Fixing Screeching or Feedback During Phone Calls

If you hear a loud, high-pitched screeching or scratching sound when someone answers your call, you’re experiencing audio feedback. This happens when your microphone picks up sound from your speakers, creating a feedback loop that quickly gets louder.

Quick Fix

The fastest solution:
Use headphones or a headset.

When you use headphones, your microphone can’t pick up sound from your speakers, which stops the feedback immediately.

If You Don’t Have Headphones

Try the following steps:

1. Turn down your speaker volume
   Lower it to about 25–30%

2. Move your microphone away
   Increase the distance between your microphone and speakers

3. Use the mute button
   Mute yourself when you’re not actively talking

If the Screech Happens During a Call

Don’t panic — follow these steps:

1. Click the mute button immediately

2. Turn your volume down

3. Wait a few seconds for the sound to stop

4. Unmute and continue the call

The person on the other end can usually still hear you say “One moment please” before you mute.

Before You Start Calling

Take 30 seconds to:

• Make a test call to check your audio

• Confirm you’re in a quiet room

• Have your headset ready

• Set your speaker volume to medium or low

Recommended Equipment for Calling

Good options:

• Any headphones with a microphone

• Wired or wireless earbuds

• USB headsets

• Phone headsets

Avoid if possible:

• Using your laptop’s built-in speakers and microphone together

• Placing external microphones near speakers

Troubleshooting & Support

Contact support if:

• The issue happens even while using headphones

• You hear feedback on every call

• The screech lasts longer than 30 seconds

• You hear unusual sounds before anyone answers