How to Fix Microsoft Teams Microphone Not Working
Applies to
Microsoft Teams for Windows, macOS, web, work, school, and personal accounts
Last updated
6 July 2026
Problem
Your microphone does not work in Microsoft Teams. Other people cannot hear you, Teams shows no microphone input, or the wrong microphone is selected. You may also find that your microphone works in other apps but not in Teams.
This is usually caused by the microphone being muted, the wrong device being selected, missing app permissions, browser permissions, outdated drivers, or another app taking control of the microphone.
Solution
Check the microphone is not muted, make sure Teams is using the correct input device, allow microphone access in your operating system or browser, then test the microphone again. If it still does not work, reconnect the device, close other audio apps, and update Teams or your audio drivers.
Step by step instructions
Check the basic microphone settings first
Before changing deeper settings, check the simple causes that often get missed:
- Make sure you are not muted in the Teams meeting
- Check whether your headset has a physical mute button
- Move a headset boom microphone down towards your mouth
- Make sure the microphone is plugged in properly
- Disconnect and reconnect USB or Bluetooth microphones
- Restart Teams after reconnecting the device
If the microphone starts working after these checks, you do not need to continue with the remaining steps.
Select the correct microphone in Teams
Teams can sometimes choose the wrong input device, especially if you use a headset, webcam microphone, docking station, or Bluetooth device.
Open Microsoft Teams.
Select Settings and more near your profile picture.
Go to Settings.
Select Devices.
Under Microphone, choose the device you want to use.
Common microphone choices may include:
- Built in laptop microphone
- USB headset
- Bluetooth headset
- Webcam microphone
- Docking station audio device
- Monitor audio device
After selecting the correct microphone, speak normally and check whether Teams detects input.
Make a test call in Teams
A test call helps confirm whether Teams can hear your microphone before joining a real meeting.
In Teams, open Settings.
Select Devices.
Choose Make a test call if the option is available.
Record a short message and listen back.
Use the result to decide what to check next:
- If the test call hears you, the microphone is working in Teams
- If the test call does not hear you, check permissions and device settings
- If the wrong microphone is used, return to Teams device settings and choose another input
- If the test call option is missing, test the microphone in another app instead
Check Windows microphone permissions
If Teams is blocked from using the microphone, it may show the device but receive no sound.
On Windows, open Settings.
Go to Privacy and security.
Select Microphone.
Check the following settings:
- Microphone access is turned on
- Apps are allowed to access your microphone
- Desktop apps are allowed to access your microphone
- Microsoft Teams is not blocked by privacy settings
After changing permissions, close Teams fully and reopen it.
Check macOS microphone permissions
On a Mac, Teams must be allowed to use the microphone through privacy settings.
Open System Settings.
Go to Privacy and Security.
Select Microphone.
Make sure Microsoft Teams is allowed.
If you change this setting, quit Teams and reopen it before testing again.
Check browser microphone permissions
If you are using Teams on the web, your browser must allow microphone access for Teams.
Open Teams in your browser at:
Check the browser’s site permissions.
Allow microphone access for Teams.
Useful checks include:
- The browser has not blocked microphone access
- The correct microphone is selected in the browser
- Teams is not open in another tab using different device settings
- Another meeting tab is not already using the microphone
Refresh the page after changing permissions, then rejoin the meeting.
Close other apps using the microphone
Another app may already be using the microphone or changing audio input settings.
Close apps such as:
- Zoom
- Skype
- Google Meet
- Discord
- Voice recording software
- Browser tabs with active meetings
- Manufacturer headset control software
After closing other apps, quit Teams and reopen it.
Test the microphone outside Teams
Testing outside Teams helps confirm whether the issue is with Teams or the microphone itself.
On Windows, use Sound Recorder or the microphone test in sound settings.
On macOS, use Voice Memos or sound input settings.
If the microphone does not work outside Teams either, the issue is likely with the device, driver, cable, Bluetooth connection, or operating system settings.
Update Teams and audio drivers
If the microphone is still not working, update the software involved.
Check for Teams updates.
Install any available Windows or macOS updates.
Restart your computer.
For external headsets, microphones, or docking stations, check whether the manufacturer provides:
- Audio drivers
- Firmware updates
- Headset management software
- Docking station updates
After updating, reconnect the microphone and test again.
Optional methods or tools
- Test the microphone using Windows Sound Recorder or macOS Voice Memos
- Try Teams on the web to compare against the desktop app
- Use a wired headset if Bluetooth audio is unreliable
- Try a different USB port for external microphones
- Ask your IT team to check device policies if you are on a managed computer
Best practices or tips
- Select your microphone before joining an important meeting
- Keep headset firmware and audio drivers updated
- Avoid switching audio devices during a live meeting
- Use a wired headset for more reliable meeting audio
- Make a quick test call before interviews, lessons, or presentations
Microsoft Teams microphone problems are usually caused by mute settings, permissions, or the wrong input device being selected. Checking Teams device settings and your operating system microphone permissions resolves most cases where others cannot hear you.
If the microphone works in other apps but not Teams, the issue is likely within Teams settings, browser permissions, or cached app behaviour. Testing Teams on the web and reconnecting the microphone can help narrow down whether the problem is with the app, the device, or the computer.
