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How to Reduce Background Noise on Video Calls

Tap a step to check it off in order.

  1. Turn on background noise suppression in your video app

    In Zoom, Teams, or similar apps, open the audio settings and set background noise suppression to "High" or "Auto."

  2. Use Windows' voice focus feature

    In Windows Sound settings, turn on microphone voice enhancement (sometimes labeled "Audio enhancements") to cut ambient noise.

  3. Use Voice Isolation on Mac

    During a call on a Mac, choose "Voice Isolation" as the microphone mode in Control Center so only your voice comes through clearly.

  4. Use a headset with a noise-cancelling mic

    A headset with a noise-cancelling microphone physically reduces noise that software settings alone cannot fully filter out.

  5. Test your mic before the call

    Use the app's mic test feature before a meeting starts to check how much background noise the other side will actually hear.

  6. Why it is worth doing

    When ambient noise is filtered out automatically, participants can focus on the speaker's voice, and meetings run more smoothly overall.

Combine software and hardware for the best results

App settings alone can cut a lot of noise, but in a busy environment with constant sounds like typing or nearby conversation, pairing them with a noise-cancelling headset makes a much bigger difference.

When background suppression is not enough

If noise is still getting through after adjusting settings, check your mic's physical position first β€” a mic that is too far from your mouth picks up more room noise no matter how aggressive the software filtering is. Closing windows, moving away from fans or vents, and muting when you are not speaking all help further, and are worth combining with the settings above rather than relying on any single fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning on background noise suppression make my voice sound unnatural?

If the suppression level is set too high, parts of your voice can get processed in a way that sounds slightly off, so it is worth doing a quick test call before an important meeting to check the strength feels right.

Do regular earbuds without noise cancellation help at all?

Even without dedicated noise-cancelling features, earbuds with a mic positioned close to your mouth can reduce some background noise, though not as effectively as a dedicated headset.