How do I turn my audio on Zoom?

To turn on your audio in Zoom, you can either configure your default audio settings via the Zoom web portal or manage your audio directly when joining or participating in a live meeting. The process depends on whether you are setting up your preferences as a host or managing your sound as a participant.

Configuring Default Audio Settings in the Zoom Web Portal

For hosts, configuring default audio settings in the Zoom web portal allows you to pre-select the audio options available for your meetings, such as allowing participants to join via computer audio, telephone, or both. This setting defines the type of audio connection users can choose.

Steps to Enable Audio Type Options

To enable or change the default audio type settings for your Zoom account, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal. You can usually access this by visiting zoom.us and logging into your account.
2. From the navigation panel, select Settings. This panel is typically on the left side of the screen after you log in.
3. Click the Meeting tab. This tab groups various settings related to your meetings.
4. To enable Audio type, click the audio option that you want to use. You will typically find options such as:
   • Telephone: Allows participants to join the meeting audio by dialing in with a phone.
   • Computer Audio: Allows participants to join the meeting audio using their computer's microphone and speakers/headset.
   • Both: Gives participants the choice to use either telephone or computer audio. This is often the most flexible option.
   • 3rd Party Audio (if enabled): For specific integrations.
5. Click Save. Your changes will be applied to your future meetings.

Why Configure These Settings?

Setting your preferred audio type ensures that your meeting participants have the appropriate options to connect to the audio. For instance, if you anticipate participants without computer microphones, enabling "Telephone" audio is crucial.

Managing Your Audio During a Live Zoom Meeting

Beyond the default settings, "turning on your audio" most commonly refers to connecting your microphone and speakers when you join a meeting or unmuting yourself during an ongoing session.

Connecting Your Audio When Joining a Meeting

When you join a Zoom meeting, you'll typically be prompted to connect your audio:

• "Join Audio" or "Join with Computer Audio": Click this button to connect your device's microphone and speakers.
• "Call via Device Audio" (on mobile devices): Tap this option to use your phone's internet connection for audio.
• "Phone Call" or "Dial In": If telephone audio is enabled for the meeting, you can choose to dial a provided number and enter the meeting ID and participant ID to connect via phone.

Muting and Unmuting During a Meeting

Once connected, you can control your microphone during the meeting:

• Microphone Icon: In the meeting controls (usually at the bottom of the screen), click the Microphone icon (often labeled "Mute" or "Unmute") to toggle your microphone on or off. When a red line is through it, you are muted.
• Spacebar Shortcut: Press and hold the Spacebar key on your keyboard to temporarily unmute yourself (push-to-talk), releasing it to re-mute. This is a convenient way to speak briefly without constantly clicking the icon.

Troubleshooting Common Audio Issues

If you're having trouble with your audio, consider these quick checks:

By understanding both the web portal configuration and in-meeting controls, you can effectively manage your audio experience on Zoom.