WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion users. One of the key features of WhatsApp is voice and video calling, allowing users to make free calls over the internet. However, some users complain about low call volume or the other party not being able to hear them properly during WhatsApp calls on Android devices. Here are some tips and tricks to increase WhatsApp call volume on Android phones.
Check Your Phone’s Volume Settings
The first thing to check is your phone’s volume settings. Make sure the media volume on your Android phone is turned up to the maximum level. You can adjust the media volume using the volume keys on the side of the phone or by going into the Settings app > Sound > Media volume. Drag the volume slider all the way to the right for maximum volume.
Also, when on a WhatsApp call, you can tap the volume button on the call screen to turn up the in-call volume specifically for WhatsApp. Make sure this is also set to maximum. The maximum in-call volume may be slightly lower than the media volume due to regulatory restrictions on how loud in-call audio can be.
Use Headphones or Earphones
Using headphones or earphones during WhatsApp calls can help increase the call volume. Headphones will allow you to pump up the volume louder than your phone’s built-in speaker. Earphones also help block out background noise, allowing you to better hear the caller.
Make sure to use good quality headphones or earphones that can output loud and clear audio. Adjust the volume on your headphones/earphones accordingly – set it as high as comfortably possible while on a WhatsApp call.
Disable “OK Google” Detection
If you have Google Assistant enabled on your Android phone, the “OK Google” hotword detection could be interfering with your WhatsApp call volume. When “OK Google” is listening in the background, it can reduce volume levels on other apps.
To fix this, disable hotword detection by going into the Google app > Settings > Voice > “OK Google” detection and turning it off. You can also train Google Assistant to recognize only your voice specifically, so other people’s voices don’t accidentally trigger it during a WhatsApp call.
Disable Audio Enhancements
Some Android devices have audio enhancements enabled by default, like Dolby Atmos. While these can improve audio quality in some scenarios, they can also end up reducing maximum volume potential. Disabling any audio enhancements can help boost WhatsApp call volume.
Go into Settings > Sound > Audio effects/profiles and disable any audio enhancements like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Equalizers etc. This will prevent them from processing and modifying the audio during WhatsApp calls.
Close Other Apps
If you have a lot of apps running in the background on your Android phone, it can eat up resources that could otherwise be used to boost WhatsApp call volume. Try closing out of all other apps before making a WhatsApp call, especially resource intensive ones like games, video editors etc.
Swipe up from the bottom of your home screen to bring up the open apps view. Then swipe up on each app preview to close it. Having only WhatsApp running in the background can help dedicate more resources to improve call volume.
Turn Off Battery Saver
Battery saver or power saving modes restrict apps from using too many resources in order to improve battery life. However, this can negatively impact WhatsApp call volume. Disable any battery saver or power saving mode on your Android for louder WhatsApp call volume.
Go into Settings > Battery > Battery saver and turn it off. You can re-enable it again after your WhatsApp call is over. Unrestricting performance can allow WhatsApp to boost call volume as needed.
Restart Your Phone
If you’ve tried various troubleshooting steps but are still facing low volume on WhatsApp calls, try restarting your Android phone. A phone restart helps clear out memory issues, refresh system processes, and starts apps on a clean slate.
Power off your phone, wait for 30 seconds, then power it back on. Open WhatsApp and try making a call. Check if the call volume has improved compared to before. A simple restart can sometimes work wonders.
Check for App Updates
Having the latest version of WhatsApp installed can also help with call volume. New app updates often contain fixes for bugs and audio issues.
Open the Play Store app, tap the hamburger menu button, go into My Apps & Games > Updates and check if WhatsApp has any pending updates. Install the latest update and then check for improvements in call volume.
Clear WhatsApp Cache
Over time, cache build up within WhatsApp can cause performance issues leading to problems like low call volume. Wiping the WhatsApp cache helps give the app a fresh start.
Go into Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache. This will delete any problematic cached data within WhatsApp that could be hindering call volume.
Factory Reset Your Phone
If all else fails, the nuclear option to fix WhatsApp call volume is to factory reset your Android phone. This wipes the phone back to a clean state, removing any bugs that could be causing audio issues.
Backup important data first before resetting your device. Then go into Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Confirm the reset. Once completed, test WhatsApp call volume again. A factory reset should resolve any software issues causing low volume.
Adjust Microphone Settings
WhatsApp call volume issues could also be due to the microphone settings on your Android phone. Try tweaking these settings for better call audio:
- Enable Noise Cancellation – Go into Settings > Sound > Noise cancellation and enable it to block background noise.
- Increase Microphone Volume – Settings > Sound > Default microphone volume – set this to maximum.
- Disable Excessive Noise Filtering – Some devices filter out noise aggressively hindering audio pickup – turn off this setting if available.
- Clean Microphone – Gentle blow into mic or use cloth to clean out any dust blocking it.
Change MIC Input Source
Some Android devices have multiple microphone inputs – like one at the top and bottom. The bottom mic usually provides better call audio quality. Try changing the mic input source:
- Install an app like MicSwap or Audio Source to switch between mics.
- Select the mic option that results in louder call volume.
- Set this as the default input for improved WhatsApp call quality.
Troubleshoot Using WhatsApp Web
An easy way to check if the issue is phone specific is to try WhatsApp Web. WhatsApp Web mirrors your phone’s app on desktop browsers.
- Open web.whatsapp.com on your computer browser.
- Scan the QR code using your phone to link it.
- Make a WhatsApp call from the web browser and check if volume is better.
- If yes, then the issue is related to your phone. Otherwise, it’s your account.
This can help narrow down the cause and solution. Based on the findings, you can troubleshoot further.
Contact Your Cellular Service Provider
In some cases, low WhatsApp call volume could be a result of poor cellular network connectivity. Try making calls in different locations and check if the issue persists. If the problem seems specific to a certain location, contact your cellular provider.
Let them know you are facing call volume issues on WhatsApp at certain spots. The cell carrier can diagnose network issues in that area and boost signal strength if needed. Strong cellular connectivity is key for optimal WhatsApp call quality.
Use a Different Phone
To rule out any device specific faults, attempt making a WhatsApp call using a different phone and check if the issue persists. Borrow a friend’s phone temporarily and make a WhatsApp call to your number.
If the call volume is fine on the other device, then the issue lies with your phone’s hardware or software. You can troubleshoot accordingly, like updating phone software, adjusting audio settings, cleaning microphone etc. But if the issue persists on other devices as well, then your WhatsApp account could be the problem.
Create a New WhatsApp Account
Some users have reported improved WhatsApp call volume after switching to a new WhatsApp account. Audio issues on your current account could be due to a bug or glitch.
Try creating a new WhatsApp account using a different phone number. Make a test call to check if the volume is better. If yes, you can shift to using this new account and transfer your chats over.
Conclusion
Having low WhatsApp call volume can be frustrating but the issue can usually be fixed with some targeted troubleshooting. Start with basics like adjusting volume settings, disabling battery saver, updating WhatsApp and restarting your phone. For hardware issues, clean microphone, change input source and test with different devices. Faulty cellular connectivity may need assistance from carriers. In rare cases, creating a fresh WhatsApp account resolves persistent audio problems. With some diligent testing and tweaking, you should be able to get loud and clear call volume on WhatsApp.