As a Microsoft Teams user, I had been wondering if AirPods could be used with the app. After some research, I can tell you that it is only somewhat possible. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my experience of using AirPods with Microsoft Teams, as well as a few other solutions I discovered along the way.
1. Connect the AirPods to your computer via Bluetooth.
2. Open the Microsoft Teams app and go to the Audio settings.
3. Under the Audio tab, select the AirPods as Hands-Free for Audio and Microphone.
Table of Contents
Do AirPods work with Microsoft Teams?
AirPods can be used with Microsoft Teams, though we say that with heavy caveats. Their compatibility with the application is limited, and they are not listed among fully supported USB audio and video devices.
To use your AirPods as a Mic and to be able to listen at the same time, you usually have to select them as Hands Free in the audio settings. However, doing this reduces the audio quality.
Read more: how to make Siri louder on AirPods?
How to adjust AirPods Volume with Microsoft Teams?
Being that Microsoft Teams has compatibility issues with AirPods, it should come as no surprise that adjusting the volume of your AirPods while using Teams has its own hurdles.
Initially, it may seem like there is no way to do it, but there is a workaround, thankfully. If you are finding that your AirPods are too loud or too quiet, this will help with that.
Once you’ve joined the call, navigate to the Volume Mixer icon in your taskbar. Next, select the Headset device volume to an appropriate level. Somewhere between 20 and 30 percent should be a solid volume.
Read more: Can AirPods pair with Apple Watch without iPhone?
How to mute and unmute AirPods with Microsoft Teams?
As mentioned, you have to use a clumsy workaround to control the volume. To mute or unmute your AirPods while using Microsoft Teams, you simply have to push the mute button on the Volume Mixer, or lower the volume to zero.
If you are willing to do a universal mute, you can simply take out the AirPods, but that is not the most elegant solution to this problem either.
Why don’t my AirPods work with Microsoft Teams?
As mentioned above, you are likely having problems making your AirPods work to both listen to your team members and be audible to them. It is simply a lost cause, and you would be best served to look into alternatives to AirPods.
What kinds of Bluetooth headphones work with Microsoft Teams?
AirPods may not be fully compatible with Microsoft Teams, but that does not mean that Microsoft Teams users will not want to be able to use Bluetooth devices.
One of the bigger alternative brands is Jabra, which are known for good quality (though they are similarly high in price as a result).
Another good brand is Playtronics, which are slightly cheaper as an alternative. There are even headsets that are considered “Microsoft Certified.”
If your headset is considered this, they will have a button devoted to opening Microsoft Teams on your device of choice.
What Microsoft Teams alternatives are compatible with AirPods?
Of course, a lot of people are going to be pretty turned off by the idea of having to buy a new Bluetooth headset just to use with Microsoft Teams.
Depending on whether they are a team member or team leader, they may be more inclined to switch platforms to something that would better serve their needs.
For example, Zoom is a popular program for teams to use to communicate, and AirPods are fully compatible with them. You are able to use them to simultaneously communicate with and listen to others on your team.
Pros
- AirPods can be used with Microsoft Teams, though with some caveats.
- A workaround exists to adjust the volume of your AirPods while using Teams.
- A universal mute is possible by simply taking out the AirPods.
- Jabra and Playtronics offer good quality Bluetooth headsets that are Microsoft certified.
- Zoom is a great alternative that is fully compatible with AirPods.
Cons
- AirPods are not listed among fully supported USB audio and video devices.
- Selecting AirPods as Hands-Free for Audio and Microphone reduces the audio quality.
- The Volume Mixer is a clumsy workaround to control AirPods volume.
- Bluetooth headsets from Jabra and Playtronics are pricey.
- Microsoft Teams may not be the best platform for team communication.
