Having issues hearing people on Discord? You’re not alone. Many users run into problems with Discord voice chat at one time or another. The good news is that most Discord audio issues are easy to fix with a few simple troubleshooting steps.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the top reasons why you can’t hear anyone on Discord along with actionable solutions to get your voice chat up and running again.
Technical Issues Preventing Discord Audio
Before we dive into the troubleshooting, let’s look at some of the common technical issues that can prevent voice chat audio on Discord. Knowing the source of the problem makes it easier to pinpoint the solution.
Outdated Discord
One straightforward reason you may not hear audio is having an outdated version of Discord. Discord regularly releases new updates and bug fixes. By keeping the app up-to-date, you ensure you have the latest audio fixes.
To update Discord on desktop, click the gear icon in the bottom left. On mobile, go to your app store to check for updates.
Connection Problems
For voice chat to work properly, both you and the people you’re talking to need a stable internet connection. Any lag, packet loss, or jitter can cause audio issues like choppy sound or no audio at all.
Problems on your end can stem from your Wi-Fi, router, ISP, or broadband speeds. We’ll cover troubleshooting internet connection issues in more detail shortly.
Hardware Issues
The microphone and speakers (or headset) you use with Discord also impact call quality. For example, a broken microphone could prevent others from hearing you. Outdated audio drivers can also hamper performance.
Updating your audio drivers and testing different equipment is a good starting point if you suspect a hardware problem.
VPN or Firewall Interference
Using a firewall or VPN adds another layer of security but can sometimes block applications from accessing your mic or speakers. Turning off or configuring these programs is worth trying if no settings changes fix Discord.
Now let’s look at ways to troubleshoot these and other common issues.
Discord Settings to Check
Before troubleshooting your equipment and internet connection, check Discord’s voice and video settings. An incorrect setting is often the quick fix.
Switch Voice Channels
Try joining a different voice channel within the Discord server. Some channels may not work properly for you even if others can connect without issues.
Change Input/Output Devices
Make sure Discord is using the correct microphone and speakers. Navigate to Voice & Video in User Settings to change devices.
Try different options to isolate the problem—for example, switch from speakers to headphones.
Adjust Input Sensitivity
If others can’t hear you clearly, increasing your input volume under Voice & Video Settings can help. Boosting the input volume strengthens the signal from your mic.
Enable Quality of Service High Packet Priority
Enabling this setting prioritizes Discord voice data over other internet traffic to reduce lag and interruptions. Find it under App Settings > Voice & Video.
Disable Audio Subsystem
As a last resort, disabling the audio subsystem may fix stubborn audio issues. Note that this disables all audio in Discord.
Fixing Problems on Your End
If the quick fixes don’t work, it’s time to troubleshoot hardware and connections on your end.
Update Audio Drivers
Outdated audio drivers can cause glitches like microphone malfunctions. Updating guarantees compatibility with Discord.
On Windows, search for “Device Manager,” click Sound, video and game controllers, right click your audio device and select “Update driver.”
On Mac, download your audio manufacturer’s drivers from their official website.
Change USB Ports
If using a USB microphone or headset, try plugging into different USB ports. Some may have interference or inadequate power delivery affecting audio quality.
Adjust Router Settings
Discord requires steady internet access without much jitter, packet loss or ping spikes. Wi-Fi congestion from other connected devices can interfere.
Adjusting a few router settings may help:
- Switch to a less congested 5GHz network instead of standard 2.4GHz if available.
- Optimize the channel width to reduce interference with 40MHz vs. 20MHz.
- Use a different wireless channel than neighboring networks.
- Move the router closer to your computer/device to boost signal strength.
- Reboot the router and modem to refresh the connection.
If these tips don’t improve your Wi-Fi signal, contact your ISP about optimizing broadband speeds.
Bypass VPN/Firewall
As mentioned previously, VPNs and firewalls can sometimes block Discord’s audio ports. Temporarily disabling them is worth trying to rule out interference.
Test Different Microphones
It’s possible your current microphone just doesn’t provide quality sound for voice chat. Testing different mics can help isolate the issue. Consider:
- Trying the mic on a different computer
- Using your smartphone’s mic
- Borrowing a friend’s microphone
- Investing in a new dedicated headset or mic
Update Operating System/App
Using outdated operating systems, drivers, and apps can introduce compatibility issues. Make sure to update:
- Your operating system (Windows, MacOS, etc.)
