Other person hears an echo of themselves during calls with headphones

Symptoms

• Caller says they hear their own voice echoed back
• Echo is worse on speakerphone combined with headphones
• Echo appears only on certain video call apps
• Echo happens on calls but not on music playback

Likely causes

• CommonBoth the headphones and the phone/computer speaker are outputting audio simultaneouslyIf system audio isn't fully routed to headphones only, the mic can pick up the speaker's output and echo it back.
• CommonApp's echo cancellation setting disabled or malfunctioningVideo call apps rely on software echo cancellation which can fail or need to be toggled.
• PossibleMultiple devices connected to the same call (e.g., laptop and phone in the same room)If two devices both have live mics and speakers in the same call, this causes echo regardless of headphones.
• PossibleBluetooth headset latency confusing echo cancellation algorithmsBluetooth audio delay can throw off software timing used to cancel echo.
• Less commonMicrophone gain set too high, picking up more ambient/speaker soundExcessive mic sensitivity can pick up more environmental audio than intended.

What to do

1. Confirm all audio (both call audio and app sound) is routed to the headphones, not the device's built-in speaker.
2. Check the call app's audio settings for an echo cancellation toggle and ensure it's enabled.
3. If joining the same call from multiple devices in one room, mute or leave the audio on all but one device.
4. Lower the microphone input volume/gain slightly in your device's sound settings.
5. Try a wired connection to the headphones during calls to rule out Bluetooth latency issues.
6. Test with a different call app to see if the echo is app-specific.

When to call a pro

If echo persists despite confirming single-device audio routing and enabled echo cancellation across multiple apps, contact the headset manufacturer's support.

Safety