How to Test Your Microphone and Speakers in Microsoft Teams (Before or During a Meeting)

Audio issues are one of the most common problems during Microsoft Teams meetings. A muted microphone, wrong speaker selected, or low volume can easily derail a call—especially if you discover the issue after the meeting has already started.

Fortunately, Microsoft Teams offers multiple ways to test your microphone and speakers both before joining a meeting and during an active call. You can also verify your audio directly from Windows 11 system settings.

This guide walks you through every reliable method to test audio in Microsoft Teams, step by step.

How to Test Microphone and Speakers in Teams Before a Meeting

This is the easiest and most reliable way to make sure everything works before joining a call.

Steps to Make a Test Call in Microsoft Teams

1- Open Microsoft Teams

2- Click the three-dot menu (⋯) in the top-right corner

3- Select Settings

4- From the left panel, click Devices

5- On the right side, under Audio settings, click Make a test call

6- Before starting the test call, make sure:

• Your preferred microphone is selected
• Your correct speakers or headphones are selected

7- Follow the on-screen instructions. Once the test finishes, Teams will display a checkmark or X next to:

• Microphone
• Speaker
• Camera
• Network

This instantly tells you whether your setup is ready.

⚠️ Note: As of now, test calls are not available in the Microsoft Teams mobile app.

How to Test Sound and Microphone During a Teams Meeting

Already in a meeting and not sure your mic is working? You can test or switch audio devices without leaving the call.

Steps to Test Audio During a Meeting

1- While in a Teams meeting, click the More (⋯) button in the top call controls

2- Select Settings

3- Choose Device settings

4- Under Microphone, click the dropdown (chevron icon)

5- Select the microphone you want to test

6- Once selected, speak into the microphone. If it’s working, you’ll see a visual audio level indicator responding to your voice.

You can also:

• Switch speakers or headphones
• Adjust microphone and speaker volume in real time

This is useful if you plug in a new headset mid-meeting.

How to Make a Test Call in Teams Without Joining a Meeting

If you don’t want to start or join a meeting, Teams has a simple workaround using a self-chat.

Steps to Test Audio Using Self-Chat

1- Open Microsoft Teams

2- Click Chat on the left sidebar

3- Click New chat at the top

4- Enter your own name or email address

5- Open the chat and click the Record a video clip icon

You’ll be able to:

• See yourself
• Hear playback audio
• Confirm microphone input is working

6- Once done, close the self-chat and join your actual Teams meeting with confidence.

How to Test Audio Before a Teams Meeting Using Windows 11

If Teams isn’t detecting your microphone or speakers correctly, the issue may be at the system level. Testing audio directly in Windows 11 helps rule that out.

Test Speakers or Headphones in Windows 11

1- Press the Windows key, type Settings, and open it

2- Go to System

3- Click Sound

4- Under Output, select your preferred speaker or headphones

5- Adjust the output volume using the slider

6- Click the selected output device

7- Under Output settings, click Test

If you hear the test sound, your speakers or headphones are working correctly.

Test Microphone in Windows 11

1- In Settings > System > Sound

2- Scroll to the Input section

3- Select the microphone you want to use

4- Adjust the input volume

5- Click the selected microphone

6- Scroll down and click Start test

7- Speak into your microphone. If it’s working, you’ll see a blue bar moving as Windows detects your voice.

If your microphone isn’t detected:

• Check physical connections
• Try a different USB port
• Ensure microphone permissions are enabled

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I test my audio in Microsoft Teams?

It’s best to test your audio before important meetings, after Windows updates, or whenever you connect a new headset or microphone.

Can I test audio with other people in Teams?

There’s no dedicated group test feature, but you can start a quick Teams meeting with colleagues to confirm everyone’s audio works properly.

Final Thoughts

Testing your microphone and speakers in Microsoft Teams only takes a minute—and it can save you from awkward silences, missed conversations, and meeting delays. Whether you’re preparing ahead of time, troubleshooting during a call, or checking Windows 11 audio settings, these methods ensure your setup works when it matters.

A quick test before every meeting is a small habit that makes a big difference.