevents the microphone from picking up sound from the speakers. Connect it before the call starts and check that it is selected as the default audio device.
- 2
Turn off microphone boost in the system
In Windows 11, go to
Settings > System > Sound > Inputand select the microphone. Lower the volume to around 70-80% and disable theMicrophone Boostoption if available. In macOS, openSystem Settings > Sound > Inputand adjust the input level. - 3
Adjust audio in the video call app
In Zoom, Teams, or Meet, check the microphone and speaker selection. In Zoom, go to
Settings > Audio, turn offAutomatically adjust microphone volume, and manually lower the microphone level. In Teams, openSettings > Devicesand select the same device for microphone and speaker (headset). - 4
Enable echo reduction
Most apps have built-in echo suppression. In Zoom, under
Settings > Audio, check that echo cancellation is enabled if that option is available. In Teams, this option is usually automatic, but check the advanced audio settings. In Meet, echo cancellation is usually applied automatically, and underSettings > Audioyou can enable noise suppression if available. - 5
Lower the speaker volume
If you cannot use a headset, lower the speaker volume to the minimum you need. This reduces the amount of sound the microphone can pick up. Also, move the microphone as far away from the speakers as possible.
- 6
Disable unnecessary devices
In
Settings > System > Sound(Windows) orSystem Settings > Sound(macOS), select the desired microphone and speaker. You can disable unnecessary devices in their software or physically disconnect them so the app does not accidentally select the wrong device and create echo. - 7
Check that audio is muted on the other device
If you have multiple devices (e.g., laptop and phone) in the same call, mute the microphone and speaker on the one you are not using. Two active microphones in the same room can create feedback.
- 8
Test before the call
Before the actual call, run an audio test in the app (e.g., Zoom has a speaker and microphone test). Ask a colleague to tell you if they hear an echo when you speak. If the echo persists, repeat the steps to lower the volume and check device selection.
If nothing helps: advanced checks
If you have tried everything above and the echo still occurs, check whether the problem is in the app itself. Sometimes it is enough to update the app to the latest version or reinstall it. Also, check that the sound card drivers are up to date (especially on Windows). In rare cases, echo can come from an external device, such as a USB microphone or sound card, that has monitoring or loopback enabled. Turn off those options in the device software. If the echo occurs only in one app, contact that app's support. For business users, consider using professional conference microphones with built-in echo suppression.
How to prevent it
- Always use a headset with a microphone for video calls.
- Regularly update video call apps and audio drivers.
- Set the microphone to a moderate level and disable boost.
- Avoid using multiple devices in the same room at the same time.
When to call a professional
If echo and feedback persist after all checks, or if you have a complex setup with multiple microphones and speakers, contact IT support. They can check drivers, system settings, and possible hardware issues.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why does echo occur only when I speak, not when I am silent?
Echo occurs when the microphone picks up sound from the speakers while you speak. When you are silent, there is no sound to return, so no echo is heard. This confirms that the cause is the interaction between the microphone and speakers.
Is feedback dangerous for the equipment?
Feedback (squealing) can be unpleasant but rarely damages equipment. However, prolonged exposure to high-pitched tones can damage hearing, so it is better to lower the volume or mute the microphone immediately.
How do I know if the problem is in the app or the system?
If echo occurs in all apps, the problem is likely in the system or devices. If it occurs in only one app, check its audio settings or update it.