Zoom has emerged as a premier software tool, gaining immense popularity recently.
However, as we all know – it’s critical that we can hear what is being said when we are using the Zoom app, otherwise, there is very little point in using it, to begin with!
If you can’t hear on Zoom, the usual reasons are either your speakers are muted, their microphone is muted, or through your settings.
Of course, though, it’s not always that simple. This guide will help you to understand what is going on with Zoom audio settings and why you might not be able to hear on Zoom.
Key Takeaways
- Most Zoom audio issues can be resolved with simple adjustments.
- This guide solves common problems, enabling clear audio on your calls.
- Step-by-step troubleshooting to identify what causes the issue.
- Clear instructions for technical and non-technical users.
- Covers all potential culprits from hardware to software.
Zoom Audio Not Working – Troubleshooting Guide
| # | Issue | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your Speakers | Check the audio output settings, test speaker settings in your Zoom window, and ensure they are not muted. Access settings via the control panel if the speaker icon isn’t visible. |
| 2 | Their Microphone | Ask the other participant to check their microphone settings. They should ensure the mic isn’t muted, test with different microphones, or use a built-in computer microphone. Consider background noise. |
| 3 | Zoom Settings | Ensure Zoom has permission to use your computer’s audio and video. If denied access, click the microphone icon in Zoom and select “use computer audio”. Also, check the quality of the internet connection. |
| 4 | App Settings | If using the Zoom app, ensure it’s updated. For Apple products, check if Zoom has access to the device’s microphone and speakers in the settings. |
| 5 | Damaged Device | Test audio on other platforms like YouTube to determine if your device is functioning correctly. Consider using a different device for Zoom calls. |
| 6 | Connected Speakers | If using secondary speakers via Bluetooth or aux, check their specific settings and make adjustments similar to the solutions in point 1. |
Many Zoom users may encounter the frustrating issue of being unable to hear anything during their meetings or video calls. This problem can arise for various reasons, such as audio settings, hardware issues, or network connectivity problems.
If you are experiencing this problem and wondering, “Why can’t I hear anything on Zoom,” there are a few troubleshooting tips you can try to resolve the issue.
- Popular video conferencing service.
- Supports virtual meetings, webinars, and collaborative work.
- Provides both free and premium plans.
Why can’t I hear anything on Zoom?
If you can’t hear anything on Zoom, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try. First, make sure your audio settings are configured correctly and unmuted. If the issue persists, check your device’s audio settings and ensure that Zoom has permission to access your microphone and speakers.
Additionally, try testing your audio with a different application to determine if the problem lies with Zoom or your device.
#1 Your Speakers
One of the most frequent reasons for poor audio quality and why you won’t be able to hear anything on Zoom meetings is because of your speakers.
Generally speaking, the audio output area is where you should look first before you do anything else.
You need to test your speaker settings on your computer on your Zoom window and make sure that they are not muted. You will usually find the audio settings in your computer’s control panel.
If you are using your computer’s speakers and you are not using a secondary speaker system (such as headphones, Bluetooth speakers, or jack-connected speakers), then you should examine the settings.
On the bottom right-hand side of your computer screen, you should see a small speaker icon. Click the drop-down menu, then click the Test Speaker button. From here, you can assess if you have your volume turned up and not set to mute.
If you have set this to mute, toggle this off and turn up the volume to the desired volume. If your volume is right the way down, set the volume slider to a louder setting.
If you do not see this speaker icon, there are other ways you can change this.
Depending on the age of your computer, you may need to access the settings through your computer’s control panel.
All you must do is click on the start button or the Windows key.
This is usually in the bottom left-hand corner of your computer screen. Select this and then search for your computer’s control panel.
If you do not initially see this on your drop-down selections, you may be able to utilize the search bar function at the bottom.
Once you have accessed your control panel, look for the section that contains “speakers,” and you should be able to make changes as applicable.
#2 Their Microphone
The second thing to check before you go and make further checks and changes is to ask the person you are speaking to via Zoom client to check their microphone settings
This is under the assumption you are just in a one-to-one Zoom meeting.
One common issue that users may face during their Zoom meetings is when the zoom audio is not working, making it impossible for them to hear anything.
A microphone test will determine if the person’s microphone might be set to mute. If this is the case, you won’t be able to hear anything.
All they will need to do is to check if their microphone is muted, or if they are using the correct microphone. If it is, they will need to toggle the settings on (also see, ‘How To Make Your Mic Louder‘).
On top of this, even if their microphone is unmuted, they may still be having trouble getting their sound through to you.
This could be due to either a faulty microphone or the microphone is not compatible with the software or firmware.
ALSO SEE: Why Is My Mic Not Working
Background noise can also be an issue. If the person is in a noisy environment, the microphone may not pick up their voice clearly if at all (also see, ‘How to Reduce Background Noise On Mic‘).
In this case, they will need to move to an area with less noise or make use of headphones with a built-in mic.
The best way to check for this is for the person to use several different microphones, or if possible, using their computer’s default microphone.
#3 Zoom Settings
When a meeting begins, you should see a prompt from Zoom asking you to use your computer’s audio settings, as well as video.
You have to allow Zoom to use your microphone, even if you plan to mute yours during the meeting.
