Zoom Audio Issues

Echo when on a Zoom call

Sometime during Zoom calls, depending on the user’s connection and equipment, an echo can be heard caused by any one participant (or several). Of course, making sure there is nothing new that changed on your device, and that maybe you have quite your application, and re-entered the Zoom call—here are a few other tips:

Tip 1: Use Headphones (or not)

  • Best fix. Anything plugged in that goes directly to ears keeps the mic from picking up the call audio.

  • Wired or Bluetooth, doesn’t matter. Just don’t use laptop or phone speakers alone.

  • Reciprocally, you may be using a new microphone— try un-plugging that.

Tip 2: Turn Down Speaker Volume

  • If headphones aren’t available, lower your device’s volume a lot.

  • Echo happens when your mic picks up the sound from your speakers.

Tip 3: Check Your Mic Placement

  • Don’t speak into the laptop speaker.

  • Keep your mic close to your mouth, away from speakers.

  • If using a headset mic, make sure it’s positioned properly.

Tip 4: Zoom Audio Settings

  • Click the ^ next to the microphone icon → Audio Settings.

  • Set Suppress Background Noise to Auto or High.

  • Turn off “Original Sound” (unless you’re a musician).

  • Make sure the correct microphone is selected (sometimes the wrong one picks up extra noise).

Tip 5: Mute When Not Speaking

  • Classic Zoom etiquette. Muting keeps echoes from bouncing around.

  • Everyone should do this if more than one person might be on speakers without headphones.

Tip 6: Move Devices Away from Each Other

  • Avoid having two laptops or tablets in the same room on the call.

  • Echo loves bouncing between nearby devices.

Tip 7: Update Zoom / Restart Device

  • Bugs happen. A quick restart or Zoom update can magically fix echo issues.

Tip 8: Try Phone vs. Computer

  • If the person is on a computer, trying the Zoom app on their phone with headphones can solve it.

  • Or vice versa—sometimes switching devices avoids weird echo loops.

Tip 9: Use Echo-Cancelling Hardware (Optional)

  • If echoes keep happening, some microphones have built-in echo cancellation.

  • Usually not needed unless this person is a frequent Zoom speaker.

Tip 9: Consider if you are on a strong internet connection.

  • Weaker connections can affect sound.

Tip 10: Be sure you have only one single browser page open.

  • Multiple Zoom pages being open can create an echo.

Tip 11: Often new phones, tablets, computers “multi-connect” to one another.

  • For example, you join a Zoom call, and your new phone may simultaneously joined as well— which may cause an echo as well.

Consider this; I personally have unplugged my microphone, and used my computer‚ OR plugged in a microphone, and it affects the echo. Perhaps also trying to connect with a different computer or device.

The bottom line is trying to discover what changed on your computer or device(s) you use. What is different than last time?