Zoom
Fix Zoom Speaker Audio (Run the Built-in Test)
Use the DevicePrep Speaker Test and Zoom's own test to pick the right output and hear the call.
Updated 2025-12-09
Check left and right channels outside Zoom before changing app settings.
If you cannot hear a Zoom meeting, the wrong output device or a muted slider is usually to blame. The DevicePrep Speaker Test proves your headphones work, then Zoom's test tone helps you pick the exact output you want.
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Run the DevicePrep Speaker Test to confirm your device plays sound.
- Zoom Settings -> Audio -> click Test Speaker and listen for the tone.
- Pick a specific output device instead of "Same as System".
- Raise the Zoom Speaker slider to 70 and turn off auto volume while debugging.
- Restart Zoom after plugging in a new USB or HDMI device.
- If only one ear plays, center the OS balance slider and retest.
Step-by-step fix
- Run the DevicePrep Speaker Test to confirm your headphones or speakers play sound and both channels work.
- Zoom Settings -> Audio -> click "Test Speaker" and listen for the tone.
- If you hear nothing, open the Speaker dropdown and pick the device you use instead of "Same as System".
- Raise the Speaker volume slider to at least 70 and turn off "Automatically adjust volume" while you troubleshoot.
- On macOS and Windows, make sure microphone permission is allowed so Zoom can play loopback tones for the test.
- Disconnect and reconnect USB/HDMI audio devices, then restart Zoom so it refreshes the list.
- If audio only plays in one ear, center the balance in your OS sound settings and rerun the Zoom test.
Deep fixes
Confirm audio works outside Zoom
Play the DevicePrep Speaker Test. If you hear both channels, the device and OS are fine, so focus on Zoom settings. No sound here means the issue is system-wide. Fix the OS output first so Zoom has something to route to. Keep the test running quietly while you switch outputs in Zoom to spot differences quickly. Headphones help you check stereo and avoid feedback into your mic.
Pick the correct output in Zoom
Open Zoom Settings -> Audio and click Test Speaker. If silent, open the Speaker dropdown and choose the exact device name. Avoid "Same as System" when you plug and unplug gear often; pick a stable choice instead. If you swap devices mid-call, reopen the dropdown and reselect to refresh routing. For HDMI displays, confirm the display volume is up; some monitors ship muted by default.
Set volume and disable auto adjustments
Raise the Zoom Speaker slider to around 70 during testing so you have headroom. Turn off "Automatically adjust volume" while you troubleshoot to prevent Zoom from lowering output behind the scenes. If calls are still quiet, raise the OS output slider in Windows or macOS and retest. Mute toggles on headsets can block playback; flip them off and watch for LED indicators.
Refresh devices and permissions
Zoom needs microphone permission to run loopback tests. If the Test Speaker button does nothing, check OS mic permission and re-open Zoom. Restart Zoom after plugging in USB or HDMI audio so it repopulates the device list. If the list shows ghost devices, sign out and back in to clear cached audio paths. Update Zoom to the latest version if the Audio settings panel freezes or fails to save. On macOS, give Zoom microphone access even for speaker tests; without it some loopback paths stay muted.
Fix one-ear or channel issues
Center the balance in Windows or macOS Sound settings if only one side plays. Swap cables or earbuds to rule out a damaged channel. Disable mono or accessibility audio routing that forces single-channel output while you test. After changes, rerun both the DevicePrep Speaker Test and the Zoom test to confirm stereo is back.
Quick checklist
- DevicePrep speaker test plays left and right
- Zoom plays the test tone
- Correct output chosen in Zoom
- Volume slider above 70
- Permissions granted and devices refreshed
FAQs
Why does Zoom need mic permission for a speaker test?
Zoom routes a short loopback tone through the same audio engine as calls, which uses mic permission. Denying it can mute the test.
Zoom keeps switching outputs after a call. How do I stop that?
Pick a specific device instead of "Same as System" so Zoom does not follow OS changes.
Can I test from the browser?
Yes, but you must allow the site to use your mic and speakers in the browser permission prompt.
Why does the test tone sound distorted?
Distortion often means the headset volume or OS output is maxed. Lower the levels slightly and retest until the tone sounds clean.
Wrap up
When Zoom's test tone plays clearly and the DevicePrep Speaker Test hits both ears, join a short meeting to verify voices sound normal. Keep these tests handy before big calls so device switches never catch you by surprise.