Fixes Can’t Hear Anyone on Zoom

If you can’t hear anyone on Zoom, the fix is almost always in one of three places: the audio output device, the Zoom speaker settings, or the computer’s system volume. Start by checking the speaker icon in the bottom-left corner of the Zoom window—if it shows a slash, click it to unmute. Then, in the same menu, click the arrow next to the speaker icon and verify the correct output device is selected (not a Bluetooth headset that’s off, for example). This solves the majority of cases.

Why Zoom Audio Stops Working

Zoom routes audio through your operating system, so the problem is rarely inside Zoom itself. The most common causes are:

Wrong output device selected — Zoom remembers the last device used, so if you plugged in headphones after joining, it may still send sound to the old speaker.
System volume muted or at zero — The OS-level volume overrides Zoom’s internal volume.
Bluetooth device connected but not active — A paired headset that’s powered off can appear as the default device, and sound goes nowhere.
App-specific volume muted — Windows and macOS let you mute individual apps in the volume mixer, which is easy to hit by accident.
Zoom’s own volume slider turned down — In the audio settings, the speaker volume slider may be at zero.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Unmute in Zoom — Click the speaker icon in the bottom-left of the meeting window. If it has a red slash, that’s mute.
Check the output device — Click the arrow next to the speaker icon, then pick a different device from the list. Try “Same as System” if available.
Raise system volume — Use your keyboard’s volume keys or the taskbar/menu bar volume icon. Make sure it’s not at zero.
Test speakers in Zoom — Go to Settings (gear icon) → Audio → click Test Speaker. You should hear a chime. If not, the problem is with the device itself, not Zoom.
Restart the audio device — Unplug and replug USB headphones, or turn Bluetooth off and on.

Checking Windows Volume Mixer

Windows has a per-app volume control that’s separate from the master volume. To check it:

Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray and select Open Volume Mixer.
Look for the Zoom entry in the list of apps.
Make sure the slider is above zero and the speaker icon under Zoom isn’t muted.

This is a common culprit because the mixer can mute Zoom while other apps stay audible. The same principle applies on macOS: open System Settings → Sound → Output and check the volume, though macOS doesn’t have a per-app mixer in the same way.

Zoom Audio Settings Deep Dive

Open Zoom’s settings by clicking the gear icon, then go to the Audio tab. Here you’ll see:

Speaker — The output device. Choose the one you’re actually using.
Volume slider — This is Zoom’s own volume, independent of the system. Drag it to the right.
Test Speaker — Plays a chime to confirm the device works.
Suppress background noise — This doesn’t affect output, but if you’re having trouble hearing others, it’s not the cause.

Also check the Meeting tab (in older versions) or the audio options during a call: click the arrow next to the microphone icon and select Audio Settings to jump straight there.

Bluetooth and External Speaker Issues

Bluetooth is a frequent source of audio problems. A headset may show as connected in Windows but be in a low-power state. If you’re using Bluetooth:

Turn the device off and on again.
Forget the device in system Bluetooth settings, then pair it again.
Make sure the device is not simultaneously connected to your phone — many headsets only allow one active connection.

For external speakers, check the physical power and volume knob. A speaker that’s on but at zero volume will produce no sound, and Zoom will still list it as an available device.

When the Problem Is on the Other End

If you can hear the test chime in Zoom settings but not the meeting participants, the issue might be with the host or other attendees. Ask someone to unmute, or check if the meeting is muted by the host. Zoom also has a “Mute All” feature for hosts, which can silence everyone. In large meetings, participants may be muted by default. If you’re the host, you can unmute individuals or the whole group from the participant panel.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If none of the above works, try these steps in order:

Restart Zoom completely — Close the app from the system tray (right-click the icon and select Quit) and reopen it.
Restart your computer — This resets all audio drivers and services.
Update audio drivers — On Windows, go to Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers, right-click your audio device, and select Update driver. On macOS, check for system updates.
Reinstall Zoom — Uninstall, download the latest version from the official site, and install fresh.
Check if other apps have sound — Play a YouTube video. If that’s silent too, the problem is system-wide, not Zoom-specific.

If other apps have sound but Zoom doesn’t, the issue is almost certainly the per-app volume or device selection inside Zoom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I see everyone but hear nothing on Zoom?

This usually means the video is working but the audio output is misconfigured. Check the speaker icon in the meeting controls and the output device. If you’re using a laptop, the built-in speakers may be disabled in the OS, or a previously connected device is still selected.

How do I unmute Zoom if the icon is not showing?

The speaker icon appears in the bottom-left of the meeting window. If it’s not visible, move your mouse to make the controls appear. If the meeting is full-screen, press Esc to exit full-screen. The icon is always there during a call.

Why can I hear the Zoom test tone but not people?

If the test tone plays, the output device works. The issue is then with the incoming audio stream. Check if the host has muted participants, or if you’re in a webinar where attendees are muted by default. Also verify that the meeting isn’t using a separate audio device for calls (like a phone).

Does Zoom have its own volume control?

Yes, in the Audio settings there’s a speaker volume slider. It’s separate from the system volume. If it’s at zero, you’ll hear nothing even if the system is loud. Drag it to the right and test again.

Why does Zoom audio work in meetings but not in the settings test?

This is unusual but can happen if the test uses a different device than the meeting. Go to Audio settings, select the correct device, and run the test again. If the test fails but the meeting works, you may have a device conflict that only appears in certain modes.

Can a VPN cause Zoom audio problems?

Rarely, but yes. A VPN can interfere with the real-time audio stream, causing choppy or missing sound. Try disconnecting the VPN and joining the meeting again. If that fixes it, the VPN is the issue — you may need to configure split tunneling or contact your VPN provider.

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