Zoom Audio Not Working? 8 Troubleshooting Tips

Get the meeting off to a good start

“Can you hear me?” is a common question in most, if not all videoconference calls.

If you use Zoom a lot for your virtual meetings, you’ve probably heard that question several times.

Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to hear what the speaker or other participants are saying during a Zoom call. Worse still is if it’s your turn to speak and no one can hear you.

There are several causes for Zoom audio issues, which range from software bugs andZoom microphone issuesto an outdated Zoom app andproblems with your headphonesor computer audio.

While you can’t avoid these and other audio problems on Zoom, there are some solutions you can try out when Zoomaudio is not working on your computeror mobile device.

What to Do When Zoom Audio Is Not Working

Whether you’rejoining a Zoom call on a computer or mobile device, try the basic tips below to fix your Zoom audio issues before moving on to more advanced solutions.

Your Zoom settings page is the first place to go when Zoom audio isn’t working.

Just before you join a Zoom call, you’ll get audio and video setting options for the meeting:Do not connect to audioandTurn off my video.

These settings allow you to join the Zoom call with your video and audio automatically enabled.

Try leaving the Zoom meeting and joining again, but this time leave the audio and video settings unchecked.

You can also hover your cursor over the Zoom call screen or tap the screen to reveal the mic icon and check if you’re muted. If you’re muted, and it’s your turn to speak, or you’re the speaker, tap or select the mic icon to unmute yourself.

If you still can’t hear any sound on Zoom, you can test your audio by performing aJoin Meeting test.

When you click on that link, it will take you to a test call on the Zoom app where you’ll find the following options:

You can select any or all these options to give Zoom authorization to use your microphone, and then check if the audio works again.

Sometimes the problem may not be Zoom but your computer or mobile device. Here are some troubleshooting steps to try.

Disconnect any audio device connected to your computer such as aBluetooth speakeror Bluetooth headsets. If so, disconnect Bluetooth and the Bluetooth audio device from your computer and check whether the audio works again.

Sometimes Zoom audio may fail to work because of pending updates on your computer. To resolve this problem, update your computer’s operating system and then check if the Zoom audio works again.

On a Mac, selectApple Menu>About this Mac>Software Updateand install any pending updates.

Restart your Zoom call by leaving the meeting and re-joining using the same Zoom credentials. If prompted about Microphone access, selectAllowto give Zoom authorizations to use your mic.

Sometimes the problem may not be with the Zoom app but with your computer or mobile device. You can start by checking the volume levels on your device or moving closer to your mic.

If none of these quick fixes resolve the issue, move to specific troubleshooting steps for your device as listed below.

If you have any Bluetooth speaker or headphones connected to the computer, disconnect the Bluetooth connection and check whether the audio works again.

You may have forgotten to update your PC or Mac with the latest software updates that usually contain security patches and bug fixes your device needs to work better. In this case, install any pending updates and then try using the audio on Zoom again.

Smartphone or Tablet

If you’ve confirmed that your internet connection, volume level, and microphone are working fine, and you’ve tried restarting your smartphone or tablet and the Zoom audio still won’t work, try the troubleshooting steps below.

Most people with audio issues on Zoom tend to miss the Join Audio option that helps them connect the sound.

Note: If the Join Audio option is missing, tap the menu in the bottom-right corner, select Disconnect Audio, leave the call, and rejoin after a few seconds.

You can also check whether Zoom has permission to use your phone or tablet’s microphone.

Note: You can also try joining Zoom by dialing into the meeting with your phone number and see if your audio will work. If you’re unable to join by dialing in, the host may have disabled that option or is on a plan that lacks the audio add-on.

Update Zoom

You can also update the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device to avoid any potential issues, including those related to Zoom audio.

If you’re using the Zoom app on your Android device, you can update using these steps.

For iOS devices, you can update the Zoom app through the App Store.

Reinstall Zoom

If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall Zoom on your computer or mobile device and then try using the audio during a Zoom call.

Manage Your Audio Struggles on Zoom

By now you should’ve managed to get back your audio on Zoom.

If you still can’t get any sound, try replacing your microphone with an external, high-quality microphone and set it up properly, or get a pair of good-quality headphones.

If you’re using an iPhone, check out our guide on the best microphones for iPhone.

Was this guide helpful? Tell us in a comment below.

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

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