How to Change Your Microphone, Speakers, and Camera in Microsoft Teams

Category: Microsoft 365
Applies to: Windows 10/11, macOS, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Web Browsers
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated Time: 3–5 minutes

Overview

Microsoft Teams allows you to select which microphone, speakers, headphones, and camera you use during meetings and calls. This is especially helpful when using an external webcam, USB headset, Bluetooth headphones, or multiple audio devices. This guide explains how to change your audio and video devices, test your microphone and speakers, and troubleshoot common device issues in Microsoft Teams.

Before You Begin:

  • Make sure Microsoft Teams is installed or accessible through a supported web browser.
  • Confirm that your microphone, speakers, headset, or camera are connected to your device.
  • If using a Bluetooth device, verify that it is paired and connected.
  • Make sure your device is not muted.
  • Have your headset or camera available before joining a meeting.

Note: Some device settings and features may vary depending on your operating system, Microsoft Teams version, and connected hardware.

Windows — Change Your Microphone, Speakers, and Camera

Step 1: Open Microsoft Teams Settings

  1. Open Microsoft Teams on your Windows computer.
  2. Click Settings and more (three dots) near your profile picture.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Click Devices.

The Devices page allows you to manage your audio and video equipment.

Step 2: Change Your Microphone

  1. Under Audio settings, locate Microphone.
  2. Click the dropdown menu.
  3. Select the microphone you want Microsoft Teams to use.
  4. Speak into your selected microphone to verify that it is receiving audio, if an input indicator is available.

Note: If you use a headset, make sure you select the headset’s microphone rather than your computer’s built-in microphone.

Step 3: Change Your Speakers or Headset

  1. Under Audio settings, locate Speaker.
  2. Click the dropdown menu.
  3. Select the speakers, headphones, or headset you want to use.
  4. Verify that your device’s volume is turned up.
  5. Make sure your speakers or headset are not muted.

Note: If you are using Bluetooth headphones, make sure they are connected to your computer before selecting them in Microsoft Teams.

Step 4: Change Your Camera

  1. Under Video settings, locate Camera.
  2. Click the dropdown menu.
  3. Select your preferred camera.
  4. Verify that your camera displays a video preview.
  5. Close Settings when finished.

Note: If your computer has a built-in webcam and an external webcam, you can choose which camera Microsoft Teams uses.

Important: If your camera has a physical privacy cover, make sure it is open before attempting to use the camera.

Step 5: Make a Test Call

Microsoft Teams includes a test call feature to help verify your microphone, speakers, and camera.

  1. Open Settings → Devices.
  2. Under Audio settings, locate Make a test call.
  3. Click Make a test call.
  4. Follow the instructions provided by the Microsoft Teams Test Call Bot.
  5. Speak a short message when prompted.
  6. Listen to the recording played back to you.
  7. Review the test results.

Note: The test call feature may not be available for every account or platform. It is currently supported in English and is not available in Teams on the Web.

Mac — Change Your Microphone, Speakers, and Camera

Step 1: Open Microsoft Teams Settings

  1. Open Microsoft Teams on your Mac.
  2. Click Settings and more (three dots).
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Click Devices.

Step 2: Select Your Microphone and Speakers

  1. Under Audio settings, locate Microphone.
  2. Select your preferred microphone from the dropdown menu.
  3. Locate Speaker.
  4. Select your preferred speakers or headphones.
  5. Verify that your selected devices are connected and powered on.

Note: If using Bluetooth headphones, make sure they are connected to your Mac and not actively connected to another device.

Step 3: Select Your Camera

  1. Under Video settings, locate Camera.
  2. Select your preferred camera.
  3. Verify that your video preview appears.
  4. Close Settings when finished.

Step 4: Allow Microphone and Camera Permissions

If Microsoft Teams cannot access your microphone or camera:

  1. Open System Settings on your Mac.
  2. Select Privacy & Security.
  3. Click Microphone.
  4. Make sure Microsoft Teams is allowed to access your microphone.
  5. Return to Privacy & Security.
  6. Click Camera.
  7. Make sure Microsoft Teams is allowed to access your camera.
  8. Close and reopen Microsoft Teams if necessary.

Important: Only allow microphone and camera access for applications you recognize and trust. If your organization restricts these settings, contact True Synergy Networks.