- Audio drivers
- Discord app
- Browser if using web Discord
Updating guarantees everything works well together.
Troubleshooting from Your Friend’s End
In many cases, the problem comes down to settings and technical issues on the other user’s end preventing them from hearing you.
Here are some things to recommend your friends check:
- Try leaving and rejoining the voice channel
- Ensure Discord has the correct input/output devices selected
- Check that input volume isn’t muted or minimized
- Disable VPNs, firewalls, and antivirus temporarily to test
- Ensure operating systems and audio drivers are updated
- Switch from speakers to headset (or vice versa)
- Try Discord on a different device to isolate hardware issues
Having them test microphone and speaker connectivity in another app like Zoom can also help rule out problems.
You can also ask them to adjust their own router settings if they are experiencing bandwidth issues.
Further Troubleshooting Steps
If you’ve tried every tip but are still asking “Why can’t I hear anyone on Discord?”, these last resort steps may uncover the culprit:
Reset Voice Settings
Discord’s “Reset Voice Settings” button under Voice & Video Settings erases all custom configurations to defaults. Worth trying as a blank slate.
Contact Your ISP
Persistent connection problems may require contacting your internet provider about speeds, latency, jitter, and packet loss concerns. They can optimize network settings on their end or suggest hardware upgrades.
Check Server Region
Using Discord servers located far away physically can make latency and lag worse due to increased distance data needs to travel. Stick to local servers when possible.
Disable QoS
Quality of Service prioritizes voice data but seems to cause problems for some users. Toggling it off in Settings > Voice & Video can improve call connectivity.
Port Forward Discord
If problems arise from strict firewalls, manually opening Discord’s ports on the firewall may help. Enable UDP ports 5060-5080, 5190-5250 and TCP ports 80, 443, 20002-20250.
Contact Discord Support
After exhausting all other options, reaching out to Discord’s customer support team can shed light on any underlying issues. They may be able to diagnose the problem based on debug logs from your app.
Preventative Measures
While frustrating in the moment, audio issues don’t have to be an ongoing headache. Taking proactive measures can prevent future problems:
- Use a dedicated headset instead of speakers
- Position microphone close to your mouth pointed away from noise
- Optimize router location away from potential interference
- Prioritize Discord bandwidth with QoS High Packet Priority
- Update Discord, operating systems, drivers, and hardware regularly
- Use a wired ethernet connection for gaming instead of Wi-Fi
- Test equipment and internet speeds in advance of calls
Making these practices a habit reduces the likelihood of Discord voice chat fails.
FAQs About Discord Audio
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about resolving Discord voice chat issues:
Why can’t my friends hear me on Discord?
Common causes include incorrect input device selected, muted microphone, low input volume, internet connectivity problems, outdated audio drivers, faulty hardware, and interference from VPNs/firewalls.
Why is Discord cutting out?
Choppy audio and cut outs stem from unstable internet connections causing packet loss and jitter. Switching Discord servers, optimizing router settings, and contacting your ISP can improve connectivity.
Why does Discord lag when my internet is fine?
Discord requires low latency and ping times to function smoothly. General internet speeds don’t always indicate connection stability. Contact your ISP or try switching Discord server regions.
Why does my mic work in other apps but not Discord?
Discord relies on specific microphone and speaker access that another program may not require. You can disable hardware permissions and re-enable them specifically for Discord.
Why can I hear friends but they can’t hear me?
Make sure Discord has the correct input device selected and that your microphone volume isn’t muted or too low. Hardware failure is also a possibility requiring replacement.
Why does Discord keep switching to the wrong mic?
Discord may default to a different input device if one offers a clearer signal. Make your desired mic the only available option in Sound Settings so Discord can’t swap.
Why does my Discord audio echo?
Echoes are caused by output from speakers re-entering your microphone and creating feedback. Use a headset instead of external mic and speakers to prevent this issue.
Conclusion
With any luck, this guide covered all the potential issues and solutions for fixing Discord voice chat problems—even the hard-to-troubleshoot headaches.
Don’t hesitate to methodically work through each step, from Discord settings to equipment and connections on both ends. Proper troubleshooting isolates where any bottlenecks arise.
Of course, preventing issues in the first place is ideal. Optimizing your internet connection, using quality audio gear, and keeping Discord updated averts most audio frustrations down the road.
Do you still have lingering questions about issues with Discord voice chat? Let us know in the comments below! We’re happy to provide additional troubleshooting suggestions to get your call quality crystal clear
