There are a few common reasons why people may not be able to hear you on a WhatsApp voice or video call:
Poor internet connection
WhatsApp calls rely on an internet connection. If you or the person you are calling has a weak or unstable internet connection, it can cause audio issues like cutting in and out or not being able to hear anything at all. Try moving closer to your WiFi router or connect to a different network to see if that helps.
Issues with phone settings
Check your phone’s audio and app settings. Make sure WhatsApp has permission to access your microphone and that your microphone volume is turned up. Also check that your phone’s ringer/media volume is turned up high enough.
Microphone blocked
Make sure you haven’t accidentally covered your phone’s microphone with your finger or other objects when on a call. The microphone is usually located at the bottom or on the back of the phone.
Outdated app
An outdated version of the WhatsApp app can cause call issues. Make sure you and the person you are calling both have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
Troubleshooting steps
Here are some steps to try if you can’t hear other people on WhatsApp calls:
Restart your phone and the app
Restarting your phone and the WhatsApp app can help clear out any glitches that may be preventing audio from working properly in calls.
– For iPhone, double click the home button and swipe up on the WhatsApp screen to close it. Then hold down the power button to restart your phone.
– For Android, go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Force Stop. Then restart your phone.
Check your internet connection
Make sure you have a strong WiFi, cellular data, or internet connection when making or receiving WhatsApp calls. Try the call again in an area with better signal strength.
You can also try connecting to a different WiFi network than the one you’re currently using. Troubleshoot your internet connection by running a speed test.
Allow WhatsApp microphone access
– On iPhone, go to Settings > WhatsApp > Microphone and make sure it is toggled on.
– On Android, go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions and allow microphone access.
Check OS and app updates
Having the latest OS and app updates can help resolve bugs causing microphone issues.
– For iPhone, install any available iOS updates via Settings > General > Software Update. Make sure WhatsApp is also updated to the latest version from the App Store.
– For Android, install new OS updates from Settings > System > System Update. Update WhatsApp from the Google Play store.
Adjust audio and microphone settings
– Make sure your phone’s ringer volume is turned up high enough to hear call audio properly.
– Check that your phone’s microphone volume or gain is set high enough for calls. You can adjust this in your phone’s Settings app.
– Give WhatsApp permission to access your microphone if prompted.
Use headphones
As a workaround, use wired headphones with a microphone for WhatsApp calls to help isolate any microphone issues. The headphones will become the microphone and speaker source rather than your phone.
Contact WhatsApp support
If you still can’t resolve the microphone problem, reach out to WhatsApp directly through the app’s Settings > Help > Contact Us page for additional troubleshooting.
Why microphone access is important for WhatsApp
WhatsApp requires microphone access on your phone in order to:
– Transmit your voice during calls
– Send voice messages
– Record video
Without microphone access allowed, you won’t be able to use key calling and messaging features on WhatsApp.
Microphone access gives WhatsApp permission to turn on your phone’s microphone and capture audio when needed for the above purposes. It’s enabled by default when you install WhatsApp.
If access gets revoked, make sure to re-enable it in your phone’s app settings or permission manager. WhatsApp cannot function fully without the ability to access your microphone.
Common WhatsApp call problems
Here are some other common call issues people encounter on WhatsApp and how to fix them:
Can’t make or receive calls
This usually points to a network connectivity problem. Try switching WiFi networks, turning airplane mode on and off, or moving to an area with better cellular reception. Make sure you don’t have any third party apps blocking WhatsApp’s call capabilities.
Call quality is poor
Choppy, lagging, or distorted call audio is usually due to a poor internet connection. Try the steps above to improve your network connectivity. Turn off bandwidth-intensive apps running in the background on your phone. Use wired headphones to minimize interference.
Calls drop frequently
Dropped WhatsApp calls can stem from an unstable internet connection or low phone signal. Switch networks or move locations to improve connectivity. Update your WhatsApp app and phone software in case there are bug fixes for call stability. Disable battery saver mode which can sometimes disrupt calls.
Calls go straight to voicemail
If calls are going to voicemail before ringing, check your Do Not Disturb settings to make sure WhatsApp calls are allowed. Also make sure you have an active internet connection on your phone and that the recipient’s phone is powered on.
Can’t switch to speakerphone
Try manually activating speaker mode through your phone’s volume keys or settings. Make sure WhatsApp has microphone access allowed. If speaker still doesn’t work, there may be a hardware issue with your phone’s speaker.
Conclusion
WhatsApp calling requires both a stable internet connection and proper app permissions to function smoothly. If you are experiencing issues hearing others on calls, methodically work through connectivity, software, volume, microphone, and headphone troubleshooting steps until you isolate the problem. Test calls under different conditions to identify the cause. Reach out to WhatsApp support if problems persist after trying all troubleshooting suggestions. With consistent testing and troubleshooting, you should be able to resolve any WhatsApp call audio issues.
Tables
Troubleshooting steps for no audio on WhatsApp calls
| Issue | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|
| Poor internet connection |
|
| Phone settings incorrect |
|
| Microphone blocked |
|
| Outdated WhatsApp version |
|
Common WhatsApp call issues and solutions
| Issue | Potential Solutions |
|---|---|
| Can’t make/receive calls |
|
| Poor call quality |
|
| Frequently dropped calls |
|
| Calls go straight to voicemail |
|
| Can’t switch to speaker |
|