Microphone muted by default on incoming/outgoing calls when using a headset

Max Macus 0 Reputation points
2026-10-28T02:54:33.5133333+00:00

I am experiencing a persistent audio issue during calls in Microsoft Teams when using a headset.

Whenever I join an incoming call or start an outgoing call, my microphone is completely silent to the other party, even though the microphone icon in the Teams app shows as ON (unmuted).

To make my microphone active so the other person can hear me, I have to manually toggle the microphone button: first switch it to OFF, and then back to ON. Only after doing this workaround does the microphone start working properly.

Could you please advise on what might be causing this behavior and how to permanently fix it?

Thank you for your support.

Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams for business | Meetings and calls | Audio and video
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-28T02:54:56.06+00:00

    This behavior usually points to a headset mute state, device selection issue, or microphone access problem where Teams shows the mic as unmuted but the audio input is not actually flowing until the device is reinitialized by toggling mute.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Check for a physical headset mute state
      • If the headset has a mute button or flip-to-mute boom, make sure it is not muted.
      • Some headsets can mute at the hardware level even when Teams shows the microphone as on.
    2. Confirm the correct audio source before joining
      • In the Teams pre-join screen, make sure Computer audio is selected.
      • If another source such as Phone audio, Room audio, or Don’t use audio is selected, the computer headset mic will not be the active input.
    3. Verify the microphone is selected in Windows as the active input device
      • On Windows 11: go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
      • Under Input, select the headset microphone in Choose a device for speaking or recording.
      • Test it from the device properties page with Start test and confirm recorded audio plays back correctly.
      • On Windows 10: go to Start > Settings > System > Sound and confirm the headset mic is selected under Choose your input device.
    4. Check microphone permissions in Windows
      • On Windows 11: go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone.
      • Turn on Microphone access.
      • Turn on Let apps access your microphone.
      • Turn on Let desktop apps access your microphone.
      • If Teams cannot access the microphone consistently, calls can start with no outgoing audio.
    5. If using Teams on the web, allow device access in the browser session
      • In Teams on the web, open More options > App permissions and turn on the relevant device access.
      • If prompted, allow microphone access and then refresh the app.
    6. Reconnect or reselect the headset microphone
      • Unplug and reconnect the headset, or switch to another microphone and then back to the headset microphone.
      • This matches the documented guidance for cases where audio starts working only after the input path is reinitialized.
    7. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter
      • On Windows 11: go to Settings > System > Sound and use the troubleshooting options under Advanced.
      • On Windows 10: go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters and run Recording Audio.
    8. Update Teams and the operating system
      • Make sure Teams is on the latest version.
      • Install the latest Windows update or macOS update.

    If the issue happens only with one specific headset, the most likely cause is the headset’s hardware mute behavior or how Windows is exposing that microphone to Teams at call start. If it happens with multiple headsets, focus on Windows microphone permissions, the selected input device, and Teams audio source selection.

    References:

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  2. Elena-VH 2,450 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-28T03:14:33.6733333+00:00

    Dear Max Macus,

    From your description, Teams appears to show the microphone as unmuted, but the audio stream from the headset microphone does not become active until you manually toggle the mute button off and back on.

    To help narrow down the cause, could you please provide a bit more information?

    • What headset model are you using (for example, Jabra Evolve, Poly Voyager, Logitech Zone, etc.)?
    • Does the issue occur with all calls, including both Teams-to-Teams calls and scheduled meetings?
    • If you switch to your laptop's built-in microphone, does the problem still occur?
    • Does the problem occur when using the Teams desktop app, Teams web app, or both?
    • Does the issue occur only on one device, or have you tested with another computer?
    • Are other users in your organization experiencing the same behavior?

    In the meantime, please try the following troubleshooting steps:

    Step 1: In Teams > Settings > Devices, verify that the correct headset microphone is selected as the audio input device.

    Step 2: Disable and re-enable the headset in Teams device settings.

    Step 3: Make a test call from Teams > Settings > Devices > Make a test call and check whether the microphone is detected immediately.

    Step 4: Check whether the headset manufacturer provides a firmware update (for example, through Jabra Direct, Poly Lens, or Logi Tune). Make sure that you have updated the audio drivers and USB drivers from your computer manufacturer's support website.

    Step 5: If your headset is connected through a USB dongle, try a different USB port.

    Step 6: Sign out of Teams completely and clear the Teams cache, then sign back in. For reference: Clear the Teams client cache

    Note: Please understand that, as this is a public community forum, no one here has access to your organization's environment, Teams configuration, or device management settings.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions or are stuck on any steps, please feel free to reach out. I'm looking forward to your update.

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