Skip to content

Microsoft Teams audio issue: Quick Fix

  • by
  • 6 min read

Microsoft Teams is a meeting, chatting and video-calling platform that has gained popularity in the Covid-19 pandemic. However, since the application’s primary purpose is calls and meetings, audio issues may occur sometimes.

In this article, we will look at some quick fixes to resolve the Microsoft Teams audio issues.

Also read: How to change name on Microsoft Teams?


Quit and Restart

One of the simplest, basic, and first solutions to any issue is quitting the application and restarting the system.

Step 1: Right-click on the application icon and select Quit.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Restart your PC/Laptop.

When the device is restarted, the RAM clears up, and the cache solves the issue multiple times.


Update the application

Using an outdated or older version of the application can cause running into errors. However, using the latest OS version and having an up-to-date application may solve the issues faced within the application.

Step 1: Click on the three dots next to your profile picture.

Step 2: Click on Check for updates.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

Along with ensuring that the Teams application is updated, check and update the drivers within your system for the audio device in the Device Manager.

Step 1: Open the Device Manager.

Step 2: Under Audio inputs and outputs, click on the device and update the device driver.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

Also read: What’s the difference between blocking and muting on WhatsApp?


Make a test call

Test call is a feature in Microsoft Teams that can check the functioning of the input and output devices within the application.

Step 1: Click on the three dots/ hamburger option beside the profile picture and select Settings.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Under the Devices option, click on the Make a test call option.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

A call environment will be initiated. Follow the instructions given by the bot to check all the functions.


Check the mute and unmute

Before concluding that there may be an audio issue, check whether you muted yourself or were hard muted by the host. Unknowingly, you may end up muting yourself and don’t realise it while speaking. Therefore, always check the mic mute and unmute in the meeting. The mic symbol can be found in the top panel of the meeting besides the video, participants and chat option. If the mic is struck through, it means that you are on mute and require to unmute yourself.

Sometimes, to avoid unnecessary commotion, the host or organiser of the meeting mutes all participants and disables the mic option. In such a case, the participant cannot unmute and speak unless permission from the host is granted.

Also read: How to mute yourself on Zoom? How to turn off the video?


Check for physical mute

In a Teams meeting, there is an option in the device settings to mute all audio of the meeting only. When this setting is enabled, the unmute option also becomes unavailable until you unmute your incoming audio.

Step 1: Click on the Hamburger option (3 dots) beside the participants and chat icon in the top panel.

Step 2: Select the Device settings option.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology
The device has been physically muted here.

Under the Device Settings, the audio devices, speaker and microphone can be set up based on the devices in use. In the Speaker section specifically, there is a volume icon. If that volume icon is crossed out, it indicated that the meeting is on mute from your side physically. To unmute the incoming audio of the meeting, click on the volume icon.

If you’re using other devices like a Bluetooth speaker or headset, check their settings too. You can also switch to an alternative input and output device for the audio and verify their working.

Step 1: Open the System Settings.

Step 2: Under the System option, go to the Sound menu.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

Cross-check the output and input sound devices along with their volume settings. Also, click on the Test your Microphone option and troubleshoot the settings in case of any error.


Permissions

Every application requires a set of permissions to operate. Similar to the Test call, the in-app permissions can be found in the Settings option.

Step 1: Click on the three dots/ hamburger option beside the profile picture and select Settings.

Step 2: Under the App permissions option, toggle all the permissions you wish to give the application.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

Also read: How to know if someone muted you on Instagram?


Privacy settings of the Microphone

In any system, there are privacy settings for microphones, cameras and other elements. If the microphone isn’t permitted to be used within the application, it can cause obstruction.

Step 1: Go to the Privacy tab in the system settings.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Under Microphone, toggle ON the permission for access to the microphone.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

Also, scroll down and toggle ON the Microsoft Teams button, specifically if it is in toggle OFF.

Also read: Microsoft Teams not loading: 9 Fixes


Teams Web application

If there is a problem specifically with the desktop app, then it may not occur on the web application of Microsoft Teams. Check the audio and microphone working on the web application.

Microsoft Teams Web application can be accessed here

If there is no audio issue on the web application, try to reinstall the Teams desktop application.


Troubling shooting of web application

Web applications require permissions for audio and video access.

Step 1: Go to the Browser Settings.

Step 2: Go to the Privacy and Security.

Step 3: Click on Site Settings.

Microsoft Teams audio issue: 8 Fixes | Candid.Technology

Step 4: Under Permissions, click on Microphone.

Step 5: Check the Microphone being used. Also, check the applications with access to audio, and provide access to the Microsoft Teams website.

Also read: How to unmute someone on Instagram?

Ishita Maheshwari

Ishita Maheshwari

A creative nerd, TT player, an avid reader, and an engineering student.

>