WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is the ability to send and receive videos. However, many users have experienced issues with WhatsApp videos not having any sound when played. There are several potential reasons why WhatsApp videos may not have audio.
Reasons Why WhatsApp Videos May Not Have Sound
1. Issues with Video File Format
One of the most common reasons why WhatsApp videos have no sound is due to incompatible video file formats. WhatsApp supports videos in MP4 and 3GP formats. If the video was recorded or exported in an unsupported format like AVI, MOV, WMV etc, WhatsApp will play the video but without sound. The video file must be converted to MP4 or 3GP for the audio to work on WhatsApp.
2. Corrupted or Damaged Video Files
Corrupted video files may also cause sound issues in WhatsApp. If the video file is damaged, incomplete or corrupted during transfer, it may play visually but parts of the audio stream may be missing. Corruption can occur during transferring via email, Bluetooth, offline sharing apps or third-party cloud services. To avoid corruption, videos should be sent directly through WhatsApp instead.
3. Media Volume Settings
The most obvious reason for videos having no audio is if the media volume is muted or set very low. Check the volume levels on the device inside WhatsApp media settings or the system volume mixer. Videos will be muted if volume is turned off or minimal. Set volume to audible levels for video sound to work.
4. Glitches in WhatsApp App
In some cases, a bug or glitch in the WhatsApp app itself may cause sound to disappear in videos. Issues like audio codec mismatches, corrupted cache and other app glitches can prevent video audio from working properly. Reinstalling WhatsApp or clearing cache/data may help resolve app issues.
5. Network Bandwidth Issues
Network issues like slow internet speed and bandwidth limitations can also impact video audio in WhatsApp. Video files are data intensive. Slow or congested networks may fail to download the audio stream fully, causing sound to not work. Switching to a faster internet connection often fixes such issues.
6. Media Player Incompatibilities
The default media player in WhatsApp may sometimes be unable to play the audio stream of a video properly. Trying a different third party media player app to play WhatsApp video could help in such cases. VLC, MX Player are good options that support a wide range of media formats.
7. Permissions Denied for Microphone
WhatsApp requires microphone access permissions to playback audio in videos. If microphone access is denied to WhatsApp in app permissions, videos will play silently without sound. Grant microphone permission in app settings to enable video audio.
8. Do Not Disturb Mode Enabled
If Do Not Disturb mode is activated on the device, all notification sounds and media playback audio will be muted. WhatsApp videos will have no audio when DND mode is enabled. Disable DND in quick settings pull down menu for video sound to work.
9. Issues with Phone Speakers
Faulty or damaged phone speakers could also be a reason for no video audio even though the file itself is fine. Hardware issues with speakers, sound card or audio jack will prevent audio output. Connecting external headphones may help isolate the issue.
10. Mismatched Versions on Sender and Recipient Side
If the WhatsApp sender and recipient are on mismatched app versions, it can lead to cross-version compatibility issues. Videos may not play audio properly if sent between different WhatsApp versions. Updating to latest version fixes such discrepancies.
Fixes and Solutions for No Video Sound in WhatsApp
Here are some possible fixes and solutions to resolve WhatsApp videos playing without audio:
Convert Video to Supported Format
If the video format is incompatible, convert it to MP4 or 3GP using online converter tools or apps like Handbrake before sending on WhatsApp. This allows proper audio playback.
Re-encode Video to Fix Corruption
Re-encoding damaged video files can help fix corruption issues that cause audio loss. Use video processing apps to change encode settings.
Check Volume and Permissions
Ensure media volume is set adequately high and microphone permissions are allowed for WhatsApp from device settings menu. This fixes basic playback issues.
Clear Cache and Reinstall App
A simple reinstall or cache clear of WhatsApp app removes glitches that could prevent video audio from working correctly.
Use Faster, Stable Internet Connection
Switch to a faster WiFi or cellular data connection to prevent bandwidth related audio issues during video transfer and streaming.
Update App to Latest Version
Download the newest version of WhatsApp from app store to fix cross-version compatibility issues causing video audio problems.
Try Different Media Players
Alternative media players like VLC or MX Player can play WhatsApp videos properly in cases where default app media player fails.
Use Earphones to Check Hardware
Connect earphones to isolate hardware issues with phone speakers that could be preventing video sound.
Disable Battery Saver/Power Saving Mode
Battery saver modes restrict background app activity affecting video audio. Disable such features.
Best Practices to Avoid WhatsApp Video Sound Issues
To prevent sound issues when sending videos on WhatsApp in the future, follow these best practices:
- Always convert videos to MP4 or 3GP before sending on WhatsApp.
- Send shorter, compressed videos as large HD files are prone to corruption.
- Use WhatsApp’s built-in sharing instead of third party apps to transfer media.
- Ensure phone has latest WhatsApp version and necessary permissions granted.
- Check app data usage limits and internet connection stability.
- Maintain phone hardware by cleaning speakers, headphone jack etc.
What to Do If Problem Persists?
If you have tried various solutions but WhatsApp videos still have no sound, here are some additional things to try out:
- Back up chats and reinstall WhatsApp starting fresh.
- Update your phone’s OS to latest stable version.
- Check for hardware issues like faulty speaker by technician.
- Factory reset your phone if all troubleshooting fails.
- Report persistent sound issues to WhatsApp support.
Conclusion
WhatsApp video audio issues can be frustrating but are mostly resolvable. Incompatible formats, file corruption, app glitches, network issues and hardware faults are main culprits. Converting videos to supported formats, reinstalling the app, using faster internet, updating WhatsApp version and checking hardware can help fix no video sound problems. With proper troubleshooting and preventive measures, you can enjoy video playback with audio consistently on WhatsApp.