AirPods Not Working on Teams Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

Are your AirPods refusing to cooperate with Microsoft Teams on your Windows 11 machine? You’re not alone. This is a common issue, and thankfully, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. This guide will walk you through the most effective solutions to get your AirPods working seamlessly with Teams.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why AirPods might not be working correctly with Teams. Several factors can contribute to this issue:

  • Bluetooth Connectivity Problems: Interference, outdated drivers, or pairing issues can prevent proper communication between your AirPods and your computer.
  • Incorrect Audio Settings: Teams might be using the wrong audio input or output device. You need to ensure Teams is configured to use your AirPods for both microphone and speaker.
  • Outdated Drivers: Older Bluetooth or audio drivers can cause compatibility issues.
  • Teams App Glitches: Sometimes, the Teams app itself might be experiencing glitches or require an update.
  • AirPods Firmware: An outdated AirPods firmware can sometimes lead to problems.

Troubleshooting Steps: Getting Your AirPods to Work with Teams

Here’s a comprehensive list of solutions, starting with the simplest:

1. Basic Checks and Restart

  • Ensure AirPods are Paired: Verify that your AirPods are properly paired with your Windows 11 computer via Bluetooth.
  • Restart Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off and then back on, both on your computer and, if possible, on the AirPods themselves (by placing them in the case and closing the lid for a few seconds).
  • Restart Teams: Close the Teams app completely and reopen it. This can often resolve minor glitches.
  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can fix many underlying issues.

2. Check Audio Settings in Teams

  • Open Teams Settings: Click your profile picture in Teams and select “Settings.”
  • Go to Devices: In the Settings menu, navigate to “Devices.”
  • Select AirPods: Under “Audio devices,” make sure your AirPods are selected as both the Speaker and the Microphone.
  • Adjust Volume Levels: Ensure the volume levels for both the speaker and microphone are appropriately set.

3. Update Bluetooth and Audio Drivers

Outdated drivers are a common cause of audio issues. Here’s how to update them:

  • Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  • Expand Bluetooth: Find “Bluetooth” and expand the category.
  • Update Bluetooth Driver: Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select “Update driver.”
  • Search Automatically: Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will attempt to find and install the latest driver.
  • Update Audio Drivers: In Device Manager, expand “Audio inputs and outputs.” Right-click your AirPods and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
  • Restart Your Computer: After updating the drivers, restart your computer to apply the changes.

4. Set AirPods as Default Audio Device

Sometimes, Windows might not be using your AirPods as the default audio device. You can change this in the Sound settings:

  • Open Sound Settings: Right-click the speaker icon in the system tray (lower-right corner) and select “Open Sound settings.”
  • Choose AirPods as Output: In the “Output” section, select your AirPods from the dropdown menu.
  • Choose AirPods as Input: In the “Input” section, select your AirPods from the dropdown menu.
  • Disable Other Devices (Optional): If you have multiple audio devices, consider disabling the ones you’re not using to avoid conflicts.

5. Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix Bluetooth problems:

  • Open Settings: Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  • Go to Troubleshoot: Navigate to “System” > “Troubleshoot” > “Other troubleshooters.”
  • Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter: Find “Bluetooth” in the list and click “Run.”
  • Follow Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

6. Check AirPods Firmware

Although less common, an outdated AirPods firmware can sometimes cause issues. Unfortunately, there’s no manual way to update AirPods firmware. The update process is automatic and happens in the background when your AirPods are connected to an Apple device (iPhone or iPad) with an active internet connection. Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad and that the device is connected to Wi-Fi. The update will typically install automatically.

7. Re-pair Your AirPods

If none of the above steps work, try unpairing and re-pairing your AirPods:

  • Unpair AirPods: Go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth” on your Windows 11 computer. Find your AirPods in the list of paired devices and click “Remove device.”
  • Put AirPods in Pairing Mode: Place your AirPods in their charging case, open the lid, and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
  • Pair AirPods Again: Go back to “Settings” > “Bluetooth” on your computer. Your AirPods should appear in the list of available devices. Click “Pair” to reconnect them.

8. Update Microsoft Teams

Make sure you are running the latest version of Microsoft Teams. Outdated versions can sometimes have compatibility issues.

  • Check for Updates: Within the Teams app, click your profile picture, then click “Check for updates.”
  • Install Updates: If an update is available, Teams will download and install it automatically. You may need to restart Teams after the update is complete.

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of your AirPods not working on Teams in Windows 11. Remember to go through the steps systematically, starting with the simplest solutions first. If you’re still experiencing problems after trying all these steps, consider contacting Microsoft support or Apple support for further assistance.