To test your audio in Zoom, open the desktop app, click your profile picture, then Settings and the Audio tab, and use Test speaker and Test microphone. You can also click Test speaker and microphone when joining a meeting, or join Zoom's free test meeting at zoom.us/test to check everything before a call.
Nothing kills the start of a call like 'Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?'. Zoom gives you three ways to check your speaker and microphone before anyone else is listening, and a short list of fixes when something's wrong. Here's how to use each, and which one I'd pick before an important meeting.
Three ways to check your sound
| Method | Best for | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Audio settings test | Checking any time, with no meeting | Settings, Audio tab in the desktop app |
| Test when joining | A last check seconds before a call | Test speaker and microphone button on joining |
| Zoom test meeting | Checking audio, video and connection together | zoom.us/test |
Check from your Zoom settings
- Open the Zoom desktop app and sign in.
- Click your profile picture in the top-right corner, then Settings.
- Click the Audio tab.
- Under Speaker, click Test speaker. If you can't hear the tone, pick another speaker from the list or raise the volume.
- Under Microphone, click Test microphone. Speak, watch the Input volume bar move, then listen to the playback.
There's also an option to let Zoom adjust your microphone volume automatically. I'd leave it on unless you're using a specialist microphone and want full control.
Test as you join a meeting
If your Zoom isn't set to join computer audio automatically, you'll see Test speaker and microphone as you join. Zoom plays a ringtone; if you can't hear it, use the drop-down or click No, Try Another Speaker until you do. Then it records a few words and plays them back; if you hear nothing, click No, Try Another Microphone. When both work, click End test, then Join audio.
Join a Zoom test meeting
Zoom runs a test meeting you can join on your own at zoom.us/test. It walks you through checking your video, audio and microphone, then drops you into a meeting as a participant so you can get familiar with the controls. Zoom says it also lets you check your internet connection. If the desktop app isn't installed, you can download it from there or join from your browser. On a phone, visit the same address to test the mobile app.
Switch devices mid-meeting
Already in a call and the sound's wrong? Click the small arrow next to Mute / Unmute in the meeting controls and choose a different speaker or microphone. This is the quickest fix when your headphones connect after you've joined and Zoom keeps using the laptop speakers.
If the test fails
- Check the microphone cable is pushed fully into the right port, or unplug it and plug it back in if Zoom can't see it.
- For Bluetooth headphones, make sure they're switched on and connected to this device, not your phone.
- Look for a physical mute switch on your headset or microphone.
- Check you're not muted in Zoom. If you're muted and can't unmute, the host may have muted you on entry, so message them.
- Turn up your computer's own volume. Zoom can be set correctly while your device is muted.
- Check your computer's privacy settings allow apps to use the microphone.
When computer audio won't cooperate: dial in
Zoom points out there are two ways to join a meeting's audio: through your computer or by telephone. If you've run every check and your computer audio still won't behave, joining the audio by phone is a perfectly good fallback. You keep the video and screen share on your computer and talk through your phone. It's also handy on a weak connection, because a phone call doesn't depend on your internet in the same way.
Just remember to mute your computer's microphone and speakers if you do this, or you'll get echo and feedback the moment both are live.
A pre-call routine that works
Before any call that matters, I'd open Settings and run both tests five minutes beforehand, then join the test meeting if you've changed anything, such as a new headset or a new laptop. It takes less time than the awkward first minute of a call where nobody can hear you, and it means you start the meeting talking about the meeting.
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Better sound, not just working sound
A working microphone isn't the same as a good one. A headset or a USB microphone close to your mouth will sound far clearer than a laptop mic across the desk, and it helps Zoom's captions too. My guide to the best microphones for podcasting covers options that suit meetings just as well, and if you record your own voice notes, my guide to recording audio on an iPhone is a quick way to hear how you sound.
My verdict
Use Settings, Audio for a quick check any time, the join-screen test for a last-second check, and zoom.us/test before anything important or after changing equipment. If something fails, work through cables, Bluetooth, mute switches and volume before blaming Zoom.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my audio on Zoom?
In the desktop app, click your profile picture, then Settings and the Audio tab, and use Test speaker and Test microphone.
Is there a Zoom test meeting?
Yes. Zoom runs a test meeting at zoom.us/test where you can check audio, video and your connection.
How do I test my microphone before joining a Zoom meeting?
Click Test speaker and microphone on the join screen. Zoom plays a ringtone, then records and plays back your voice.
Why can't people hear me on Zoom?
Check you're not muted, your microphone is plugged in or connected, any physical mute switch is off, and your device allows microphone access.
How do I change my microphone during a Zoom meeting?
Click the arrow next to Mute / Unmute in the meeting controls and choose a different microphone or speaker.
