How to Microsoft Teams Audio: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why You’re Missing Calls: Understanding Microsoft Teams Audio Routing

Have you ever missed an important Microsoft Teams call because you took your headset off for a moment, only to realize later that your computer was completely silent? It’s a frustratingly common problem. You expect to hear the ring through your main computer speakers, but Teams has other ideas, silently routing the alert only to the headset that’s now sitting on your desk. This guide will solve that for you, for good.

We’ll walk you through the exact steps for how to make Microsoft Teams ring through speakers, whether you want it to ring only on your speakers or on both your speakers and your headset simultaneously. I’ve personally configured this for dozens of users and have perfected the process to eliminate silent, missed calls.

Key Takeaways: The 60-Second Fix

• Access Device Settings: In Microsoft Teams, click the three dots (…) next to your profile picture, then go to Settings > Devices.
• Set Primary Speakers: Under the Audio devices section, look for the Speaker dropdown menu. Select your desktop or external speakers from this list.
• Use the Secondary Ringer: For the best of both worlds, set your headset as the primary Audio device and then use the Secondary ringer dropdown to select your computer speakers. This makes calls ring in both places at once.
• Check OS Settings: Ensure your computer’s sound output settings in Windows or macOS aren’t conflicting with your Teams configuration.
• Test Your Setup: Always use the Make a test call feature in Teams to confirm your new settings are working correctly before you have a live call.

The Core Solution: How to Make Microsoft Teams Ring Through Speakers

The most reliable method to control where your incoming calls ring is by using the built-in Microsoft Teams audio settings. The key is understanding the difference between your primary audio device and the Secondary ringer.

As a consultant, this is the first place I check when a client complains about missed calls. Nine times out of ten, the fix is right here in these settings.

Step 1: Navigate to Your Teams Device Settings

First, you need to get to the right menu. The user interface for both the “New” Teams and “Classic” Teams is very similar for this process.

1. Open the Microsoft Teams desktop application.
2. Click the three dots (···) located next to your profile icon in the top-right corner of the window.
3. From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
4. In the Settings panel on the left, click on Devices.

This Devices screen is your command center for all audio and video hardware connected to Teams.

Step 2: Configure Your Main Speaker Output

Here, you’ll tell Teams which device should handle the primary sound output, including the ringing for incoming calls.

• Under the Audio devices section, you will see dropdown menus for Speaker and Microphone.
• Click on the Speaker dropdown menu.
• You will see a list of all audio output devices your computer recognizes. This could include your monitor’s built-in speakers, external USB speakers, or your PC’s default sound card.
• Select the speakers you want the ring to come from. For example, choose “Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)” for your computer’s built-in speakers.

After selecting your speakers, I strongly recommend clicking the Make a test call button. Teams will launch a test call with a bot that plays music and records your voice to confirm everything is working as expected. You should hear the ringing and the music through the speakers you just selected.

Step 3: How to Make Teams Ring Through Speakers and Headset (The Best Method)

What if you want the call audio to go to your headset but the ringtone to play on both your headset and your computer speakers? This is the ideal setup to ensure you never miss a call. This is where the Secondary ringer comes in.

The Secondary ringer is a brilliant feature designed specifically for this scenario.

1. In the same Devices settings menu, first set your primary Audio device to your preferred headset (e.g., Jabra Evolve 20). This ensures that when you answer a call, the sound will be in your headset.
2. Now, look for the setting labeled Secondary ringer.
3. Click the dropdown menu next to it.
4. Select your computer speakers (e.g., Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)) from the list.

With this configuration, an incoming call will ring loudly through your computer speakers and simultaneously ring in your headset. When you answer, the audio is seamlessly handled by your headset. This is the setup we use across our entire organization.

Adjusting System-Level Settings for Windows and macOS

Sometimes, Microsoft Teams settings alone aren’t enough. Your computer’s operating system has its own audio preferences that can override or conflict with the app. Let’s ensure they are aligned.

For Windows 10 & 11 Users

Windows has a concept of a “Default Communication Device” which Teams often tries to use automatically. Manually setting this can solve many issues.

1. Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar (bottom-right of your screen).
2. Select Sound settings.
3. In the settings window, scroll down and click on More sound settings or Sound Control Panel.
4. A new window will open. Click on the Playback tab.
5. You will see a list of your playback devices. Find your computer speakers, right-click on them, and select Set as Default Device.
6. Next, find your headset, right-click on it, and select Set as Default Communication Device.

This tells Windows to use your speakers for general sounds but your headset specifically for communication apps like Teams. This configuration works perfectly with the Secondary ringer setting inside Teams.

For macOS Users

macOS handles audio a bit more simply, but it’s still crucial to check.

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).
3. Click on Sound.
4. Select the Output tab.
5. Choose the device you want to be your primary sound output. To ensure you hear the Teams ringer, you can select your MacBook Pro Speakers or external speakers here.

After setting this, go back into your Teams device settings and confirm they match your desired setup (e.g., using the Secondary ringer).

Comparing Different Teams Ringer Configurations

To help you decide on the best setup for your needs, here is a breakdown of the common audio configurations I’ve implemented for clients.

| **Primary