Why is there no sound on my Messenger video call?
A common issue many users face with Facebook Messenger is no sound during video calls. This can be frustrating as audio is crucial for communication. Not being able to hear the other person on a Messenger video call defeats the purpose of connecting through video.
There are various potential causes for Messenger video calls having no sound. The issue could originate from microphone settings, app permissions, background apps, device compatibility problems, network issues, or recent Messenger updates. Fortunately, there are troubleshooting steps users can try to resolve the no sound problem and restore audio during Messenger video calls.
Possible Causes
One of the most common reasons for no sound on a Messenger video call is a microphone that is not working properly. This could be due to a few different factors:
The microphone may be muted in your device settings. Make sure to unmute your microphone in your phone or computer’s sound settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Sounds to check that your microphone is not muted.
Microphone permissions for Messenger may be disabled. Check your app permissions and make sure Messenger has access to use your microphone. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Messenger > Permissions to verify microphone access is enabled.
There could be dust, debris, or damage causing microphone failure. Physically inspect your microphone and use compressed air to clear any obstructions. If the mic still doesn’t work, you may need a repair or replacement.
Your operating system or Messenger app may need an update. Keep your device OS and apps updated to the latest versions to prevent compatibility issues.
Try toggling your mic off and on or restarting your device to troubleshoot the microphone. If you can’t hear audio during calls on other apps, it likely points to a microphone malfunction.
If your mic works in other apps, the issue is isolated to Messenger. Reinstalling the app may resolve microphone glitches.
Microphone Settings
One common reason for no sound during a Messenger video call is that you may not have enabled microphone access for the Messenger app. Both iOS and Android require apps to get explicit permission to use your device’s microphone. Make sure you have allowed Messenger access to your microphone in your device settings.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Messenger and toggle on the Microphone switch. You may also need to toggle on Microphone access in the main Privacy settings. For Android devices, open Settings > Apps > Messenger > Permissions and allow Microphone access. Without these permissions enabled, Messenger will be unable to access your microphone which results in no audio during calls.
You can also check your microphone settings directly within the Messenger app. Tap your profile photo > Settings & Privacy > Microphone and make sure “Always Allow” is enabled. This ensures Messenger can access your microphone when needed.
According to Kent Faith, you need to allow Messenger access to your device’s microphone in your iOS settings for audio to work during calls. And as per Small Business Chron, checking your microphone settings in the Messenger app itself can also resolve no audio issues.
App Permissions
One common reason for no sound during a Messenger video call is that the app lacks permission to access your microphone. Both iOS and Android require apps to get explicit permission from the user to access sensitive hardware like the camera and microphone. If you haven’t enabled microphone access for Messenger, it won’t be able to pick up any audio during calls.
On an iPhone, you can check Messenger’s permissions by going to Settings > Privacy > Microphone. Make sure the toggle next to Messenger is turned on. If not, toggle it on to grant microphone access. You may need to fully close the Messenger app and restart it for the new permissions to take effect.
On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > App Permissions > Microphone and look for Messenger. If the toggle is off, turn it on to enable the microphone permission. As with iOS, you may need to force close Messenger before audio will work properly.
If you’re still having no sound issues after enabling microphone access on both platforms, double check that other software settings like Do Not Disturb mode are not blocking the mic (source). But in most cases, granting explicit microphone permission to Messenger should resolve the problem.
Background Apps
Another potential cause of no sound during Messenger video calls is background apps using the microphone. Modern smartphones and computers allow apps to run in the background even when you’re not directly interacting with them. If another app has permission to access your microphone and is running in the background, it can sometimes interfere with Messenger’s access to the mic.
According to an article on Dr.Fone, background apps are a common culprit behind Messenger video calls with no sound. Apps like Facebook, Instagram, or Spotify may be quietly using the microphone in the background which can disrupt Messenger. Closing out these other apps before a video call can resolve the issue.
It’s a good idea to be aware of which apps have microphone permissions and to exit them before making a video call in Messenger. Restricting background app access to the microphone through your device settings is also an option. This ensures Messenger has full and uninterrupted access to the microphone when needed.
