Zoom does not recognize my audio as "Connected" while in a meeting, despite working normally in setup´s "Audio tests"

Forum|Forum|12 hours ago
May 2, 2026
3 replies
33 views

Hi everyone! Thx for taking the time to help.

So the thing is a few days ago I tried to use Zoom again after a few years, to give an online music lesson to a student of mine. After updating it to the lastest versión available, I connected my external soundcard (M Audio Air 192 - 4) and correctly adjusted zoom´s audio setup to work with it, selecting my device as both the audio input and output. After that, I tried the usual tests in Zoom setup, and everything seemed to be working just fine: my voice was going into the software and out through the speakers, so I could hear myself clearly.

Then, I proceded to Host a Meeting, but noticed a warning saying my Audio wasn´t connected. I tried everything, from rechecking the audio setup from Zoom´s config, to reinstalling it and changing every config on my Windows audio setup, but everything seems to be working normally except Zoom. I even tried Google Meet and encountered no problem with the audio inputs and outputs. It ocurred to me then that the problem might be my external soundcard, but when I disconnected it and tried to use my internal soundcard and built - in mic and speakers, the same thing happened. No trouble whatsoever in the setup, but “no audio connected” while hosting a meeting.

The other thing that caught my attention is that I don´t have the option to “Connect with computer audio”. While hosting a meeting, there´s no sound devices to choose from in the list. The only option I Am given when clicking “Connect Audio” is to pick a cellphone number to use the Audio from a phone.

The weird thing about this is that a I have used Zoom before in the same computer, but never had issues. If anyone has had a similar problem, or has any idea on how to fix this, I´d be very grateful! Other software don´t have the same optimization for Hi FI audio as Zoom, and I need it for my online Lessons. I´d really appreciate any help!!

My specs are:

Toshiba Satellite L845, Intel Core i5 3210m, 8GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 4000

Windows 10

Audio drivers up to date

External Soundcard M Audio Air 192 - 4

Audio

Lilly Rowling

Newcomer

Hey there! Sorry you're dealing with this frustrating Zoom audio glitch — tests work perfectly in setup, but it refuses to connect your audio once you're actually in a meeting. I've seen this pop up a lot (especially after updates or with external soundcards like your M-Audio). Before Zoom Experts arrive let’s try these things and try get it sorted step by step.

Quick Things to Try First

In the meeting, look for the Join Audio button at the bottom left (not just the little arrow). Click it and pick "Join with Computer Audio" if you see it.
Fully close Zoom (check Task Manager and end all Zoom processes), unplug your soundcard if you're using one, restart your computer, then try again.
Quick test: Join Zoom's official test meeting at https://zoom.us/test.

Check Your Zoom Settings

Open Zoom and click the gear icon (Settings) → go to Audio.
Make sure your mic and speakers are selected correctly (M-Audio or built-in).
Run the Test Mic and Test Speaker again.
Uncheck "Automatically adjust microphone volume" — this fixes a surprising number of issues.
Click Advanced and set Echo Cancellation and Background Noise to Auto. Also try turning off "Original sound for musicians" if it's on.

Windows Side of Things (Often the Real Culprit)

Go to Windows Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone and make sure Zoom has permission.
In Sound settings (right-click the speaker icon), set your device as default and disable any audio enhancements.
Under the device's Advanced properties, uncheck the box that says "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device."

If It's Still Not Working

Uninstall Zoom completely, download the latest version fresh from the official site, and reinstall.
Update or reinstall your audio drivers through Device Manager.
Try using your laptop's built-in mic/speakers without the external soundcard to narrow it down.

Most people get this fixed with the permissions, settings tweak, or fresh install. If it's still acting up, reply with your exact Zoom version, any error messages you see, or a quick screenshot of your audio settings — I'll help dig deeper.

P

Patrick WAuthor

Newcomer

Hi! Thanks for the answer. I have already tried everything that you said before, but nothing seems to work. When I joined the test meeting, I was able to test my audio settings, but the meeting closed itself before I could click “Join audio”. When I try to host a meeting I still get the same error. I´ll send screenshots attached with this message of my settings and the error I see!