iMessage is Apple’s popular messaging app that allows iOS and Mac users to send messages, photos, videos and more between devices. One handy iMessage feature is the ability to send and receive voice messages, which are short audio recordings sent as attachments. However, sometimes you may find that you can’t hear or listen to voice messages sent via iMessage on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. There are a few potential reasons why iMessage voice messages may not be working properly.
Reasons You May Not Be Able to Hear Voice Messages on iMessage
Here are some of the most common reasons why you can’t hear voice messages on iMessage and potential fixes:
Your Device’s Volume is Muted or Too Low
One of the simplest explanations is that your device’s ringer/media volume is muted or too low to properly hear iMessage voice messages. To fix this:
- On iPhone or iPad, use the volume buttons on the side of the device to turn the ringer and media volume up.
- On Mac, click the volume icon in the menu bar and adjust the output volume slider to turn up the volume.
Double check that volume is up and unmuted before trying to listen to an iMessage voice message again.
Do Not Disturb is Enabled
If Do Not Disturb is enabled on your device, this can block or mute all incoming alerts, including iMessage voice messages. To disable Do Not Disturb:
- On iPhone/iPad, open Settings > Do Not Disturb and turn off the feature or scheduled times.
- On Mac, click the Do Not Disturb icon in the menu bar and select Turn Off Do Not Disturb.
Notification Sounds are Disabled for iMessage
You can control notification sounds and preferences for individual apps like iMessage. It’s possible your iMessage notifications are muted or set to play no sound, which would mean voice messages won’t play their audio either. To check your iMessage notification settings:
- On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > Notifications > Messages and make sure Sounds is enabled.
- On Mac, go to System Preferences > Notifications & Focus > Messages and select an alert style with sound.
Enable sound effects for iMessage notifications so voice message audio can come through.
Apple’s Servers or Services are Down
Since iMessage relies on Apple’s servers and services on the backend, any outages or disruptions can prevent voice messages from coming through properly. If Apple is experiencing a system-wide issue, there may be nothing you can do but wait for services to be restored. Check Apple’s System Status page or follow their support Twitter account to see if there are any reported problems.
Software Bug or Glitch
Like any app, iMessage could have software bugs that affects certain features. A bug could be preventing voice message audio from playing properly. Try force quitting and reopening the Messages app or restarting your device to clear out any glitches. Also make sure you’re updated to the latest iOS or MacOS version, as software updates often include bug fixes.
Your Phone Number or Account was Blocked
If the person you’re trying to receive an iMessage voice message from has blocked your phone number or Apple ID, their messages will be prevented from coming through. You will need to get the sender to unblock you in order to receive their iMessage voice memos properly again.
Your Apple ID is Not Signed Into iMessage
iMessage needs to be enabled and signed in with your Apple ID on all of your devices to sync messages across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If you’re signed out or didn’t complete iMessage setup on a device, you may be unable to receive or listen to voice messages. Make sure iMessage is turned on and your Apple ID is logged in on all devices.
Your iPhone is Not Connected to Cellular Data or WiFi
Without an internet connection on your iPhone or iPad, iMessage will not work properly. Voice messages are delivered over the internet, so they require a WiFi or cellular data connection. If you have poor signal or no data on your iPhone, switch to a better network or connect to WiFi in order to download and listen to voice messages in iMessage.
Your Microphone Permissions are Restricted
iMessage needs permission to access your microphone in order to record and send voice messages. If microphone access is disabled, it could prevent voice memos from playing back as well. Check your app permissions and make sure iMessage or Messages is allowed to use the microphone.
How to Fix and Listen to Voice Messages in iMessage
If you’re still unable to get voice messages working in iMessage after troubleshooting the common problems above, here are a few more tips for troubleshooting and listening to iMessage voice memos:
Force Quit and Reopen the Messages App
A simple restart of the Messages app may clear up temporary glitches that are preventing voice messages from playing. On iPhone or iPad, double click the home button and swipe up on the Messages preview to force quit it. Then reopen Messages to retry listening to voice messages.
Update Your iPhone, iPad or Mac
Having the latest iOS or MacOS version installed can resolve bugs and issues that may be interfering with voice message playback in iMessage. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on iOS devices or the App Store on a Mac to check for any available operating system updates.
Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
Toggling airplane mode off and back on again can force your iPhone to reconnect to the cellular network or WiFi, which may correct connection issues that are blocking voice messages from coming through in iMessage.
Sign Out Then Sign Back Into iMessage
Try signing out of iMessage on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, then signing back in with your Apple ID. This reinitializes the messaging connection and resyncs your account which may fix voice message issues.
Reset Network Settings on iPhone
For iPhone and cellular connectivity issues, you can try resetting your network settings which will wipe all WiFi passwords and settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This may help if cell signal strength was causing problems.
Check Cell or WiFi Signal Strength
Weak cell signal and poor WiFi connectivity can interfere with voice messages coming through reliably in iMessage. Try moving closer to a window or your wireless router to improve reception, or switch to a stronger cellular network if available. Improving your connection strength may allow voice memos to download and play properly.
Restart Your iPhone, iPad or Mac
If all else fails, completely restarting your device can help clear out any stuck processes or glitches relating to iMessage and voice memos. Power down then power your device back on and check if voice messages work. Let the device fully start back up before testing iMessage voice messages again.
How to Prevent iMessage Voice Message Issues
Once you’ve resolved any current problems with listening to iMessage voice messages, follow these tips to avoid recurring issues in the future:
- Make sure your operating systems are always up to date on iOS devices and Macs to have the latest bug fixes and performance improvements.
- Don’t disable microphone permissions for Messages or iMessage, as this will prevent sending/receiving voice messages.
- Check that Do Not Disturb is disabled so voice message alerts aren’t silenced.
- Make sure sound and notification volume is turned up enough on your devices.
- When sending or receiving an important voice message, move to an area with better WiFi or cellular signal.
- If issues persist, try resetting network settings or re-registering your iMessage account.
Following troubleshooting steps quickly when an issue arises can help resolve temporary glitches before they become ongoing problems.
Conclusion
Voice messages not playing in iMessage is usually caused by simple fixes like volume levels, Do Not Disturb, outdated software or weak internet connectivity. Check the sender didn’t block you, and that iMessage is properly set up with your Apple ID across devices. Quit and relaunch the Messages app, restart your device, reset network settings or update software if needed. With consistent connection quality and proper app settings, you should be able to send and receive voice messages seamlessly using iMessage. Being proactive about troubleshooting can help minimize disruptions so you don’t miss important audio messages from your contacts.