Windows or Mac — Change Devices During a Meeting

You can change your microphone, speakers, or camera without leaving an active Microsoft Teams meeting.

Step 1: Open Meeting Device Settings

  1. Join or start a Microsoft Teams meeting.
  2. Locate the meeting controls.
  3. Click the dropdown arrow next to the Mic or Camera button.
  4. Select the available audio or video settings.

Note: The exact appearance of these menus may vary depending on your Microsoft Teams version.

Step 2: Select Your Preferred Devices

  1. Locate the microphone or speaker selection menu.
  2. Choose the device you want to use.
  3. If changing your camera, open the camera selection options.
  4. Select your preferred camera.
  5. Verify that your selected devices are functioning.

Note: You do not need to leave and rejoin the meeting to switch between supported audio or video devices.

iPhone or iPad — Change Audio and Camera Settings

Step 1: Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting

  1. Open the Microsoft Teams application.
  2. Join or start a meeting.
  3. Tap the screen to display the meeting controls.

Step 2: Change Your Audio Output

  1. Locate the Speaker or audio output button in the meeting controls.
  2. Tap the button to display available audio options.
  3. Select your preferred audio device, such as your iPhone speaker, earpiece, or connected Bluetooth headphones.
  4. Verify that you can hear other participants.

Note: The available audio options depend on which devices are connected to your iPhone or iPad.

Step 3: Mute or Unmute Your Microphone

  1. Locate the Microphone button in the meeting controls.
  2. Tap the button to mute or unmute yourself.
  3. Verify that the microphone icon reflects your selected setting.

Note: iPhone and iPad generally use the active system audio input. Microsoft Teams may not offer the same independent microphone selection options available on Windows or Mac.

Step 4: Change Your Camera

  1. Locate the Camera button in the meeting controls.
  2. Tap the button to enable or disable your camera.
  3. If available, tap the Switch Camera button to change between the front-facing and rear-facing cameras.
  4. Verify that the correct camera is active.

Note: iOS may request permission for Microsoft Teams to access your camera or microphone.

Step 5: Check Microphone and Camera Permissions

  1. Open the Settings application on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Navigate to Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.
  3. Verify that Microsoft Teams is allowed to access your microphone.
  4. Return to Privacy & Security → Camera.
  5. Verify that Microsoft Teams is allowed to access your camera.
  6. Reopen Microsoft Teams.

Note: Depending on your iOS version, you may also be able to manage these permissions under Settings → Apps → Teams.

Android — Change Audio and Camera Settings

Step 1: Join a Microsoft Teams Meeting

  1. Open the Microsoft Teams application.
  2. Join or start a meeting.
  3. Tap the screen to display the meeting controls.

Step 2: Change Your Audio Output

  1. Locate the Speaker or audio output button.
  2. Tap the button to display available audio options.
  3. Select your preferred audio device, such as your phone’s speaker or connected Bluetooth headset.
  4. Verify that you can hear the meeting audio.

Note: Available audio options vary depending on your Android device and connected accessories.

Step 3: Mute or Unmute Your Microphone

  1. Locate the Microphone button in Microsoft Teams.
  2. Tap the button to mute or unmute yourself.
  3. Verify that the microphone icon reflects your selected setting.

Note: Android generally manages microphone input through the active audio device. Independent microphone selection may not be available within Microsoft Teams.

Step 4: Change Your Camera

  1. Locate the Camera button in the meeting controls.
  2. Tap the button to enable your camera.
  3. Select the Switch Camera option, if available.
  4. Choose between your front-facing and rear-facing cameras.
  5. Verify that your video is displaying correctly.

Step 5: Check Microphone and Camera Permissions

  1. Open Settings on your Android device.
  2. Navigate to Apps → Teams → Permissions.
  3. Select Microphone.
  4. Verify that microphone access is permitted while using the application.
  5. Return to Permissions.
  6. Select Camera.
  7. Verify that camera access is permitted.
  8. Reopen Microsoft Teams.

Note: The appearance and location of permission settings may vary depending on your Android device and operating system version.

Web Browser — Change Microphone, Speakers, and Camera

Step 1: Open Microsoft Teams Online

  1. Open a supported web browser, such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
  2. Visit https://teams.microsoft.com.
  3. Sign in using your Microsoft 365 work account.
  4. Join or start a meeting.

