A method for adaptive control of a multi-channel echo cancellation system including N loudspeakers, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and M microphones, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The system includes NM identification filters with variable coefficients, the identification filters being used to estimate acoustic coupling between the loudspeakers and the microphones as a function of a variable coefficients adaptive step. The variable coefficients adaptive step depends on whether or not there is a signal present on the loudspeakers. The method is applicable to hands-off operation of communication tools.