There are a few common reasons why you may be experiencing low volume on WhatsApp calls or voice messages:
Your Phone’s Volume is Low
The most obvious reason is that your phone’s overall volume or media volume is set too low. Try using the volume buttons on the side of your phone during a WhatsApp call to increase the volume. You can also go into your phone’s Settings app and make sure the Media or Call Volume sliders are set high enough.
Issue with Your Phone Speakers
There could be an issue with your phone’s built-in earpiece speaker if the volume is low even when turned all the way up. Try using a headset or external speaker to see if the problem persists. If the volume is fine when using an external speaker, then the issue is likely with your phone’s built-in earpiece speaker and you may need to get it repaired or replaced.
Network Connectivity Problems
Low call volume can also be caused by poor network connectivity or a weak signal. Check if you have a strong WiFi, cellular data, or mobile signal wherever you are experiencing the issue. Move closer to your WiFi router, or go outside if you are indoors, to see if the call volume improves with a stronger signal. Network issues will likely cause choppy audio or dropped calls in addition to low volume.
Outdated App Version
Make sure you are running the latest version of the WhatsApp app on your device. Bug fixes and performance improvements in app updates can sometimes resolve audio issues like low call volume. Go to your device’s app store to check for any available updates and install the latest version.
App Permissions
The WhatsApp app needs access to your phone’s microphone and audio settings to function properly. If you have denied certain app permissions, it can cause problems with call and audio quality. Go into your phone’s app settings and make sure WhatsApp has permission to access the microphone and modify audio settings. Grant the necessary permissions and test if it fixes the volume issue.
Do Not Disturb Mode
If your phone is set to Do Not Disturb mode, it can mute or lower notification sounds and call volume. Check if Do Not Disturb is enabled under your phone’s settings and disable it to return call volume to normal. You can also customize the exceptions for Do Not Disturb to allow calls from certain contacts or apps to ring at full volume.
Conflict with Other Apps
In some cases, there may be a conflict between WhatsApp and other apps running in the background on your phone. For example, if you have a screen recording, call recording, or audio equalizer app enabled, it could interfere with WhatsApp’s audio performance. Try closing out of all other apps before making a WhatsApp call to see if it improves the volume. You can also try uninstalling any problematic apps that may be clashing with WhatsApp.
Issues on One End of the Call
Keep in mind the low volume may be an issue on the other person’s end, not yours. Ask the people you are calling if your voice sounds faint for them, or if they are also experiencing low call volumes with other contacts. The problem may be specific to their phone, network connection, or audio settings if you can hear them clearly while they can barely hear you.
Damaged Phone Microphone
Physical damage to your phone’s built-in microphone can also lead to low call volume and muffled audio. Dropping your phone or getting it wet can damage the delicate microphone components. Inspect your phone closely for any signs of damage near the microphone. You may need to get the microphone repaired or replaced if it is faulty due to physical damage.
Enabling Call Audio Effects
Some Android devices have the option to enable audio effects like equalizers and surround sound for calls. While this may enhance music, it can negatively impact call audio leading to lower volumes. Go into your phone’s call settings to disable any audio effects or sound quality enhancements to test if it improves WhatsApp call volume.
Phone Cover Blocking Microphone
If you have a phone case, cover or screen protector installed, check to make sure it is not partially blocking the microphone. This can sometimes muffle audio leading to lower volumes on calls. Try removing your phone case and make a call to see if the volume level improves. If so, you will need to adjust your phone cover to make sure it does not obstruct the microphone opening.
Incorrect Microphone Used for Calls
On phones with multiple microphones, the incorrect mic may be being used for WhatsApp calls. For example, the external microphone at the bottom of your phone may be used instead of the front-facing microphone near the earpiece. Go into your phone’s WhatsApp and audio settings to see if you can select the preferred microphone for calls to resolve the volume issue.
Cleaning Microphone Opening
Dust, debris and lint buildup in your phone’s microphone opening can block audio and cause muffled calls. Carefully clean the tiny microphone holes at the top or bottom of your phone with a soft brush or can of compressed air to remove any particulate obstruction. Never insert anything into the microphone opening to avoid further damage.
Adjusting In-Call Volume
While adjusting your phone’s system volume can help, you can also change the in-call volume specifically for WhatsApp calls. In the WhatsApp app during a call, tap the Volume button to increase or decrease the in-call volume. This will boost or reduce the call volume without affecting your overall system volume.
Updating Phone Software
Buggy software or an outdated operating system could also be the culprit. Go into your phone’s settings to check for available software and OS updates. Keep your phone’s software up-to-date to ensure optimal performance of WhatsApp and other apps. Audio issues are often addressed in major software updates.
Using Original Charger/Cable
If you notice the issue while charging your phone, try using the original charger and cable that came with your device. Third party or damaged chargers can sometimes interfere with audio performance during charging due to electrical noise. Only use certified, good quality chargers and cables with your phone.
Conclusion
In summary, low WhatsApp call volume can stem from phone hardware issues, software bugs, network connectivity, app conflicts, incorrect settings, microphone damage or obstruction, and various other causes. Follow the troubleshooting tips outlined above to identify and resolve the specific problem you are facing. Focus on adjusting volume levels, checking microphone access and placement, updating apps and OS, enabling proper permissions, removing obstructions, switching phone accessories, and testing with different connections or audio sources. With consistent testing and trial and error, you should be able to pinpoint the reason for quiet call volumes and take steps to significantly improve the audio experience on WhatsApp calls.
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Low phone volume | Increase media/call volume in settings |
| Speakerphone issue | Use headset or external speaker |
| Weak network signal | Move closer to WiFi router or improve cellular signal |
| Outdated WhatsApp version | Update to latest version of app |
| App permission problems | Grant microphone and audio permissions |
| Do Not Disturb enabled | Disable DND mode or allow exceptions |
| Conflict with other apps | Close background apps when on calls |
| Issues on other end of call | Troubleshoot other person’s phone |
| Damaged phone microphone | Repair or replace microphone |
| Audio effects enabled | Disable call audio effects/enhancements |
| Phone cover blocking mic | Adjust phone case opening |
| Wrong microphone being used | Select preferred microphone in settings |
In conclusion, troubleshooting and resolving low call volume on WhatsApp requires methodically testing different solutions until the root cause is identified. While frustrating, systematic isolation of each potential culprit will eventually uncover the specific problem you’re facing. Don’t give up if the volume doesn’t improve after trying one or two fixes. With persistence and patience, you will be able to get your WhatsApp call audio back to normal levels.