Skip to content
EVI Solutions

Others can't hear you in a meeting: what to check first

Easy 10 min Updated:

Quick answer

If others can't hear you, first check whether the microphone is even on and whether the right device is selected in the app. Then check system permissions, the sound level in the operating system, and whether the microphone is physically muted or being used by another app. In most cases the problem is solved by selecting the correct microphone and granting permission.

How to recognize the problem

  • Others say they can't hear you or that you sound faint
  • The microphone indicator in the app doesn't react to speech
  • The microphone works when recording but not on a video call
  • The sound is only heard occasionally or with noise
  • The app shows a microphone error

Most common causes

Wrong microphone selected

The app is using a different device from the one you're speaking into, for example the camera microphone instead of the headset.

Microphone is off or muted

The mute button in the app or a physical switch on the headset is turning off the sound.

Missing permissions

The system or browser is blocking access to the microphone, so the app isn't getting any sound.

Device busy or faulty

Another app is using the microphone or the driver is faulty, so the sound isn't reaching the call.

Low input sound level

The microphone gain in the system is turned down or the microphone is too far from your mouth.

Step-by-step fix

  1. 1

    Check whether the microphone is on

    In the video call app, find the microphone icon and make sure it isn't crossed out. If it is, click it to turn on the microphone. On your headset, check the physical mute switch.

  2. 2

    Select the right microphone in the app

    In Zoom, go to Settings > Audio and in the Microphone drop-down menu select the device you're using. In Teams, open Settings > Devices and under Microphone select the right device. In Meet, click the three dots > Settings > Audio and select the microphone.

  3. 3

    Check the sound level in the system

    On Windows, go to Settings > System > Sound > Input and check whether the selected microphone reacts to speech. On macOS, open System Settings > Sound > Input and check the level.

  4. 4

    Allow microphone access

    On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone and turn on access for apps. On macOS, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and turn on the switch next to the app. On Android and iOS, allow microphone access for the specific app in the privacy settings. In your browser, click the site settings icon next to the address and allow the microphone for the site.

  5. 5

    Close other apps that are using the microphone

    Close sound recording programs, other calls or games that might be holding the microphone busy. On Windows, open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone and check which apps have recently used the microphone.

  6. 6

    Test the microphone before the meeting

    In Zoom, click Test Mic in the audio settings. In Teams, select Make a test call in the device settings. In Meet, check the microphone level on the screen before joining.

  7. 7

    Update the driver or restart the computer

    If the microphone still doesn't work, restart the computer. On Windows, in Device Manager find the microphone under Audio inputs and outputs, right-click and select Update driver. On macOS, check whether the system is up to date.

If nothing helps

If you've checked everything listed and others still can't hear you, try another microphone or headset. Sometimes the problem is with the device itself or the network. If you're using a VPN or a corporate network, check whether the network is restricting audio transmission. As a last resort, contact IT support and state which device and app you're using, which steps you've taken, and whether the problem occurs in all apps or just one.

How to prevent it

  • Before every meeting, check the microphone selection in the app.
  • Regularly update drivers and the operating system.
  • Use a headset with a microphone and check the physical switch.
  • Allow microphone access only to the apps you use.

When to call a professional

If you've checked all the steps and the problem repeats in multiple apps, or you suspect a microphone fault, contact IT support. They can test the device and network in more detail.

Let us handle it Ask the AI IT assistant
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdesk

FAQ

Why can they hear me in one app but not in another?

The app where they can't hear you probably has the wrong microphone selected or hasn't been granted access. Check the device selection and permissions in that app.

How do I know whether the microphone is even on?

In the app, look at the microphone icon: if it's crossed out, click it. In the system, check the input sound level while you speak; if it doesn't change, the microphone isn't picking up sound.

Could it be a network problem if they can't hear me occasionally?

It could be. A poor connection can cause audio dropouts. Check your internet speed and stability, and use a wired connection if possible.

Share
Didn't find a fix?The AI IT assistant is available 24/7. Describe the problem or send a screenshot of the error and get instructions for your case.Ask the AI IT assistant