Can't hear participants in a Team's call

Question

Participants can hear me, but I can't hear them and don't know where to look.

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your question. I understand how difficult it is when participants can hear you clearly but you cannot hear them, especially when you are unsure where to look to correct the problem. This typically happens when Teams is set to use the wrong output device, when the device’s audio permissions are turned off, or when Windows or your headset has selected a different output than the one Teams expects.

To resolve this, you can open the Teams device settings and confirm that the correct speaker or headset is selected, ensure the output volume is not muted, and check your Windows sound settings to make sure the device is set as the default output. If you are using an external headset, reconnecting it or switching between devices can refresh the audio path. Restarting Teams or updating the app can also help restore the proper audio routing, especially after system updates or device changes.

Before moving forward, may I ask whether you are using built‑in speakers, a wired headset, Bluetooth headphones, or an external monitor with speakers during your calls? I’m here to help you step by step, so please feel free to follow up with what device you are using and what you see in your Teams audio settings.”

 

I hope this helps.

 

Best Regards,

Noel

Answer 2

Check the speaker and sound settings in Windows and in Teams, as the issue is on the playback side if participants can hear the user but the user cannot hear them.

1. Verify Windows sound output device
   1. From Windows Start, search and select Sound settings.
   2. Go to System > Sound.
   3. Under Choose where to play sound, select the correct speakers/headset that should play the Teams audio.
   4. Next to Volume, make sure the device is not muted and the volume is turned up.
   5. If the speaker/headset does not appear, select Add device to pair or reconnect it.
2. Re‑enable the playback device if needed
   1. In Sound settings, go to Advanced > More sound settings.
   2. On the Playback tab, confirm the correct device is enabled and set as Default.
   3. If the device is disabled, right‑click it and select Enable.
3. Check Teams’ in‑meeting audio device
   1. In a Teams meeting, open More actions (…) > Audio settings.
   2. Under Speaker, make sure the same device selected in Windows is chosen.
   3. Adjust the volume slider there if available.
4. If using Remote Desktop
   1. From Windows Start, search and open Remote Desktop Connection on the local PC.
   2. Open the Local Resources tab.
   3. Under Remote audio, select Settings….
   4. Under Remote audio playback, select Play on this computer.
   5. Select OK and reconnect, then test the Teams call again.

If audio still does not play, run the Windows sound troubleshooter from Settings > System > Sound using the Fix sound or audio problems in Windows option referenced in the related documentation.

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References:

• My speaker isn't working in Microsoft Teams