How do you reduce background noise on Zoom calls?

2 2. Use a headset or microphone

Another way to reduce background noise on Zoom calls is to use a headset or microphone instead of relying on your computer's built-in speakers and microphone. A headset or microphone can isolate your voice from the ambient noise and deliver it more clearly and loudly to your Zoom call. It can also prevent feedback and echo, which can occur when your speakers and microphone pick up each other's sound. Choose a headset or microphone that has a noise-canceling feature, which can filter out unwanted sounds and enhance your voice quality.

3 3. Adjust your audio settings

Zoom has some audio settings that can help you reduce background noise on Zoom calls. To access them, click on the arrow next to the mute button and select Audio Settings. Here, you can test and adjust your speaker and microphone volume, as well as enable some features that can improve your audio quality. For example, you can check the box that says Automatically adjust microphone volume, which can adjust your microphone level based on the input sound. You can also check the box that says Suppress background noise, which can reduce the low-level noise from your microphone. You can choose from low, medium, high, or auto levels of suppression, depending on your preference and situation.

4 4. Use the mute button

One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce background noise on Zoom calls is to use the mute button. When you are not speaking, you can mute yourself to prevent any unwanted sounds from your side from reaching your Zoom call. This can also help you avoid interrupting or talking over other participants, as well as save bandwidth and battery. You can unmute yourself when you want to speak, or use the spacebar as a push-to-talk button. You can also ask other participants to mute themselves when they are not speaking, or use the host controls to mute all or individual participants.

5 5. Use keyboard shortcuts

Another way to reduce background noise on Zoom calls is to use keyboard shortcuts to quickly and easily control your audio settings. Keyboard shortcuts can save you time and hassle, as well as prevent you from clicking on the wrong buttons or menus. For example, you can use Alt+A to mute or unmute yourself, Alt+M to mute or unmute everyone as the host, Alt+S to start or stop sharing your screen, and Alt+V to start or stop your video. You can also customize your keyboard shortcuts in the Zoom settings, or view the full list of keyboard shortcuts by pressing Alt+/.

6 6. Use a third-party app

If none of the above tips work for you, or if you want to enhance your audio quality even further, you can use a third-party app to reduce background noise on Zoom calls. There are some apps that can connect to Zoom and use artificial intelligence or machine learning to filter out background noise and optimize your voice. For example, Krisp is an app that can mute background noise from both your side and the other side of the call, as well as boost your voice and volume. You can download and install Krisp on your computer, and then select it as your speaker and microphone in the Zoom audio settings.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?