[Zoom] How to set the microphone and what to do if you can’t hear or receive the sound

This article explains how to make basic microphone settings, as well as possible causes and solutions when problems occur.

We also introduce the procedure for conducting a test meeting before Zoom (before joining), so let’s check the microphone settings so that the meeting can start smoothly.

How to set microphone on Zoom

First, let’s take a closer look at the features of the microphone function in Zoom and what to do if the microphone settings are not good.

Zoom basically does not require microphone settings

Normally, when using a call application, you have to set the microphone yourself.

On the other hand, Zoom has the feature of recognizing the built-in microphone or an external microphone and automatically making the optimal settings.

Therefore, with Zoom, you basically don’t need to make your own microphone settings.

This applies not only to computers, but also to smartphones and tablets, and in addition to microphones, speakers and headphones can also be automatically recognized.

If the microphone is not recognized

If the microphone or speaker does not respond or is not recognized even after starting Zoom, the following causes are possible.

• Wired mic: the cord is not properly connected
• Wired microphone: The inside of the cord is broken
• Wireless Microphone: Bluetooth is turned off
• Wireless mic: no power to the mic

For wired mics, first check to see if the cord is properly plugged into your device.

If the cord is connected but the microphone cannot be recognized, the cord may be broken.

Also, if you are using a wireless microphone, make sure that Bluetooth and the microphone itself are turned on.

It may be recognized correctly by restarting the power of the device once.

Cause and solution when the sound is not heard/delivered even though the microphone settings are set

If you can’t hear the other party’s voice or hear your own voice even though the microphone is recognized correctly, the cause may be something other than the microphone settings.

Next, let’s take a closer look at what causes and how to deal with microphone-related problems.

The microphone is turned off (muted)

If you can’t hear or hear the sound even though the microphone is set, it may be muted in Zoom.

If the microphone button displayed at the bottom of the screen during a meeting has a slash, it is muted, so follow the steps below to unmute it.

PC (Windows/Mac)

1. Move the cursor to the toolbar at the bottom of the screen
2. Click “Unmute” on the far left

You can return to the mute state by performing the same operation again.

You can also use the shortcuts below to toggle microphone settings.

Smartphone/Tablet (iOS/Android)

1. tap inside the screen
2. Tap “Unmute” from the toolbar displayed at the bottom of the screen

To return to the mute state again, tap “Mute” in the same way as above.

Your device’s speaker/mic is turned off

If the microphone settings are fine and unmuted, check the settings on the device itself.

PC (Windows) speaker setting method

1. Click the speaker icon on the taskbar
2. Drag slider to adjust volume

How to set the microphone on a PC (Windows)

1. Click the Windows button
2. Click “Settings”
3. Click “System”
4. Click “Sound”
5. Select any microphone from the “Input Device” drop-down list
6. If “Input device not found” is displayed, click “Manage sound devices” at the bottom
7. Select the microphone displayed in the input device field and click “Enable”

How to set the microphone on your smartphone (iPhone/iPad)

1. Tap the “Settings” icon
2. Tap “Zoom” from the application list at the bottom of the screen
3. Tap the “Microphone” switch to turn it on

If the connection is lost during a call

When using a wireless microphone, there are cases in which the connection is cut off during a call due to a dead battery, etc.

In this case, Zoom will automatically switch to the built-in microphone and speaker, so you will need to specify the microphone and speaker yourself when reconnecting. (It may switch automatically again.)

The operation procedure for reviewing the microphone and speaker selection on the Zoom side is as follows. (For PC)

1. Launch the Zoom app
2. Click “Settings (gear icon)” at the top right of the screen
3. Click “Audio”
4. Select the device for each microphone and speaker

When using Zoom, it is recommended to hold a test meeting in advance

It is recommended to hold a test meeting in advance to avoid microphone troubles after starting the Zoom meeting.

Finally, we will explain how to test the microphone and speaker connections using the Zoom desktop app.

Step 1. Visit the test web page

1. Start your browser and access the Zoom test meeting site (https://zoom.us/test)
2. Click “Join” in the middle of the page to start the test meeting
3. Click “Open Zoom Meeting” from the dialog displayed on the screen

*If the Zoom app is not installed, install the app first.

Step 2. Video footage test

1. The meeting screen of the Zoom app starts
2. Check the operation of the built-in camera or external webcam
3. If the camera is off, toggle it on in the menu at the bottom of the screen

Step 3. Speaker audio test

1. Confirm that you can hear the sound flowing from the Zoom app
2. If you can’t hear the sound, switch the speaker and adjust the output level

Step 4. Microphone connection test

1. Speak appropriately and confirm that the Zoom app is picking up the sound
2. After that, if it repeats normally, the microphone setting is completed.
3. If repeat playback is not performed, switch the microphone and adjust the input level
4. Click “Leave” when the test meeting is over

summary

• The Zoom app automatically sets the microphone, so basically you don’t need to set it yourself
• If you can not set the microphone, check the cord, Bluetooth connection, power supply of the microphone, etc.
• If you can’t hear or receive the sound even though the microphone is set, check the mute status of Zoom and the device.

Since Zoom focuses on voice communication, it is very important to check the microphone settings.

Be sure to conduct a test meeting before the start to prepare for microphone trouble.