Logitech C920 microphone not detecting audio in Microsoft Teams

When you start a Microsoft Teams call and the microphone icon stays gray or the volume meter never rises, the first instinct is that the Logitech C920 webcam isn’t playing a role. In many cases the webcam’s built‑in mic is perfectly functional, but Teams simply fails to see it. Below is a detailed, step‑by‑step guide to diagnosing and fixing that problem, keeping the whole process in plain English and covering every angle from basic checks to advanced fixes.

Why the Issue Matters

A silent mic can be frustrating during a meeting, especially when you’re presenting, collaborating, or troubleshooting with colleagues. Beyond the annoyance, it can damage your professional image and reduce your influence in virtual rooms. Knowing exactly how to restore the C920 mic to Teams will save you time, stress, and the need for extra hardware.

Quick Summary of Checks

1. Physical connection – The webcam must be properly plugged into a functioning USB port.
2. Windows recognition – The device should appear in Sound settings and be set as the default input.
3. Teams audio preferences – The correct microphone must be selected in the Teams client.
4. Driver and firmware status – Outdated drivers or firmware can block microphone access.
5. Conflicting applications – Other software may lock the mic, preventing Teams from using it.

You can skip straight to the section that best matches the symptoms you’re seeing, or run through the whole list to be thorough.

Confirm the Physical Connection

The simplest cause of a missing mic is a faulty USB connection.

• Check the cable – Inspect the USB cable for visible damage. If it’s a detachable connector, ensure it’s firmly seated on both the webcam and the port.
• Try a different port – Plug the C920 into another USB 2.0 or 3.0 port. Some computers have power‑constrained USB hubs that can under‑provide power to a device.
• Use a direct port – Avoid USB extensions or unpowered hubs. Directly plug the webcam into a port on the computer rather than a dock or an external hub.

If you can see the webcam light turning on and the device appears in Device Manager, the physical layer is fine.

Verify Device Recognition in Windows

Open the Windows Sound settings to see whether the C920 is listed.

1. Right‑click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose Sounds.
2. Go to the Recording tab.
   • The Logitech C920 mic should show up as Logitech HD Webcam Audio (or similar).
   • If it’s not there, Windows doesn’t see the mic portion of the webcam.
3. Click Properties → Levels to confirm the volume slider is not muted.

If the mic is missing or shows an error, the next step is to reinstall the driver.

Adjust Microphone Settings in Windows

Even when the mic appears, it may be disabled or set to a low volume.

• Enable the mic – In the Recording tab, right‑click on the device and choose Enable.
• Set as default – Right‑click again and select Set as default device.
  This ensures that all system audio inputs, including Teams, will use the C920 mic by default.
• Check exclusive mode – In the Advanced tab, uncheck the boxes that allow applications to take exclusive control. This can prevent Teams from losing access if another app claims the mic.

After these changes, test the mic with a simple app like Voice Recorder or the Windows Sound Recorder.

Configure Microsoft Teams Audio Settings

Once the mic is recognized by Windows, configure Teams to use it.

1. Open Microsoft Teams and click your profile picture in the upper‑right corner.
2. Choose Settings → Devices.
   • In the Microphone drop‑down, select Logitech HD Webcam Audio.
   • Below the drop‑down, you’ll see a live audio meter. Speak into the mic and watch the bars rise.
3. If the mic still shows “Microphone: Unavailable” or the meter remains flat, click Join a meeting to ensure Teams has the proper permissions.
   • Teams may request microphone access when you first join a call.

Test Microphone in Teams

Start a test call to confirm the mic is working.

• In the Teams client, click the Start a call icon or open any channel conversation and hit the audio call button.
• In the meeting window, you’ll see a mic icon.
  • If the icon is gray, Teams does not detect the mic.
  • If it’s blue and the meter moves, the mic is active.

If the test fails, proceed to the next troubleshooting level.

Common Triggers and Fixes

1. USB Power Issues

Some laptops throttle USB ports to save battery. Switching to a USB 3.0 port (usually blue) can provide more consistent power.

2. Windows Fast Startup

Fast Startup can leave the audio device in a locked state. Disable it:

• Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power button does.
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck Turn on fast startup.
• Restart the computer.

3. Conflicting Software

Applications like Zoom, Discord, or even Skype can hold the mic. Make sure to close all other audio‑intensive apps before using Teams.

4. Multiple Audio Devices

If you have headphones with an embedded mic or an external USB mic, Windows may switch automatically. Keeping the C920 as the default device and disabling others can help.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Driver Reinstall

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Audio inputs and outputs.
3. Right‑click Logitech HD Webcam Audio and choose Uninstall device.
4. Reboot the computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
   • If you have a Logitech software suite, run it after reboot to install the latest firmware.

USB Port and Power Reset

• Power down the computer and disconnect the C920.
• Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back into a different port.
• Restart the computer.

Conflicting Policies

In some corporate environments, Teams audio devices are governed by Group Policy or Teams Admin Center settings. If you suspect this:

• Contact your IT department and request that the policy allow “Logitech HD Webcam Audio” as a permissible input device.
• If you’re the IT admin, check the Teams Admin Center → Devices → Policies → set “Allow Teams audio to use USB audio devices”.

Use the Teams Web App

Sometimes the desktop client has a glitch. Try joining the meeting via the web app in Chrome or Edge:

• Log in to https://teams.microsoft.com.
• Click Join from a meeting link or calendar invite.
• The web app may detect the mic even if the desktop client does not.

If the web app works, consider reinstalling the Teams desktop client.

Alternate Solutions

Use a Separate USB Microphone

If the C920 mic remains unreliable, a dedicated USB microphone can be a quick replacement. Many models are plug‑and‑play and have low latency.

Disable Audio Enhancement

Windows sometimes applies enhancement features that interfere with low‑latency devices. Disable it:

• In Sound settings → Recording → Properties → Enhancements, check Disable all sound effects.

Voice Activation Mode

If you prefer not to speak constantly, enable “Mute my mic until I speak” in Teams. This setting is under Settings → Devices → Microphone. It reduces the chance of Teams ignoring your mic due to inactivity.

Preventive Measures

1. Keep drivers up to date – Log in to the Logitech website regularly and download the latest drivers for the C920.
2. Enable automatic updates – In Teams, under Settings → General, check Automatically download updates.
3. Avoid USB hubs – Whenever possible, connect the webcam directly to the computer.
4. Regularly test – Use the Teams “Settings” → “Devices” test mic feature after each software update or system change.
5. Document issues – Keep a simple log of when the mic stops working; note any software changes or updates that precede the problem.

Final Thoughts

A Logitech C920 microphone not detecting audio in Microsoft Teams is often a simple fix. Start with the basics—check the cable, confirm Windows sees the device, set it as default, and configure Teams accordingly. If those steps don’t resolve the issue, move through the advanced troubleshooting list, keeping an eye on drivers, power, and competing applications.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can restore your mic’s functionality in Teams, ensuring that every meeting, presentation, or remote collaboration proceeds smoothly without silent moments.