WhatsApp video calling is a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it can be frustrating when the audio stops working properly during a call. There are a few common reasons why you may be experiencing no sound or poor audio quality on your WhatsApp video calls.
Software Bugs or Glitches
Like any app, WhatsApp can sometimes have bugs or glitches that cause audio issues during video calls. An update to WhatsApp or your phone’s OS could introduce new software bugs. Try fully closing out of the WhatsApp app, restarting your phone, and making sure you have the latest WhatsApp version installed. This often resolves transient software issues causing sound problems.
Slow Internet Connection
WhatsApp video calls require a relatively fast and stable internet connection to maintain audio quality. Using WhatsApp over a slow, congested, or unstable internet connection can interrupt and degrade the audio feed. The video may appear fine, but the audio can cut in and out or stop working altogether if your data connection is too slow. Test your connection speed to make sure you have at least 1-2 Mbps upload and download speeds for optimal WhatsApp call quality.
Issues with Phone Hardware
The microphones and speakers in your phone are responsible for capturing and playing audio during a WhatsApp call. Faulty or damaged phone hardware like mics and speakers can therefore cause audio issues. Things to check include:
- Make sure no accessories are plugged into your phone’s audio jack during the call.
- Check that phone microphones are not blocked or covered by phone case.
- Blow into phone microphones to dislodge any dust/debris.
- Try using headphones or external speaker instead of built-in speaker.
- Test phone audio with other apps to isolate issue.
Incorrect Audio Settings
WhatsApp may not have permission to access your phone’s microphone or speaker settings. Go into your phone’s app settings or app permissions manager and make sure WhatsApp is allowed access to the microphone and audio. You can also go into WhatsApp Settings > Audio and make sure nothing is incorrectly configured or muted.
Enable WhatsApp to Access Microphone
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and make sure WhatsApp is enabled and has a green checkmark next to it. This allows WhatsApp to access your microphone.
Allow WhatsApp to Play Sound
On Android phones, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > App Permissions > Microphone and ensure WhatsApp is set to “Allowed.” You can also go to Settings > Sound and check that media volume and notifications volume are turned up.
Update or Reinstall WhatsApp
Updating to the latest version of WhatsApp can resolve bugs causing audio issues. On iPhone, go to the App Store and check for any WhatsApp updates. On Android, go to Google Play Store, tap the hamburger menu > My Apps & Games and update WhatsApp if an update is available. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp to get a clean slate free of any corrupted files.
Restart Your Phone
If you’ve tried other troubleshooting tips with no success, try powering your phone off and back on. This will fully clear out memory, reset all apps and can resolve transient audio issues with WhatsApp calls.
Use WhatsApp Web Instead
Try making a WhatsApp video call through WhatsApp Web instead of the mobile app. Open web.whatsapp.com in your desktop browser, scan the QR code with your phone to link it. Then make a video call and see if audio works properly through WhatsApp Web.
Switch Between Wi-Fi and Cellular Data
If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, try switching to cellular data instead to rule out any issues with your Wi-Fi network connectivity. Or vice versa – move from cellular data to Wi-Fi calling to see if it fixes the no sound problem.
Enable WhatsApp Call Notifications
On iPhone go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp > Calls and switch “Allow Notifications” on. This ensures you won’t miss the call ringing when audio isn’t working.
Disable Battery Optimization
On Android devices, battery optimization features can sometimes interfere with WhatsApp’s ability to access microphone and audio properly. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Special App Access > Optimization > All Apps and disable battery optimization for WhatsApp.
Check if Phone is in Silent or Vibrate Mode
Make sure your phone’s ringtone volume isn’t muted or set to vibrate only. Press volume buttons during a WhatsApp video call to bring up the in-call volume control and raise it.
Troubleshoot with WhatsApp Support
If you still can’t resolve your WhatsApp video call audio issues after trying these troubleshooting tips, reach out to WhatsApp directly through their support site or contact form to get help from their support team.
Try a Different Messaging App
As a last resort, try making a video call through a different messaging app like FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Google Duo etc. If audio works fine on other apps, then the issue is likely specific to WhatsApp.
Conclusion
With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is incredibly popular but sometimes prone to audio glitches. Thankfully, most common WhatsApp call audio issues can be fixed through simple troubleshooting steps like checking app permissions, ensuring hardware is not blocked, switching Wi-Fi/data, or installing app updates. Reset your phone, reinstall WhatsApp, or contact WhatsApp support if problems persist. With the right fixes, you’ll be back to crystal clear WhatsApp call audio in no time.
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Software bugs/glitches | Update WhatsApp, restart your phone |
| Slow internet connection | Check your internet speeds, move closer to router |
| Hardware issues | Check microphone, speakers, headphone jack |
| Incorrect audio settings | Enable WhatsApp mic and speaker access |
| Battery optimization interfering | Disable optimization for WhatsApp |
| Phone on silent/vibrate | Check volume buttons and make sure not muted |
| Wi-Fi connection problem | Switch to cellular data |
| App needs reinstall | Delete and reinstall WhatsApp |
Related Troubleshooting Tips
Update Your OS and Apps
Having the latest OS and app versions installed can prevent a lot of technical issues. Regularly update your phone’s operating system and apps to get the latest fixes and performance improvements.
Check Microphone Access Settings
Apps can’t access your mic without explicit permission. Make sure WhatsApp is allowed access to your phone’s microphone in your app permission settings. Disable microphone access for other apps if needed.
Always Have a Strong Internet Connection
Using Wi-Fi instead of cellular data provides a faster, more reliable connection needed for quality video calls. If on mobile data, try moving closer to a window or stepping outside to improve signal strength.
Restart Your Phone Before Calls
Make restarting your phone part of your pre-call routine. A quick power cycle clears out memory, resets all apps, and can prevent audio glitches.
Keep Background Apps Closed
Leave unused apps running in the background can sometimes interfere with WhatsApp’s performance. Remember to close down all apps before hopping on an important WhatsApp call.
Disable Battery Saver Settings
Check that any battery saver or power optimization features are disabled for WhatsApp. These settings can negatively impact app performance and call quality if enabled.
Check Physical Microphone
Carefully inspect your phone’s microphone port for any debris, dust or obstructions that could be blocking sound input. Use compressed air to safely clean out the microphone.
Prevent Phone Overheating
Overheating phones can experience more performance issues. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and don’t make WhatsApp video calls while phone is actively charging.
Turn Off VPN Connections
Active VPN connections can sometimes interfere with WhatsApp call connectivity. Try turning off your VPN to see if it fixes any ongoing audio issues.
Disable Performance-Heavy Cases
Bulky phone cases can block microphones or prevent heat dissipation, leading to audio problems. Try removing your case before WhatsApp calls.
Conclusion
With some consistent troubleshooting and preventative maintenance, you can stop WhatsApp call audio issues in their tracks. Just be sure to keep your phone and apps updated, maintain a strong internet signal, inspect your hardware, and optimize your phone’s settings for best WhatsApp call performance.