MS Teams - sound input and output device mismatch

Jean Kim 0 Reputation points
2026-09-01T09:24:03.55+00:00

Hi

My input (microphone) is set as 7 Soundwire but my output (speaker) is set as 6 Realtek - which means the counterpart can hear me but I cannot hear them. I need this urgent fix, I have tried multiple routes in the setting/ sound place but couldn't find alternate output or input to match. Can you please help.

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

    2026-09-01T09:24:24.08+00:00

    In Teams, set the speaker and microphone separately. They do not need to “match,” but the speaker must be changed from the current device so audio plays to a working output device.

    1. In Teams, select Settings and more > Settings > Devices.
    2. Under Audio > Audio settings:
      • Set Speaker to the device that should play sound, such as Realtek speakers or headphones.
      • Set Microphone to the device that should capture voice.
    3. Select Make a test call. Record a short message and listen to the playback. If playback works, the selected speaker is correct.
    4. If the correct speaker does not appear in the Speaker dropdown:
      • If it is Bluetooth, make sure it is charged and reconnect it.
      • If it is wired, unplug it and plug it back in, then check Teams again.

    If Teams still shows the wrong output or no usable speaker, check Windows sound output:

    Windows 11

    1. Right-click the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
    2. Select the arrow next to the volume slider to open Select a sound output.
    3. Choose the correct output device.
    4. Open More mixer settings and make sure the device is not muted.
    5. Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
    6. Under Advanced > More sound settings > Playback, select the speaker device > Properties.
    7. Confirm Device usage is set to Use this device (enable).

    If no output device is available in Windows

    1. Open Device Manager.
    2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
    3. If the audio device is listed, right-click it and select Enable device if available.
    4. If it is not listed, select View > Show hidden devices, then Action > Scan for hardware changes.
    5. If still missing, install the latest audio driver from the PC or sound card manufacturer, then restart the PC.

    Also check basic hardware items:

    • Make sure speakers or headphones are connected correctly.
    • Try a different USB port if using USB audio.
    • Unplug headphones if speakers are expected to play sound.
    • Make sure device and app volume are not muted.

    For Teams specifically, installing the latest Teams version and the latest Windows update is recommended.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Kristen Tran 1,520 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-01T09:51:23.0866667+00:00

    Hi Jean,

    Based on the information you've shared, the AI response already outlines the most common troubleshooting steps for this type of audio device issue in Microsoft Teams. I recommend trying those suggestions first, as they often resolve problems related to incorrect speaker or microphone selection.

    If the issue persists, please also try the following:

    • Open Windows Settings and navigate to System > Sound.
    • Under Choose where to play sound, select the speaker or headset you want to use.
    • Confirm that the device is not muted and that the volume is turned up.
    • If you are using a wired device, disconnect and reconnect it. If it is a Bluetooth device, make sure it is charged and not currently connected to another device.
    • Fully close Microsoft Teams, reopen it, and then review Settings > Devices to verify that the correct speaker and microphone are selected.

    As a temporary workaround for urgent meetings, you can select Phone audio from the Teams pre-join screen. This allows you to use your phone for both microphone and speaker audio while continuing to participate in the meeting from your computer.

    For additional guidance, please refer to Microsoft's documentation : Manage audio settings in Microsoft Teams meetings | Microsoft Support

    User's image

    If your speaker works normally in other Windows applications but still does not appear or produce sound in Teams after completing the steps above, I recommend reaching out to your IT administrator. They can verify the device configuration, audio drivers, and any organizational policies that may affect available audio devices in Teams.

    Should the issue remain unresolved, your IT administrator can also engage Microsoft Support for further investigation. Guidance on how to create a support request can be found here: Get support - Microsoft 365 admin. 

    If you are unsure who your IT administrator is, you can refer to this official Microsoft guide for assistance: How do I find my Microsoft 365 admin? - Microsoft Support

    I hope this information helps. Please let me know the results after trying these steps, and I will be happy to assist further if needed.

    Warm regards.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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