How to fix echo on the mic: efficient guidelines for Windows, macOS, Xbox, and PlayStation

It’s unpleasant to hear an echo, no matter when you use a microphone: during Zoom meetings, gaming sessions, or while recording music. In most cases, it’s a software issue. So, you can fix the mic echo at home within minutes. Just make sure that you stick to our guidelines.

How to fix mic echo on PC: 6 efficient solutions

Minor glitches are a primary cause of echo. Check the distance between the mic and the speakers. Disconnect other microphones from the computer. If this didn’t help to fix mic feedback on the pc, restart all sound devices.

If this doesn't help you, try software tricks to fix an echoing mic. Check the sound settings and disable all extra effects. Update or reinstall the drivers.

If those steps don’t help you, there may be a severe hardware problem. Contact our expert to get further instructions to make your mic stop echoing. There may be a broken external sound card, burned chip in the microphone, or something else that can interrupt the workflow.

Check the distance between the microphone and the speakers

It’s a common issue with omnidirectional and bidirectional microphones. They are picking every noise in a room. The easiest way to fix the echo on the mic is to put the microphone away from the speakers. Also, make a volume 40-50% quieter.

If you have a budget to get a new device, buy a cardioid or a “shotgun” microphone. It helps you to get rid of the echo on the mic. Cardioid devices pick up noises in front of the microphone. Shotguns pick sounds from only one direction, so there is less chance to catch an echo.

When you look for new headphones, choose on-ear devices. They don’t spread any noise to the environment, so this also can reduce echo on the mic.

Check if there are any other mics connected

It’s a common problem for those who use multiple recording devices. It happens with musicians and content creators. Sound from multiple instruments may overlap each other, which leads to various glitches. And one of them is that you hear a microphone echoing.

Disable all recording devices that you currently don’t use.

Check the recording device connection

Sometimes the microphone and sound card may start glitching without obvious reason. It often happens during recording sessions. Replug all recording devices to fix the echo. It includes an external sound card, mic, headphones, speakers, etc.

Turn them on one by one. If those actions have helped you to fix echo on pc, try other instructions.

Check the PC sound settings

The next step to solving this issue is a bit more complicated but still achievable. Try to change the audio settings to stop echo on the mic. Here is how you can do it on a Windows 7:

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Choose the Hardware and Sound → Sound.
3. Open the Recording and choose the microphone that is selected as your main recording device.
4. Select the Level tab and lower the Microphone Boost.

Here are your instructions on how to fix a microphone echo on Windows 10:

1. Open a Control Panel. You can click on the Windows icon and type “Control Panel”. Or you can open the Run app with Win + R combo and type “Control panel” in there.
2. Open Sound → Recording → Microphone → Properties.
3. Navigate Listen and make sure that the option Listen to this device is unchecked.
4. Select Level and lower the Headset Microphone up to 8-10dB.

If you have a macOS computer, follow the next instructions to stop the mic echoing.

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner and open System Preferences.
2. Choose  Sound →  Input.
3. Change the sound settings to the level that suits your needs and uncheck Use ambient noise reduction.

Disable all effects

Speaker enhancements are another factor why your microphone can catch glitches. Follow these steps:

1. Open a Control Panel. Click on the Windows icon and type “Control Panel”. Or open the Run app with Win + R combo and type “Control panel” in there.
2. Open Sound → Recording → Microphone → Properties.
3. Look for the Enhancements or Advanced tab (it depends on the computer manufacturer).
4. Uncheck Disable all enhancements or Disable all sound effects checkbox.
5. Confirm your extensions by clicking Apply and OK.

Update the drivers

Outdated drivers are a common cause of glitches. Check your system and make sure that you are using the most recent audio drivers. Stick to this guide to fix echo on the mic on Windows 10:

1. Open a Device manager. Right-click on the Windows logo and choose Device Manager in a drop-down menu.
2. Open  Sound, video, and game controllers.
3. Right-click on a device that you are currently using.
4. In the pop-up box, select the Update driver.

If you are an owner of a Windows 7 computer, then check the further steps:

1. Open a Device Manager. Click on a Windows → System and Security → Control Panel → Device Manager.
2. In the pop-up window, go to the Sound, video, and game controllers.
3. Right-click on a needed device and select “Update”

How to fix echo on game consoles: 2 options to stop mic echo on Xbox and PlayStation

Microphone glitches can spoil a game experience. But you can stop your mic from echoing on the console. Just be prepared that instructions may look different from PC troubleshooters.

How to stop echoing the mic on Xbox One

Try these solutions to get rid of the echo on your console:

1. Lower the headset volume. High volume may be the source of the echo.
2. Reconnect the headphones. It removes temporary hardware glitches.
3. Check the internet connection. Poor network speed may lead to mic glitches and echo.

If none of these steps help, turn off the Chat Output settings:

1. Hold the Xbox button on the controller until you open the guide.
2. Follow the path:  Profile & system → Settings → General → Volume & audio output.
3. Choose Party chat → Headset.

How to stop the mic from echoing on a PS4

Check microphone settings: it’s one of the most common causes of why your mic sounds echoey. Follow the next instruction to fix it:

1. Hold the PS4 button on the controller to get to the Quick Menu.
2. Choose Devices → Audio devices → Adjust microphone level.
3. Change the microphone’s level to a suitable one.

Another common cause of sound glitches is outdated software. Here is your guide to updating the PS4:

1. Go to the main screen and press the UP button to open Settings.
2. Choose System Software Update → Update now.

Incorrect output settings can affect the microphone too. Follow the next instruction to fix the echo on PS4:

1. On the main screen push the UP button.
2. Click on Settings.
3. Select Sound and Screen → Audio output settings → Primary Output Port → Digital out.
4. Search for the formats that your headset might support.
5. Change the format to “Priority.” Then, select “Dolby”.