Teams (desktop/web)
Fix Microphone Issues in Microsoft Teams
Select the right mic, allow OS or browser permissions, and verify with the online Mic Test before joining Teams.
Updated 2025-12-09
Use the DevicePrep Mic Test to verify the mic before opening Teams.
Teams often defaults to the laptop mic or changes devices after a reboot. A quick Mic Test confirms the hardware works, then you can lock Teams to the right input and grant permissions so callers hear you on the first try.
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Run the Mic Test; if silent, fix the OS first.
- Teams Settings -> Devices -> choose your microphone by name.
- Turn off "Automatically adjust mic sensitivity" while troubleshooting.
- Allow microphone access in Windows or macOS, then restart Teams.
- Close Zoom, Skype, and Discord so they release the mic.
- Browser version users must allow the mic in the padlock prompt, then refresh.
Step-by-step fix
- Run the DevicePrep Mic Test to confirm your mic works before you join a meeting.
- Teams Settings -> Devices (or More -> Device settings in a call) -> choose your microphone and speaker; speak and watch the meter.
- Turn off "Automatically adjust mic sensitivity" if Teams keeps dropping your volume.
- Windows: Settings -> Privacy & security -> Microphone -> allow desktop apps (Teams). macOS: System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Microphone -> enable Teams.
- In the browser version, click the padlock/camera icon and allow Microphone, then reload the tab.
- Quit other calling apps so they release the mic, then rejoin the Teams call.
- If the mic still vanishes, move it to another USB port and remove virtual audio devices (VB-Audio, Loopback) from the Teams picker.
Deep fixes
Verify the mic outside Teams
Use the Mic Test and talk at call volume. A healthy meter means the issue is inside Teams, not the device. If the meter is silent, fix Windows or macOS permissions and inputs first; Teams cannot override system blocks. Keep the test tab open to compare behavior after each change in Teams. Wear headphones to avoid echo when you later run Teams' test call.
Pick and lock the device in Teams
Go to Settings -> Devices and choose your microphone by name instead of leaving it on Default. If the meter moves but callers still cannot hear you, raise the Microphone volume slider and disable "Automatically adjust mic sensitivity" while you troubleshoot. Select the same speaker you want to use so the test call plays to the right place. When you switch mics mid-call, leave and rejoin to force Teams to refresh the list.
Grant operating system permissions
Windows: Settings -> Privacy & security -> Microphone -> allow desktop apps and confirm Microsoft Teams is listed as Allowed. macOS: System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Microphone -> enable Teams. If missing, reinstall the app and re-open to trigger the prompt. Browser version users must click the padlock and set Microphone to Allow for the site, then reload. If prompts never appear on a managed laptop, ask IT whether camera and mic are blocked by policy.
Avoid conflicts with other apps
Close Zoom, Skype, Discord, OBS, and DAWs that can hold the mic in exclusive mode. Disable virtual audio drivers you do not need (VB-Audio, Loopback, BlackHole) so Teams does not pick them by mistake. Move USB mics to a direct laptop port to avoid low power hubs that drop the device mid-call. If Teams still flips back to the laptop mic, set a specific device in Windows Sound and in Teams instead of leaving defaults.
Test and retest
Use the Teams test call after each change and speak for ten seconds to confirm consistent levels. If the level jumps up and down, leave auto sensitivity off and set gain manually until voices land in the middle of the bar. Echo or feedback often means speakers are too loud. Lower speaker volume or switch to headphones while testing. When audio is stable, restart Teams once more to ensure settings persist between sessions. Save a short Teams recording and play it back so you hear exactly what others hear after your changes.
Quick checklist
- Mic works in DevicePrep
- Correct device selected in Teams
- OS permission granted
- Auto sensitivity not muting the mic
- No other apps holding the microphone
FAQs
Why does Teams keep switching to the laptop mic?
Set a specific device instead of "Default" and disable "Automatically adjust mic sensitivity" so Teams sticks to your choice.
Can noise suppression block quiet audio?
If callers hear nothing during soft speech, set Noise suppression to Low or Off while testing.
Do I need to clear the Teams cache?
Clear it only if devices never update in the picker. Sign out and back in after clearing.
Why do recordings sound distorted?
Distortion usually means input gain is too high or the mic is clipping. Lower the Teams input slider and keep your mouth a hand's width from the mic.
Wrap up
When the Teams test call sounds clean and the DevicePrep meter moves smoothly, you are set. Keep the Mic Test and Pre-Call Test handy before important meetings so devices stay aligned.