If you deny Zoom access to your microphone, you will not be able to hear anything else in the meeting.
ALSO SEE: What are the Engagement Tools in Zoom?
If you have not selected this setting, simply click the little microphone icon at the bottom of the Zoom screen and select “use computer audio”.
Wifi or cellular data connection can also be an issue with audio. A slow or weak connection could lead to choppy audio and potential disconnects.
So if the person you are speaking to is having any issues, they should make sure they have a strong connection before attempting to join the meeting again.
#4 App Settings
If you are using Zoom through an app, for example, on your iPad, you may need to check the settings for several potential problems.
The first thing to do before anything else is check if the app needs an update. If it does, perform an app update before you continue.
If this has not solved the problem, then it is time to check your Zoom settings.
Using Apple products, you need to access settings and then scroll down until you see the Zoom app. Click on this and look if Zoom has access to your device’s microphone and speakers.
If it does not, once again, Zoom will not play any sound. You must ensure this setting is toggled on – even if you do not plan to speak during these meetings.
#5 Damaged Device
A less likely, but still possible, reason for Zoom being silent is that your device could be damaged.
To check for this, access something like YouTube and check if you can hear these videos.
- Popular video conferencing service.
- Supports virtual meetings, webinars, and collaborative work.
- Provides both free and premium plans.
If you can, then you can safely assume your device is not damaged – and vice versa. You could also try using a secondary device for Zoom to assess if your primary device is damaged or not.
#6 Connected Speakers
You may have secondary connected speakers through Bluetooth or through an aux cable.
If you do, you must check their specific settings and ensure they are correct. Once again, go through the same process as point number 1.
However, as your connected speakers are secondary to your default speakers, they may have different settings.
Check these as normal and toggle any muted speakers back on so you can hear sound.
My Experience with Troubleshooting Zoom Audio
In my extensive use of Zoom for online meetings, I’ve faced and overcome many audio issues. One particularly telling moment was when participants couldn’t hear the speaker during a crucial webinar.
The solution was as simple as rerouting the speaker’s audio output away from an unnoticed Bluetooth device. This quick fix, learned from hands-on experience, has equipped me to identify and resolve such audio mishaps swiftly, ensuring smooth communication in countless virtual gatherings.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Immediate Resolution | 🧩 Occasional Complexity |
| The satisfaction of quickly resolving audio issues is immense, especially when a fix is simple. | Some audio problems can be complex, requiring a deep dive into settings or hardware diagnostics. |
| 🔍 Enhanced Zoom Proficiency | ⚙️ Interruptions to Workflow |
| Troubleshooting audio problems will make you more adept at using Zoom. | Audio issues can disrupt meetings and workflow. |
| 📅 Better Meeting Preparedness | 💻📱 Inconsistent User Interfaces |
| Regular audio checks before meetings will ensure you are prepared. | The difference in settings interfaces across devices can be confusing. |
| 💡 Knowledge Sharing | 🔧 Hardware Dependencies |
| Solving these problems will allow you to assist colleagues with their audio issues. | At times, resolving an issue is impossible when it’s due to outdated or faulty hardware. |
Tips for Enhancing Zoom Audio Performance
- Background Noise: If you’re in a noisy environment, use Zoom’s built-in noise-cancellation feature
- Audio Quality: Adjust the audio quality settings in Zoom to prioritize audio over video quality.
- Wired Connection: If possible, use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
- USB Headset: Consider using a USB headset with a built-in microphone for better audio quality
- Avoid Simultaneous Apps: Running multiple apps simultaneously can conflict with Zoom’s audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I quickly test my audio before joining a Zoom meeting?
Zoom offers a feature that allows you to test your audio before joining. Click on ‘Settings,’ then ‘Audio,’ followed by ‘Test Speaker’ and ‘Test Microphone’ to ensure everything works correctly. This can prevent many common audio issues before they occur during a meeting.
What can cause Zoom sound not working suddenly during a call?
Sudden audio loss can be due to a temporary glitch in the software or an issue with your device’s audio drivers. Try leaving and rejoining the call or restarting Zoom. If the problem persists, check for updates for your audio drivers or Zoom application.
How do I ensure my external microphone/speaker is set up correctly for Zoom?
Connect your external microphone or speaker to your computer. Then go to Zoom’s ‘Settings,’ choose ‘Audio,’ and select the appropriate device from the ‘Microphone’ and ‘Speaker’ dropdown menus. Conduct a test to confirm they’re working.
Can Zoom no audio issue be caused by an antivirus or firewall settings?
Yes, in some cases, antivirus or firewall settings can interfere with Zoom’s audio. Check your software settings to ensure Zoom is not being blocked or restricted. You may need to add Zoom as an exception in your antivirus or firewall program.
What should I do if I experience feedback or noise during a Zoom call?
Feedback can often be caused by having multiple devices with microphones close to each other. Ensure that only one device’s microphone is in use near your speaker. Consider using a noise-cancellation feature or moving to a quieter space if noise is an issue.
The Bottom Line
If you encounter a situation where Zoom has no audio, consider these troubleshooting techniques. There could be various causes for Zoom not picking up sound.
However, before panicking about a broken device – check the basics first and ask the person you are in a meeting with to do the same.
