Why Can't People Hear Me in Zoom, Discord, or Telegram? (Complete Guide)

Introduction

You're talking, but no one can hear you? 😕 The "people can't hear me" problem might be related to a disabled microphone, wrong input device, Windows settings, or the apps themselves. Let's walk through how to check everything step by step and restore audio in Zoom, Discord, and Telegram.

Quick Solution

  1. Check the physical microphone connection.
    If you have a headset, make sure the plug or USB is firmly inserted and not disconnected.
  2. Make sure the microphone is not muted in Windows.
    Press Win + I → System → Sound → select Input → check the signal level.
  3. Select the correct microphone in the application.
    Zoom, Discord, and Telegram often default to the wrong device.
  4. Test your microphone on DoCam.io.
    This will help you understand if the microphone works at all.

Detailed Guide

1. Check in Windows

Go to Start → Settings → System → Sound.
In the Input section, select your microphone and say something — the volume indicator should move.

If the indicator doesn't respond:

  • Check if the microphone is physically disabled (on the laptop body or headphones).
  • Make sure the Mute button is not active in the taskbar or application.

2. Check Windows Permissions

Go to Settings → Privacy → Microphone and enable microphone access for all applications. Without this, Zoom, Discord, and the browser won't be able to use the device.

3. Check in Zoom

1️⃣ Open Settings → Audio.
2️⃣ In the Microphone section, select the correct device (e.g., Realtek, USB Mic, or headset).
3️⃣ Click Test Microphone — Zoom will record and play back your voice.
4️⃣ Uncheck "Automatically adjust volume" if the sound is too quiet.

4. Check in Discord

1️⃣ Open User Settings → Voice & Video.
2️⃣ In the Input Device field, select your microphone.
3️⃣ Click Let's Check — you should see the level bars moving.

Tip: if people hear noise, enable Automatic Input Sensitivity.

5. Check in Telegram (Desktop Version)

1️⃣ Go to Settings → Devices → Microphone.
2️⃣ Select the correct device and say a few words — the indicator should move.

6. Update Audio Driver

1️⃣ Win + X → Device Manager → Audio inputs and audio outputs.
2️⃣ Right-click → Update driver or Uninstall → Restart PC.

Error 0xA00F4288 — Microphone not found
(Microphone not detected by the system)

7. Check in Browser

If you're using the web version of Zoom or Discord, make sure the site has microphone access.
To do this, click the 🔒 icon to the left of the address → select "Allow microphone".

Tips

  • Use one microphone — disable other virtual devices.
  • If sound "drops out" — reduce microphone sensitivity.
  • In headphones with a built-in microphone, make sure the headset input is selected, not the built-in one.
  • Test your microphone on DoCam.io before calls.

Conclusion

Congratulations! Now your microphone should work in all applications. Most "people can't hear me" cases are solved by checking the input device and Windows permissions.

Test your microphone before a call on DoCam.io.