Troubleshooting Audio Issues in Microsoft Teams on macOS
Most Microsoft Teams audio problems on macOS can be fixed by quitting and reopening Teams, reconnecting your headset, checking Bluetooth pairing, or adjusting microphone permissions. If problems persist, clearing the Teams cache often resolves stubborn issues.
1. Troubleshooting Audio Issues in Teams
If your headset is not detected in Microsoft Teams on macOS, try the following steps:
- Make sure your headset is selected in “System Settings” > “Sound” for both “Output” and “Input.” macOS will sometimes default to the built-in speakers or microphone. For step-by-step instructions, check out this blog: How to Setup a Wired Headset with macOS
- Plugging into external USB sources such as hubs can sometimes cause microphone distortion or reduced performance. For best results, connect your headset directly to the computer.
- For Bluetooth headsets, confirm they are paired and connected before launching Teams. You can check this in “System Settings” > “Bluetooth.”
- If your audio sounds distorted or delayed, try connecting the headset with a USB dongle or cable instead of Bluetooth to rule out wireless interference.
- Quit Microsoft Teams completely. Left-click “Microsoft Teams” in the menu bar and select “Quit,” or press Command (⌘) + Q. Unplug or disconnect your headset, then reconnect it and reopen Teams.
- Restart your Mac if Teams still does not recognize the headset.
2. If All Else Fails, Clear Teams Cache
New Teams
- Quit Microsoft Teams by clicking Microsoft Teams in the menu bar and selecting Quit, or by pressing Command (⌘) + Q while the app is active.

- Open Finder and press Command (⌘) + Shift + G to open search. Paste the path below to navigate to the Teams cache folder:
~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.teams2/Data/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MSTeams

- Hit the “Return” key to open the directory. Delete all files and folders inside. You may also clear the contents of this folder:
- Reopen Teams and sign back in.
~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.teams2/Data/Library/Caches/com.microsoft.teams2
Classic Teams
- Quit Microsoft Teams.
- Open Finder and press Command (⌘) + Shift + G.
- Paste the path below, then press “Return”:
~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Teams
- Hit “Return” and delete all files and folders inside, but do not delete the Teams folder.
- Reopen Teams and sign back in.
If you continue to have issues, see our related guides for additional setup help: