Peripherals

Microphone picks up echo or feedback on calls

Echo and feedback are almost always caused by sound looping from speakers back into the microphone, not a broken mic. Switching to headphones usually eliminates it immediately.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5–15 minutes
DIY cost
$0–$40

Symptoms

  • You hear your own voice echoed back during calls
  • Others hear a loud high-pitched squeal
  • Echo happens only when speakers are used, not headphones
  • Multiple participants report hearing an echo of one specific person

Likely causes

  • CommonSpeaker audio being picked up by the microphoneWhen using speakers instead of headphones, the mic can pick up the call audio and send it back, creating an echo.
  • CommonMultiple devices in the same room joined to the same callTwo open microphones/speakers in the same room create feedback loops.
  • PossibleMicrophone volume or gain set too highAn overly sensitive mic picks up more ambient and speaker sound.
  • PossibleApp's echo cancellation disabled or malfunctioningMost call apps have built-in echo cancellation that can occasionally fail or be turned off.
  • Less commonHard, empty room causing sound reflectionRooms with lots of bare walls and no soft furnishings can create acoustic echo even with good equipment.

What to do

  1. Switch from speakers to headphones or a headset, which eliminates most echo immediately by keeping call audio out of the mic.
  2. If multiple people in the same room are on the same call, have all but one mute their microphone and speakers.
  3. Lower the microphone input volume/gain slightly in system or app sound settings.
  4. Check the app's audio settings for an echo cancellation or noise suppression option and make sure it's enabled.
  5. Move the microphone farther from the speakers if they must both be used.
  6. Restart the call app, since a settings glitch can occasionally disable echo cancellation.
  7. If echo persists even with headphones, test a different microphone to rule out a hardware issue.

Tools and parts

  • Headset or headphones
Headset with built-in micSearch: “USB headset with noise canceling mic”

When to call a pro

If switching to headphones doesn't stop the echo and it happens across multiple apps, have the microphone tested on another computer to rule out a hardware fault.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.