The invention relates to methods for controlling adaptive filters, where a first step involves a first input signal, which has a narrowband frequency range and occurs at least intermittently during an adaptation phase in the filter, at the input of the filter prompting the adaptation phase to be continued until an echo signal which is conditional upon the first input signal and in the same frequency range is compensated for completely, a second step involves the adaptation phase being suspended when complete compensation for the echo signal has been achieved, and a third step involves the adaptation phase being continued if the first input signal is followed by a second input signal which has a narrowband frequency range and which differs from the frequency range of the first input signal at least by a frequency value, with the above steps being repeated starting at the first step, or with a fourth step involving a new adaptation phase being performed if the first input signal is followed by a third input signal having a wideband frequency range. The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.