Cisco Webex Volume Too Low on Mac? How to Fix It

Webex is widely used in companies, and low call volume on a Mac is a common complaint: muffled voices, and calls that seem quieter than other apps at the same system volume. If you can barely hear your Webex meetings, work through these fixes.

1. Check Webex audio settings

During a meeting, open Webex's audio settings (look for the speaker or audio menu, or Audio settings in the meeting's options):

• Make sure the correct Speaker device is selected
• Drag Webex's speaker volume slider to maximum
• Use the test option, if offered, to play a sound and check the output
• If Music Mode is turned on, turn it off unless you're actually sharing music

2. Check macOS output

Go to System Settings > Sound > Output. Make sure the right device is selected and the output volume is at maximum. After a macOS update or a device change, Webex might be playing to an output you didn't expect.

3. Bluetooth headset mode

Using AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones? When Webex turns on their microphone, many headphones switch to a hands-free (headset) mode that sounds lower in quality and often quieter.

Fix: keep the Bluetooth headphones as the speaker, but choose a different microphone in Webex: your Mac's built-in mic or a USB mic. See Bluetooth headphones too quiet on Mac for more.

4. Webex audio processing

Webex processes call audio to remove noise, and strong settings can make voices sound quieter. In Webex's audio settings, try:

• Setting noise removal to a lower level
• Turning off Optimize for my voice if it's enabled, and testing again
• Selecting a specific speaker device instead of a generic or default option

5. Company-managed Webex

In corporate environments, Webex is often managed by IT, and some audio settings may be locked or preset. If the basic fixes don't help, ask your IT department whether any Webex audio settings are managed for your account.

6. Restart Core Audio

The macOS audio service can get stuck at a low level after sleep or device switching. Open Terminal and run:

sudo killall coreaudiod

Audio restarts after a short interruption. Rejoin the meeting and check the volume.

7. Boost Webex past 100%

If every setting is maxed and a participant is still too quiet (a weak microphone on their end, for example), you need more than macOS normally allows.

SoundDial lets you boost one app above 100%, up to 200%, including Webex. Drag Webex's slider up in small steps, to 150% or 180% if needed, and only Webex gets louder (a boost can clip on loud voices, so stop when speech is clear). Your music, browser and other apps stay where they were.

During back-to-back meetings, you can also turn your music down or mute it with one click from the menu bar while Webex stays at full volume, then bring it back between meetings. SoundDial's auto-duck can do this for you: it is on by default and, while Webex uses your microphone, lowers other apps to 30% of their level (adjustable or off in Settings > Auto-Duck), then restores them when the meeting ends. The same works for other call apps: see Teams volume too low on Mac.

SoundDial, a per-app volume mixer for Mac, needs macOS 14.2 or later and costs €14.99 one-time purchase on the Mac App Store, no subscription.

Get SoundDial on the Mac App Store.