Step 2: Select Your Devices

  1. Before joining the meeting, review the available audio and video settings.
  2. Select the microphone you want to use.
  3. Select your preferred speakers or audio output, if the browser provides that option.
  4. Select your preferred camera.
  5. Verify that your devices are functioning.
  6. Click Join now.

Note: Some audio and video device options depend on your web browser and operating system.

Step 3: Allow Browser Permissions

If your browser asks for permission to access your microphone or camera:

  1. Review the permission request.
  2. Select Allow for your microphone if you intend to speak.
  3. Select Allow for your camera if you intend to use video.
  4. If permission was previously blocked, open your browser’s site permissions for Teams.
  5. Update the microphone or camera permission.
  6. Reload the Teams page if necessary.

Important: Only allow camera and microphone access on websites you recognize and trust.

Troubleshooting

Other Participants Cannot Hear Me

If other participants cannot hear your microphone:

  1. Verify that you are not muted in Microsoft Teams.
  2. Check whether your headset has a physical mute button.
  3. Open Settings → Devices on desktop.
  4. Confirm that the correct microphone is selected.
  5. Verify that your operating system allows Microsoft Teams to access your microphone.
  6. Disconnect and reconnect your microphone or headset if necessary.

If the issue continues, contact True Synergy Networks.

I Cannot Hear Other Participants

If you cannot hear other participants:

  1. Verify that your speakers or headphones are connected.
  2. Make sure your device’s volume is turned up.
  3. Confirm that your speakers or headset are not muted.
  4. Open Microsoft Teams device settings.
  5. Select the correct audio output device.
  6. If using Bluetooth headphones, disconnect and reconnect them.
  7. Try a test call if the feature is available.

Note: If only one participant cannot be heard, the issue may be related to that participant’s microphone rather than your speakers.

My Camera Is Not Working

If your camera is not displaying video:

  1. Verify that the camera is connected.
  2. Make sure any physical privacy cover is open.
  3. Confirm that the camera is enabled in Microsoft Teams.
  4. Open Settings → Devices on desktop and select the correct camera.
  5. Check your operating system’s camera permissions.
  6. Close other applications that may be using your camera.
  7. Restart Microsoft Teams if necessary.

If the camera is still unavailable, contact True Synergy Networks.

My Bluetooth Headset Is Not Appearing

If your Bluetooth headset does not appear in Microsoft Teams:

  1. Confirm that the headset is powered on.
  2. Verify that Bluetooth is enabled on your computer or mobile device.
  3. Make sure the headset is paired and connected.
  4. Check whether the headset is connected to another nearby device.
  5. Disconnect and reconnect the headset if necessary.
  6. Reopen Microsoft Teams.
  7. Select the headset from the available audio devices.

Note: Some Bluetooth headsets may appear as separate audio devices depending on their supported audio profiles.

People Can Hear an Echo During My Calls

If other participants hear an echo:

  1. Check whether your computer speakers are playing audio loudly.
  2. Lower your speaker volume.
  3. Consider using headphones or a headset.
  4. Make sure you are not connected to the same meeting on multiple devices with active audio.
  5. Confirm that the correct microphone and speakers are selected in Microsoft Teams.

Recommendation: A headset can help reduce echo and improve call clarity, particularly in shared workspaces.

I Cannot Change My Audio or Video Device

If your preferred device is missing or cannot be selected:

  1. Verify that the device is properly connected.
  2. Confirm that the device works outside Microsoft Teams.
  3. Close and reopen Microsoft Teams.
  4. Check whether your device requires permission from your operating system.
  5. Restart your computer or mobile device if necessary.

If the device still does not appear, contact True Synergy Networks.

Additional Information

  • Microsoft Teams supports built-in and external microphones, speakers, headsets, and cameras.
  • Desktop versions of Teams provide more advanced device selection options than mobile versions.
  • Many USB and Bluetooth headsets can be used with Microsoft Teams.
  • Some Teams accounts support a built-in test call feature.
  • You can change supported audio and video devices without leaving an active meeting.
  • Your operating system may require permission before Teams can access your microphone or camera.
  • Device settings may vary depending on your operating system, Microsoft Teams version, and hardware.

Security Reminder: Only grant microphone and camera permissions to applications you recognize and trust. Avoid installing unofficial drivers or software to bypass organizational device restrictions. If Microsoft Teams requests administrator approval or your organization restricts certain settings, contact True Synergy Networks for assistance.