How to Fix Zoom or Teams Audio Echo During Calls

Echo during Zoom or Teams calls happens when your microphone picks up sound from your speakers, creating a feedback loop. To fix this quickly, use headphones, mute yourself when not speaking, and lower your speaker volume. If the echo continues, adjust audio settings in the apps and check your device setup.

Why am I hearing an echo during my Zoom or Teams call?

Echo occurs when your microphone picks up audio from your speakers and sends it back into the call, creating a loop. This often happens if your speakers are too loud, or your microphone is sensitive and close to the speakers. Using multiple devices logged into the same call in one room—like a laptop and phone—can also cause echo because both pick up and play the same sound. Faulty headsets or loose connections may contribute as well. Sometimes network delays or software glitches in Zoom or Teams can worsen echo, but hardware and setup issues are usually the main causes.

How do I know if the echo is coming from my setup or someone else’s?

Mute your microphone and ask if the echo stops. If it does, the echo likely comes from your setup. You can also leave the call briefly and rejoin; if the echo disappears when you leave, the problem is on your end. Trying a different device or location can help isolate the cause. Listen to the echo’s timing: if it repeats your voice immediately, it’s probably your device; if it sounds delayed or different, another participant’s setup may be causing it.

What quick checks can I do to fix echo right now?

1. Mute your microphone when not speaking to avoid feedback.

2. Switch from speakers to headphones or earbuds to prevent sound looping into your mic.

3. Lower your speaker volume.

4. Avoid joining the same call on multiple devices in the same room.

5. Position your microphone away from your speakers and avoid using built-in laptop microphones if possible.

These quick steps often fix echo without changing app settings.

How do I adjust Zoom and Teams settings to reduce echo?

Both apps have echo cancellation features you can configure.

In Zoom:

1. Open Zoom and go to Settings > Audio.
2. Set "Suppress background noise" to Auto or High.
3. Enable "Echo cancellation" if the option appears.
4. Under Microphone, turn off "Enable Original Sound" so Zoom handles noise and echo suppression.
5. If echo persists, try selecting different microphone and speaker devices.

In Teams:

1. Open Teams, click your profile picture, then Settings > Devices.
2. Choose your preferred microphone and speaker, preferably headphones.
3. Teams manages echo cancellation automatically, but you can toggle "Noise suppression" settings if needed.
4. Explicitly select your external headset rather than using the default "Computer audio".

If echo continues, disable any third-party audio enhancement software that might interfere with these apps’ echo cancellation.

How can I verify the echo issue is resolved?

Use the test call features in Zoom or Teams after making changes.

In Zoom:

• Go to Settings > Audio and click "Test Mic" and "Test Speaker".
• Or start a test meeting by clicking "New Meeting" and ask a colleague to listen.

In Teams:

• Go to Settings > Devices and click "Make a test call".

During these tests, listen carefully for echo or feedback and ask others if they hear echo from your side. If no echo appears, the issue is resolved. If it persists, try other fixes or different hardware.

How do I prevent echo from happening in future calls?

Always use headphones or earbuds, especially in quiet environments. Keep your microphone away from speakers and keep speaker volume at a comfortable but moderate level. Avoid joining calls from multiple devices in the same room. Update Zoom and Teams regularly to get the latest audio improvements. Disable any operating system audio effects that might interfere with echo cancellation. Before meetings, use test calls to check your audio. And remember to mute yourself when not speaking to reduce background noise and echoes.

Are there differences in echo troubleshooting between Zoom and Teams I should know?

Both apps include echo cancellation but differ in settings and user control. Zoom offers the "Suppress background noise" setting and an "Enable Original Sound" toggle that affect echo handling, which Teams doesn’t have. Teams relies more on automatic echo cancellation and noise suppression with fewer user options. Device selection is more critical in Teams, and its test call feature is simpler to use. Knowing these differences helps you focus on the right settings in each app.

When should I contact support or IT for help with echo issues?

If you’ve tried all common fixes—using headphones, adjusting volume, changing settings, and testing calls—but echo persists, contact support or IT. Hardware problems like faulty microphones or headsets may require replacement. Software bugs, compatibility issues with your operating system or audio drivers, or persistent echo in only one app can also need professional help. If echo regularly disrupts your work, IT may provide better equipment or network solutions.

Applicability

These steps apply to Zoom and Microsoft Teams across their recent desktop and mobile versions. No administrator privileges are needed for most fixes. Restarting the app or device may help but is not required initially. Before starting, check that your audio devices are properly connected and not muted by default.

Conclusion

Begin by using headphones and muting yourself when not speaking. Adjust audio settings in Zoom or Teams and use their test call features to confirm the echo is gone. Keep your devices updated and avoid using multiple devices for the same call in one room. If echo remains after these steps, contact support or IT to check for hardware or deeper software issues.