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Microsoft Teams not connecting to AirPods

Bobby Schaeffer 0 Reputation points
2026-03-12T18:20:50.83+00:00

My AirPods have a crackling/static sound when I connect to a live Microsoft Teams call. I downloaded new drivers, installed new software, deleted and redownloaded the app, disconnected the headphones, etc. and nothing seems to work. It appears that there is a bug that may need to be fixed.

Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams for business | Meetings and calls | Audio and video

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-12T18:21:08.55+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    Crackling or static with AirPods in Microsoft Teams is usually caused by how the audio device is selected or by Bluetooth/audio processing on the OS, not by a Teams bug. Use these steps to isolate and fix it.

    1. Verify Teams is using the correct AirPods device
      • In Teams, select Settings and more (⋯) > Settings > Devices.
      • Under Audio > Audio settings, make sure the AirPods are selected in the Speaker dropdown.
      • If the AirPods don’t appear, put them back in the case, open the lid, and re-pair them to the PC, then check again.
      • Select Make a test call and listen for crackling. If the test call is clear, the issue is likely with the specific meeting or network, not the device.
    2. Check during a live meeting
      • In the meeting window, select the dropdown arrow next to Mic.
      • Select More actions > Audio settings.
      • Under Speaker, confirm the AirPods are selected and not muted.
      • If the AirPods are missing from the list, disconnect and reconnect them, then reselect them in Teams.
    3. Check Windows sound settings (if using Windows)
      • From Start, search and select Sound settings.
      • Go to System > Sound.
      • Under Choose where to play sound, select the AirPods as the output device.
      • Next to Volume, make sure they are unmuted.
      • If the AirPods do not appear, select Add device and pair them again.
    4. Fix Bluetooth audio quality issues on Windows
      • If the AirPods are connected but audio quality is poor or crackling:
        • Open Device Manager > Bluetooth.
        • Right‑click the Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software, then restart the PC if prompted.
        • Ensure Windows is fully updated: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates.
        • If the issue persists, restart the PC (this can clear temporary Bluetooth/audio stack issues).
    5. Fix audio processing issues on macOS (if using a Mac)
      • Teams audio on macOS can be affected if the coreaudiod process is not working correctly, causing poor or inconsistent sound.
      • If administrator access is available:
        1. Open Terminal.
        2. Run: 
                  sudo killall coreaudiod
        3. Enter the administrator password. The process restarts automatically.
      • If administrator access is not available, restart the Mac from the Apple menu.
      • After restart, reconnect the AirPods and test again in Teams.
    6. General checks
      • Ensure the latest version of Teams and the latest Windows or macOS updates are installed.
      • If other Bluetooth devices are connected, temporarily disconnect them to avoid interference and test only with the AirPods.

    If crackling occurs only in Teams but not in other apps after these steps, use Make a test call in Teams to capture when it happens and share details (OS, Teams version, Bluetooth adapter model) with support for further investigation.

    References:

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