Zoom Audio Not Working? 10 Quick Fixes

Quick Fix

Zoom audio not working? Check if you’re muted – look for the microphone icon with a red line. Click to unmute. Then check audio settings: click the arrow next to mute button and select correct speaker/microphone. Also click “Test Speaker & Microphone” to verify your devices work.

Why Won’t Zoom Audio Work?

Zoom audio issues occur due to muted microphone, wrong audio device selected, system permissions blocking access, or computer audio settings. Both speaker and microphone need to be correctly configured for two-way audio.

Method 1: Unmute Yourself

You may be muted.

1. Look at bottom left of Zoom window
2. Check microphone icon
3. Red line through it = muted
4. Click to unmute
5. Or press Alt+A (Windows) / Cmd+Shift+A (Mac)

Method 2: Select Correct Audio Device

Wrong device may be selected.

1. Click arrow (^) next to Mute button
2. Under Speaker, select your output device
3. Under Microphone, select your input device
4. Don’t use “Same as System” – pick specific device

Method 3: Test Audio in Zoom

Verify devices work.

1. Click arrow next to Mute
2. Select “Test Speaker & Microphone”
3. Follow prompts to test speaker output
4. Speak to test microphone input
5. Adjust if you don’t hear playback

Method 4: Join Audio

You may not have joined audio.

1. Look for “Join Audio” button in bottom left
2. Click it if visible
3. Select “Join with Computer Audio”
4. Check “Automatically join audio” for future meetings

Method 5: Check System Permissions

Zoom needs microphone access.

Windows:

1. Settings > Privacy > Microphone
2. Enable Allow apps to access microphone
3. Enable for Desktop apps

Mac:

1. System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy
2. Select Microphone, check Zoom

Method 6: Check Computer Volume

System volume may be muted.

1. Click speaker icon in taskbar/menu bar
2. Ensure volume is not muted
3. Turn up volume to at least 50%
4. Check if headphones are plugged in

Method 7: Restart Zoom

Close and reopen the app.

1. Leave the current meeting
2. Fully quit Zoom (not just close window)
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Reopen Zoom and rejoin meeting

Method 8: Update Zoom

Outdated app has bugs.

1. Open Zoom
2. Click profile picture > Check for Updates
3. Install if available
4. Restart Zoom after update

Method 9: Reinstall Audio Driver

Driver issues affect audio.

1. Right-click Start > Device Manager
2. Expand Audio inputs and outputs
3. Right-click device > Uninstall
4. Restart computer
5. Windows will reinstall driver

Method 10: Use Phone Audio

Dial in as backup.

1. In meeting, click arrow next to Mute
2. Select “Switch to Phone Audio”
3. Dial the number provided
4. Enter meeting ID when prompted
5. Use phone for audio, computer for video

FAQ

Why can others not hear me on Zoom?

If you’re unmuted but others can’t hear you, check microphone selection in audio settings. Test your mic with the built-in test. Also ensure no other app is using the microphone exclusively.

Why is Zoom audio echoing?

Echo occurs when your speaker audio feeds back into your microphone. Use headphones, lower speaker volume, or move mic away from speakers. Enable “Suppress background noise” in Zoom audio settings.

Why does Zoom audio cut in and out?

Choppy audio indicates poor internet connection or high CPU usage. Close other apps, move closer to router, or switch to wired ethernet. Lower video quality in settings to prioritize audio.