Tips for Troubleshooting Echo in Video Calls

One of the most surefire ways to stop a productive meeting in its tracks is the presence of an echo during a video call. It's a common problem that everyone has experienced at least once, though what many people might not know is that in the majority of cases, this microphone echo effect can be solved simply and quickly. Next time you're experiencing echo in video chat, try the troubleshooting tips in this guide.

Check your volume

When it comes to echo on calls, the number-one culprit is speakers or a headset that has the volume turned up too loud. Simply put, if a computer's volume is too high, the speakers will register the sounds it emits, creating a feedback loop that results in echo. If other callers are reporting an echo in video calls, try turning down your volume. If it's you experiencing the echo, try asking the other callers to turn down their volume.

Wear headphones

If there are multiple people speaking at different volumes, or if your computer's microphone is overly sensitive, you will need to wear headphones to prevent echoes. This can be an option worth considering if you are on frequent calls throughout the business day and want to eliminate extra noise creeping into your microphone.

Try the mute button

Some applications automatically mute anyone on the call who isn't speaking, though just to be safe, it could be a good idea to mute yourself any time you're just sitting and listening. You can also encourage other callers to do the same thing as it's not always easy to tell who may be causing an echo on the call.

Look for latency issues

One of the less common causes of echo in video calls is latency issues caused by devices with poor internet connectivity. More often than not, this will be a mobile phone, though if your office suffers from regular slow downs, it may be worth looking into upgrading your system. You can try this online tool to check your latency and encourage your coworkers to do the same.

Give a little breathing room

One factor that can cause a microphone echo effect is callers sitting in close proximity to one another. In these cases, you're likely to hear an echo even if your microphone isn't picking up the other voices in the room—once from across the room, and once on the recording.

Cut down the crowd

The reality of video calls is that the more callers you have on the line, the more likely you will experience any of the above problems. If you are experiencing an echo on video calls during your larger meetings, try cutting down the number of people on a call to three or four if possible.

Upgrade to hardware that won't produce an echo in video calls

When all else fails, it means that it is probably time to upgrade your equipment. Outdated or low-quality microphones are more likely to pick up ambient sound, creating echoes for you and everyone else on the call. Older computers or routers can also be the cause of latency issues, meaning that it is a good idea to check your entire network to get to the source of the problem.

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