Quick check: is it the mic or Teams?
Close Teams first, then open our mic test in your browser and speak.
- The level moves when you talk: your mic works. The problem is inside Teams or its permissions. Start with fix 1.
- The level stays flat or no mic is found: the problem is the mic, its cable or Windows or Mac itself. Go to fixes 4 and 5 first.
Teams and other apps can’t always share a mic at the same time, so close the test tab before you go back to your meeting.
1. Make sure you’re not muted
In the meeting controls, look at the Mic button. If it’s crossed out, you’re muted. Select it to unmute.
Many headsets also have their own mute: a switch on the cable, a button on the ear cup, or a boom arm that mutes when you lift it up. An external mic may have a mute button with a light. Turn these off too.
2. Pick the right mic in Teams
Teams may be listening to a different mic, such as a webcam mic or a headset that’s no longer connected.
Before a meeting
- Select Settings and more (the three dots at the top), then Settings.
- Select Devices.
- Under Audio settings, choose your mic in the Microphone list.
- Select Make a test call to record a short message and play it back. The test call isn’t available in Teams on the web.
During a meeting
- Select the arrow next to Mic.
- Select More audio settings and choose the right microphone.
If your mic isn’t listed, unplug it and plug it back in. For a Bluetooth headset, make sure it’s charged and not connected to another device, such as your phone.
3. Update Teams and your system
Older versions of Teams can have device bugs that are already fixed. Install the latest Teams update and the latest Windows or macOS update, then restart your computer.
4. Allow microphone access on Windows
If the mic test works in your browser but Teams hears nothing, Windows may be blocking Teams.
- Open Settings and select Privacy & security.
- Under App permissions, select Microphone.
- Turn on Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone.
- In the app list, turn on Microsoft Teams.
- Turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone.
If everything was already on, turn the switches off and on again. Then close all apps and restart.
Next, go to Settings > System > Sound. Under Input, pick your mic in Choose a device for speaking or recording and make sure its Volume isn’t muted.
5. Allow microphone access on Mac
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security in the sidebar. You may need to scroll down.
- Select Microphone and turn on the switch next to Microsoft Teams.
Quit Teams fully and open it again so the new setting takes effect.
6. Allow the mic in your browser (Teams on the web)
If you use Teams in Chrome or Edge, the browser needs permission too.
- Chrome: go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Microphone. Choose your mic at the top and select Sites can ask to use your microphone.
- Edge: go to Settings and more > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Microphone and turn on Ask before accessing.
Reload the Teams tab and allow the mic when the browser asks.
7. Still not working? Join with your phone
If Teams can’t use any mic and shows a Call me back option, select it and enter your phone number. You can talk through your phone while your screen sharing stays on your computer.
After the meeting, run the mic test again after each fix to see which one solved it.