HOW TO FIX A NOT WORKING MICROPHONE IN ZOOM

Recently, when many people are forced to work and study remotely , Zoom video conferencing software has gained unprecedented popularity. Not everyone has yet learned how to use it, so from time to time there are questions about how to fix this or that problem. In this article, we’ll tell you what to do if your microphone isn’t working.

Reasons for malfunction

If the microphone is not working on Zoom when you join a meeting , this could be due to:

1. You forgot to enable it (in Zuma, this must be done separately, since it is intended for different formats: both joint discussions and lectures).
2. The computer does not see the removable microphone as a connected device.
3. For some reason, the microphone on your phone or laptop does not function: it has broken down, liquid has entered, contacts are unsoldered, etc.
4. The conference organizer has prohibited the use of audio equipment by other participants.
5. You have configured Windows privacy so that programs cannot access the webcam and sound conductors.

How to turn on the microphone on your phone

Let’s start with how to turn on the microphone in the Android application:

1. Follow the link inviting you to the conference.
2. The phone (if this is your first time entering Zoom) will warn you that the application needs access to some resources – provide it.
3. Click the Call Using Device Sound button.
4. Now notice the microphone icon in the left corner. It should not be crossed out. If, nevertheless, it is crossed by a red line, click on it.
5. At this point, a notification may appear that the conference organizer has forbidden you to use your audio equipment. If the format of the conversation does not imply this, write to the interlocutor in the chat to adjust the settings. After that, you will automatically turn on the sound.
6. Sometimes the application offers to turn off the microphone in the background – do not agree, because then it will not work even when needed. But if you have already done this, go to the program settings and move the slider after the inscription “Always mute my microphone” to deactivate the function.

Also check that the speakers and microphone are working properly using some other application – perhaps the problem is purely technical, and you need to rush to the repair shop.

How to turn on the microphone on a laptop

Now let’s fix the problem on a laptop or PC:

1. First, check if there is sound in another program (for example, in Skype).
2. Follow the link to the conference in Zoom, turn on the microphone at the bottom left, as described in the previous section.
3. If you have two microphones, portable and built-in, select the one you want to use from the list.
4. Click the arrow next to the icon and select Audio Options.
5. Click on “Test Computer Mic & Speakers” so you can check if you can hear you and choose the right equipment.
6. If the computer does not recognize the connected microphone at all, inspect it for physical damage. Open Computer, right-click and expand Device Manager. Find the one you need in the list and update the drivers through the right click.
7. You can also completely remove the microphone from the Manager, and then install it again.
8. Press Win + I, open “Privacy”, click “Microphone”, allow applications through the appropriate option to access the sound equipment.
9. The same must be done in the antivirus settings if it also monitors the camera and microphone.
10. Check and install updates for Windows, especially if you have disabled automatic mode. This can take a long time.
11. And, conversely, if the microphone worked but stopped after the update, you need to roll back the OS to its previous state. Click “Start” – “Control Panel” – “System and Security” – “System” – “System Protection” – “Restore” – “Next”, specify the date and time when the computer was functioning correctly.
12. Reinstall Zoom .

How to mute the microphone

Often the opposite action is required: mute the sound so as not to interfere with the lecturer and not to interfere. In this case, you need to do the following:

1. Enter the conference without turning on the microphone from the beginning.
2. Click on the icon at the bottom left and select the appropriate state so that a red line appears, crossing the icon.
3. There is a small pointer next to this icon, click on it, select “Audio Options” and go to “Settings”. Check the appropriate boxes next to the functions.
4. If you do not have a program, and you join the broadcast in the web version of Zuma, then click on the lock shown in front of the domain. Open the “Site Settings” section, find the “Microphone” subsection. Opposite it there will be a line with status options – stop at “Block”. In the same way, you can turn off the webcam.