How to Unmute on Microsoft Teams?

Last Updated: Feb 16, 2024 by

Microsoft Teams has become an essential tool for remote work and virtual meetings. However, with so many features and options, it can be easy to get lost and encounter technical difficulties. One common issue that many users face is being unable to unmute themselves during a meeting. In this article, we will discuss how to unmute on Microsoft Teams and provide some helpful tips to make your virtual meetings run smoothly.

Understanding the Mute Feature

Before we dive into how to unmute on Microsoft Teams, it’s important to understand the mute feature. When you join a meeting, your microphone is automatically muted to prevent background noise and interruptions. This is indicated by a red microphone icon with a line through it. To speak, you must unmute yourself by clicking on the microphone icon or using the shortcut key “Ctrl + Shift + M”.

Check Your Audio Settings

If you are unable to unmute yourself, the first thing you should do is check your audio settings. Click on the three dots in the bottom right corner of the meeting screen and select “Device settings”. Make sure your microphone is selected as the default device and that the volume is turned up. If you are using an external microphone, make sure it is properly connected and selected as the default device.

Use the “Raise Hand” Feature

If you are still unable to unmute yourself, you can use the “Raise Hand” feature to let the meeting host know that you have something to say. This feature is located in the meeting controls at the bottom of the screen. Simply click on the hand icon and the host will be notified that you have a question or comment. They can then unmute you or give you permission to speak.

Clear Microsoft Teams Cache

Sometimes, technical issues can be resolved by clearing the cache on Microsoft Teams. To do this, close the Teams application and open the “Run” dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R. Type in “%appdata%\Microsoft\Teams” and press enter. This will open the Teams folder. Delete all the files and folders in this folder and restart the application. This will clear the cache and may resolve any issues you were experiencing.

Funny Microsoft Teams Backgrounds

If you’re looking to add some humor to your virtual meetings, you can use funny Microsoft Teams backgrounds. These can be found by clicking on the three dots in the bottom right corner of the meeting screen and selecting “Show background effects”. From there, you can choose from a variety of backgrounds, including funny ones like a tropical beach or outer space.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you should now be able to unmute yourself on Microsoft Teams and have a successful virtual meeting. Remember to check your audio settings, use the “Raise Hand” feature, and clear the Teams cache if necessary. And for some added fun, try out the funny Microsoft Teams backgrounds. Happy meeting!

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.