Apps · Repair guide

How to fix Zoom audio not working

10 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

In the meeting, make sure you have joined audio and are unmuted, then click the arrow next to Mute and pick the correct speaker and microphone. If Zoom can't hear you at all, allow microphone access for Zoom in your computer's privacy settings and restart Zoom.

What it means

Zoom audio problems usually come down to one of four things: you never joined the meeting's audio, Zoom is using the wrong speaker or microphone, you are muted, or Windows, macOS or your phone is blocking Zoom from the microphone. Bluetooth headsets and other apps holding the mic are also common causes.

Common causes

  • You haven't joined the meeting's audio, or you are muted
  • Zoom is using the wrong speaker or microphone
  • Windows, Mac or phone privacy settings block Zoom from the mic
  • Zoom is muted or turned down in the Windows volume mixer
  • A Bluetooth headset is connected to another device
  • Another app is using the microphone
  • An outdated Zoom app or audio driver

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Join the meeting audio and unmuteEasy

  1. Look at the bottom-left of the meeting controls. If you see Join audio, click it and choose to join with computer audio.
  2. If the button shows Unmute or a microphone with a line through it, click it to unmute.
  3. If the host muted everyone, send them a chat message asking to be unmuted.
  4. Check your headset or mic for a physical mute switch, and make sure your computer's volume is turned up.

Why it helps: If you haven't joined audio you can't hear or be heard, and being muted is the most common reason others can't hear you.

02Pick the right speaker and microphoneEasy

  1. In a meeting, click the arrow next to Mute or Unmute on the toolbar.
  2. Under the microphone and speaker lists, choose the headset or device you are actually using.
  3. Outside a meeting, click your profile picture in the Zoom app, select Settings, then the Audio tab.
  4. Use Test speaker to play a tone and Test microphone to record and play back your voice; change the device in the drop-down if you hear nothing.
  5. Move the Input volume and output volume sliders up if the sound is too quiet.

Why it helps: Zoom may be sending sound to a monitor or listening to a built-in mic instead of your headset.

03Test your audio when joiningEasy

  1. When joining a meeting, click Test speaker and microphone.
  2. If you don't hear the ringtone, select No, Try Another Speaker or choose a speaker from the drop-down until you do, then click Yes.
  3. Speak, and if you don't hear your voice played back, select No, Try Another Microphone until you do, then click Yes.
  4. Click End test, then Join audio.
  5. To always connect audio automatically, go to Settings > Meetings & webinars and turn on Automatically connect to computer audio.

Why it helps: The built-in test finds a working speaker and mic before the meeting starts.

04Reconnect your headset or Bluetooth deviceEasy

  1. Unplug a wired or USB headset, wait a few seconds and plug it back in, ideally directly into the computer.
  2. For Bluetooth: make sure it is charged and turned on, and disconnect it from your phone, tablet or any other device.
  3. Pause or close other apps playing sound, such as music or video, since they can interrupt Zoom's audio.
  4. If it still fails, remove (unpair) the Bluetooth headset and pair it again, then select it in Zoom.
  5. If you can, try a wired USB headset to rule out a Bluetooth problem.

Why it helps: A headset that is half-connected or linked to another device often won't pass sound to Zoom.

05Allow Zoom to use the microphone on Windows 11Easy

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
  2. Turn on Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone.
  3. Scroll down and turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone.
  4. Close any other app that could be using the microphone, then quit and reopen Zoom.

Why it helps: The Zoom desktop app can't hear you if Windows blocks desktop apps from the microphone.

06Allow Zoom to use the microphone on a MacEasy

  1. Open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security.
  2. Select Microphone and turn on the switch for Zoom.
  3. If Zoom is open, you will be asked to restart it so the change takes effect.
  4. If you use Zoom in a browser, turn on the browser (for example Google Chrome) in the same list.

Why it helps: macOS silently blocks the microphone for apps that haven't been given permission.

07Check the Windows volume mixer and sound settingsEasy

  1. Open Settings > System > Sound and check that the right output and input devices are selected and not muted.
  2. Select Volume mixer.
  3. Under Apps, find Zoom and make sure it isn't muted and its volume is turned up.
  4. Check that the output device listed for Zoom is the one you're using.

Why it helps: Windows can mute or route a single app's sound separately from everything else.

08If you're on a phone, join audio and allow the micEasy

  1. In the meeting, if you see Join Audio, tap it and choose Call Over Internet (the wording can differ slightly by app version).
  2. Allow microphone access if Zoom asks.
  3. iPhone: open Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and turn on Zoom.
  4. Android: open Settings > Apps (tap See all apps if Zoom isn't listed), tap Zoom, then Permissions > Microphone and choose Allow only while using the app. Menu names vary by phone maker.
  5. Turn up the phone's volume and take it off silent.

Why it helps: On phones, Zoom only uses audio after you join it and give the app microphone permission.

09Update Zoom and your audio driverMedium

  1. In the Zoom app, click your profile picture and select Check for Updates. On some work computers IT hides this option.
  2. On Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update, install all updates and restart.
  3. Right-click Start, open Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click your audio device and choose Update driver.
  4. If your security software has its own webcam or microphone protection, check that Zoom is allowed there.

Why it helps: Old Zoom versions and audio drivers are a known cause of missing sound or a microphone Zoom can't detect.

10Reinstall ZoomAdvancedResets settings

  1. Warning: reinstalling may reset your Zoom app settings. Make sure you know your Zoom sign-in details first. On a work PC, ask IT before removing apps.
  2. On Windows 11, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Zoom, select More options (...) and choose Uninstall.
  3. On a Mac, quit Zoom and drag it from the Applications folder to the Trash.
  4. Restart the computer, download Zoom again from Zoom's official download page and install it.
  5. Sign in and run the audio test in Settings > Audio.

Why it helps: A clean install replaces damaged app files when settings and updates haven't helped.

Check it's fixed

  • Test speaker plays a tone you can hear, and Test microphone plays back your voice.
  • In a meeting, the microphone icon moves when you speak and others confirm they can hear you.
  • You can hear other participants clearly through the speaker or headset you chose.

When to get help

If no app on the computer can use your microphone or speakers, the headset or the computer's audio hardware may be faulty; try another headset, then contact the maker or a repair shop. On a work computer with locked settings, contact IT.

Questions

Why can't people hear me on Zoom?

Usually you are muted, Zoom is listening to the wrong microphone, or your computer's privacy settings block Zoom from the mic. Check those three in that order.

Why can I see people on Zoom but not hear them?

You may not have joined the meeting audio, or Zoom is sending sound to the wrong speaker, such as a monitor with no speakers. Click Join audio, then pick the right speaker from the arrow next to Mute.

How do I test my audio before a Zoom meeting?

Open the Zoom app, click your profile picture, choose Settings, then Audio. Use Test speaker and Test microphone to check both.

Why does my Bluetooth headset cut out on Zoom?

It may be connected to another device, low on battery, or interrupted by another app playing sound. Disconnect it from other devices, close music apps, and re-pair it if needed.

Related fixes

How to fix the microphone not working in Microsoft TeamsCheck that you are not muted in Teams or on your headset, then open Settings and more > Settings > Devices in Teams, choose the right How to fix Microsoft Teams not workingFully quit Teams by right-clicking its taskbar icon and choosing Quit, then reopen it and install any update it offers. If it still won'How to fix Bluetooth not connecting on your phoneForget or unpair the accessory on your phone, put the accessory back into pairing mode, then pair it again with the two close together. For Why is my internet so slow?Restart your modem and router, then run a speed test close to the router. If it is fast there but slow elsewhere, it is a Wi-Fi coverage pro

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