Using Bluetooth headphones with Zoom

You can use Bluetooth headphones, such as Apple AirPods, as the speaker and microphone in a Zoom meeting.

Note: While in a Zoom meeting with Bluetooth headphones, other participants may experience lower-quality audio from your microphone.

Table of Contents

How to connect your Bluetooth headphones for Zoom meetings

Windows | macOS
  1. After connecting your headphones with your computer, join or start a meeting.
  2. If prompted, click Join with Computer Audio.
  3. In the meeting controls toolbar, next to Mute/Unmute, click the arrow icon.
  4. Below Select a Microphone, select your headphones.
  5. Below Select a Speaker, select your headphones.
    Note: If your headphones are not listed here, they may not currently be connected to your computer.
Android | iOS
  1. After connecting your headphones with your mobile device, join or start a meeting.
    Note: If this is your first time joining a Zoom meeting on this device, you will be prompted to give Zoom permissions.
  2. Tap Wifi or Cellular Data.
  3. (Optional) In the top corner, click the Bluetooth logo to ensure your headphones are selected.

Note: If you don't see the speaker icon with the Bluetooth logo, your headphones aren't connected. Try disconnecting your headphones from your device, then re-connect them while in the meeting or continue to troubleshoot other solutions.

How to use a native Bluetooth headset with Zoom

Zoom-certified native Bluetooth headsets connect directly to your PC's built-in Bluetooth radio, no USB adapter required. They provide plug-and-play functionality with call control, including the ability to answer and end calls, adjust volume, and keep mute status in sync between your headset and the Zoom Workplace desktop app for Windows.

Note: Native Bluetooth is not currently supported on the Zoom Workplace desktop app for macOS. Mac users can connect a Zoom-certified headset via Bluetooth for audio, but a USB adapter is required for full call control functionality. 

Windows

Requirements for native Bluetooth headsets

Pair your native Bluetooth headset to a Windows PC

Before pairing, make sure your headset firmware and all PC drivers are up to date.

  1. Put your headset into pairing mode. Refer to your headset manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.
  2. On your Windows 11 PC, open Settings and select Bluetooth & devices.
  3. If your PC and headset support Swift Pair, a notification will appear. Click it to complete pairing instantly. 
    If no notification appears, click Add device, select Bluetooth, and choose your headset from the list.
  4. Open the Zoom desktop app.
  5. Click your profile picture, then click Settings.
  6. Click the Audio tab.
  7. Confirm your headset is selected as both the microphone and speaker.
  8. Join a Zoom test meeting to verify that call controls and mute sync are working correctly.

Check and update your drivers

Keeping your drivers up to date ensures the best call control experience. The table below lists the minimum required driver versions for Intel-based PCs, based on the Intel Best Known Configuration (BKC) for Zoom native Bluetooth.

DriverProcessor/scopeMinimum version
Intel Smart Sound Technology (iSST)12th–14th Gen Intel® Core™10.29.00.12571 or newer
Intel Smart Sound Technology (iSST)Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 120.40.12641.0 or newer
Intel Smart Sound Technology (iSST)Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 220.42.12641.0 or newer
Intel Smart Sound Technology (iSST)Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 320.43.12634.0 or newer
Intel BluetoothAll supported Intel processors24.30.x or newer
Intel Wi-FiAll supported Intel processors24.30.x or newer

Check the Intel Bluetooth driver version

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Bluetooth and locate Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth.
  3. Right-click the entry, select Properties, then open the Driver tab to view the version number.
  4. (Optional) To download the latest version, visit the Intel Download Center and navigate to Wireless > Intel® Wireless Bluetooth® Drivers.

Check the Intel Wi-Fi driver version

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network Adapters and locate Intel(R) Wi-Fi Component.
  3. Right-click the entry, select Properties, then open the Driver tab to view the version number.
  4. (Optional) To download the latest version, visit the Intel Download Center and navigate to Wireless > Intel® Wireless Wi-Fi Drivers.

Check the Intel iSST driver version

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers and locate one or both of the following entries:
    • Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® Audio (Bluetooth Classic)
    • Intel® Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth® LE Audio (if LE Audio is supported by your headset)
  3. Right-click the relevant entry, select Properties, then open the Driver tab to view the version number.

Note: Intel Smart Sound Technology (iSST) driver updates are provided by your laptop manufacturer (OEM), not by Intel directly. Check your PC maker's support site — for example, Dell, HP, or Lenovo — for the latest iSST package for your specific model. Depending on your organization's IT policy, you may need elevated privileges to install driver updates. Contact your IT administrator if you're unable to proceed.

When to use a USB adapter instead of a native Bluetooth headset

In some situations, using a USB adapter may be a better option than native Bluetooth. Consider using a USB adapter if you're:

Known limitations of native Bluetooth headsets with Zoom

Mute synchronization limitation

If you use your headset without vendor desktop software, such as Jabra Direct or Poly Lens Desktop on Windows, mute state synchronization between the Zoom app and your headset may not be fully consistent:

To help ensure consistent mute sync, install and run your headset manufacturer's desktop software alongside the Zoom app.

Concurrent call handling limitation

When Zoom and a third-party application use call control at the same time, the following limitations apply:

How to troubleshoot Bluetooth headphones not working with Zoom

Test audio settings in Zoom

Zoom may automatically connect to your device’s default speakers and microphone. In addition to connecting your headphones to your device, you can select your Bluetooth headphones in Zoom’s settings before a meeting to make sure they’re connected with Zoom or test the audio in a test meeting. Learn how to test your audio settings in Zoom.

Stop all other music or audio

With Bluetooth connected, if other apps besides Zoom play audio during a Zoom meeting (such as an incoming phone call or music streaming), Zoom will stop the meeting’s audio and try to mute. To prevent this from happening, pause or close any other apps using your device's audio.

Disconnect Bluetooth headphones from all other devices

Bluetooth headphones may not work properly if they are connected to multiple devices. Sometimes, you may hear others, but other participants can't hear your microphone. Try disconnecting your Bluetooth headphones from any other devices than the one you are meeting on Zoom with.

Unpair and repair headphones to your device

Try disconnecting your Bluetooth headphones from your device, then reconnecting them again through pairing.

Reset AirPods

Learn how to reset your Apple AirPods.

Review Android Nearby device permissions for Bluetooth

If you are experiencing issues connecting to Bluetooth on an Android device, ensure that Nearby device permissions are enabled for the Zoom mobile app on your Android device. If it's still not connecting properly, delete the app storage, uninstall the Zoom mobile app, restart your phone, then reinstall the app.

Connect to a different headset (USB recommended)

Try a different headset, such as a supported USB device.