Device Compatibility
One reason there may be no sound on your Messenger video call is that your device or your call recipient’s device may not be compatible with Messenger’s video calling feature. Messenger video calling requires devices running iOS 8 or later and Android 4.1 or later (Portal from Facebook. Smart, Hands-Free Video Calling …). Older devices or operating system versions may not fully support video calling through the app.
Make sure both you and the person you are trying to call are using Messenger on a compatible, up-to-date smartphone or tablet. Using Messenger through a web browser on an older computer may also cause issues with video calling. Updating to a newer device or upgrading your operating system may help resolve any compatibility problems.
Network Issues
One of the most common causes for no sound on Messenger video calls is poor internet connectivity. Messenger relies on an internet connection to transmit audio during calls, so an unstable or disconnected network can disrupt audio transmission and result in no sound.
On WiFi networks, being far from the router or modem can lead to a weak signal and connection drops. Interference from other devices, bandwidth issues from too many users, or network outages can also impact call quality. When on mobile data, switching between 3G, 4G, and 5G, moving in and out of coverage areas, or network congestion can cause connectivity problems.
As calls on Messenger require a consistent and strong internet connection to function properly, any disruption in connectivity can manifest as having no sound during video calls. Checking your network strength in Settings and moving closer to your router if on WiFi can help resolve this. Reducing bandwidth usage from other devices or switching to a stronger mobile data or WiFi network may also be required.
According to this video, you need a stable internet connection for Messenger video calls to work properly, as any network issues can prevent sound from transmitting.
Messenger Updates
One potential cause of no sound during Messenger video calls is having an outdated version of the Messenger app. Messenger is regularly updated with bug fixes and new features, so running an old version can lead to audio issues.
Check that you have the latest version of Messenger installed on your device. On iPhone, go to the App Store and pull down to refresh the Updates section – if a Messenger update is available, install it. On Android, go to the Play Store, tap the hamburger menu icon, choose My Apps & Games, and check if any updates are pending for Messenger.
Staying current with the latest Messenger releases will ensure you have the most stable version with the newest audio and video calling capabilities. Major version updates in particular may contain fixes for no sound problems. Keeping the app up-to-date is an easy step to potentially resolve audio issues on calls.
https://drfone.wondershare.com/facebook/messenger-video-call-no-sound.html
Troubleshooting
Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve no sound issues during Messenger video calls:
1. Check that your microphone settings allow Messenger access and are not muted (source: https://drfone.wondershare.com/facebook/messenger-video-call-no-sound.html). Go into your device settings, privacy settings, and microphone settings to ensure Messenger is allowed access.
2. Make sure Messenger has permission to use your microphone and camera in the app permissions (source: https://www.guidingtech.com/fix-no-sound-in-facebook-messenger-video-calls-on-iphone-android/). Go to your phone settings, app settings, select Messenger app and enable microphone access.
3. Close any background apps that could be using the microphone (source: https://drfone.wondershare.com/facebook/messenger-video-call-no-sound.html). Swipe up to close all apps before making a Messenger call.
4. Update the Messenger app, iOS/Android OS, and restart your device (source: https://www.guidingtech.com/fix-no-sound-in-facebook-messenger-video-calls-on-iphone-android/). Keep your device and apps updated to the latest versions.
5. Try making a test call to confirm if sound works properly after troubleshooting. If issues persist, contact Messenger support.
Preventative Tips
Here are some ways to help avoid having no sound issues during Messenger video calls in the future:
Check your device’s microphone settings and make sure nothing is muted before making a call. Go to your phone’s Settings > Sound to verify the microphone is not muted.
Allow Messenger access to your microphone by going to Settings > Apps > Messenger > Permissions and enabling Microphone access.
Close any other apps running in the background that could be using the microphone. Swipe up from the bottom of your phone screen and close out any apps not needed.
Update to the latest version of the Messenger app, as an outdated version could cause sound issues. Open the App Store/Google Play Store and check for any available Messenger updates.
Make sure you have a stable WiFi or mobile data connection when making video calls. Slow internet speeds can disrupt audio feeds.
Only use Messenger’s official app, as third-party apps may have compatibility issues. Download Messenger directly from the official app store for your device.
If issues persist across different devices, it may be an account-specific problem. Try logging out and back into your account.