Discord audio issues can be frustrating. Many users face problems with voice chat or sound not working. This can disrupt communication during gaming sessions or important calls.
Common causes of Discord audio problems include incorrect settings, outdated drivers, or conflicts with other apps. These issues often have simple fixes. Checking your input and output devices is a good first step. Updating Discord and your audio drivers can also help.
Sometimes the problem lies with Discord’s servers or your internet connection. In these cases, waiting or switching to a different server region might solve the issue. For persistent problems, Discord offers a troubleshooting guide with step-by-step solutions.
Troubleshooting Discord Audio Problems
Discord is a fantastic platform for voice and video communication, but audio issues can sometimes disrupt your conversations. Whether you can’t hear others, they can’t hear you, or you’re experiencing distorted sound, this guide provides a comprehensive set of solutions to get your Discord audio working smoothly again.
Basic Checks and Settings
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, start with these simple checks:
- Volume levels: Ensure your system volume and Discord’s volume settings are turned up and not muted.
- Correct output device: Confirm that Discord is using the correct output device (speakers or headphones) in its settings.
- Input device selection: Verify that Discord is using the correct input device (microphone) and that it’s not muted.
- Restart Discord and your computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the basic checks don’t resolve the issue, try these more advanced solutions:
1. Check Audio Drivers
Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause various sound problems.
- Update audio drivers: Go to your computer’s Device Manager, expand “Sound, video and game controllers,” right-click on your audio device, and select “Update driver.”
- Reinstall audio drivers: If updating doesn’t help, try uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers.
2. Adjust Discord Audio Settings
Discord offers several audio settings that can affect your sound quality and connectivity.
- Reset voice settings: In Discord’s settings, go to “Voice & Video” and click “Reset Voice Settings” to restore default settings.
- Change audio subsystem: Experiment with switching between the “Standard” and “Legacy” audio subsystems in Discord’s settings.
- Disable Quality of Service High Packet Priority: This setting can sometimes cause audio problems, so try disabling it.
3. Check for Server Issues
Occasionally, Discord’s servers may experience outages or issues that can affect audio functionality.
- Check Discord’s status page: Visit the official Discord status page to see if there are any known server problems.
4. Test with a Different Device or Account
To isolate the issue, try using Discord on a different device or with a different account.
- Different device: If the audio works on another device, the problem is likely with your original device or its settings.
- Different account: If the audio works with another account, there might be an issue with your Discord account settings.
5. Adjust Windows Audio Settings
Windows has its own audio settings that can impact Discord.
- Set default devices: Make sure your desired speakers and microphone are set as the default devices in Windows’ sound settings.
- Disable exclusive mode: In your audio device’s properties, go to the “Advanced” tab and uncheck “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.”
Table: Troubleshooting Audio Problems in Discord
| Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Check Volume and Devices | Ensure proper volume levels and device selection. |
| Restart Discord/Computer | Restart to resolve temporary glitches. |
| Update/Reinstall Drivers | Update or reinstall your audio drivers. |
| Reset Voice Settings | Restore Discord’s audio settings to default. |
| Change Audio Subsystem | Experiment with different audio subsystems in Discord. |
| Check Server Status | Verify if Discord’s servers are experiencing issues. |
| Test with Different Device/Account | Isolate the problem by testing with different hardware or accounts. |
| Adjust Windows Audio Settings | Configure default devices and exclusive mode in Windows. |
Key Takeaways
- Check your audio settings and device connections first
- Update Discord and audio drivers regularly
- Try changing server regions or restarting the app for quick fixes
Troubleshooting Discord Audio Issues
Audio problems in Discord can be frustrating. Let’s explore some common fixes to get your sound working again.
Verifying Input and Output Devices
Check your input and output devices in Discord settings. Make sure the right mic and speakers are selected.
To do this:
- Open Discord
- Click the gear icon
- Go to Voice & Video
- Look at Input Device and Output Device
Try different devices if available. Test your mic to see if it’s working. If others can’t hear you check if you’re muted. Make sure your headset is plugged in properly.
Exploring Discord’s Voice Settings
Discord has many voice settings to tweak. These can help fix audio issues.
Some key settings to check:
- Input Mode (Push to Talk or Voice Activity)
- Input Sensitivity
- Echo Cancellation
- Noise Suppression
- Automatic Gain Control
Reset voice settings if nothing else works. This can often solve strange audio problems.
Managing Sound Settings in Your Operating System
Your computer’s sound settings can affect Discord audio. Check these if Discord settings look fine.
On Windows:
- Right-click the speaker icon
- Select “Open Sound settings”
- Check Default Output and Input devices
On Mac:
- Click the Apple menu
- Open System Preferences
- Select Sound
- Check Output and Input tabs
Make sure Discord has permission to use your mic. Update your audio drivers if needed. Restart your computer after making changes.
Advanced Audio Configuration and Fixes
Discord offers several advanced options to improve audio quality and resolve issues. These settings can help fix common problems and enhance your voice chat experience.
Adjusting Advanced Discord Settings
To access advanced audio settings in Discord:
- Open User Settings
- Click on Voice & Video
- Scroll down to Advanced
Here you can adjust:
- Input and output volume
- Echo cancellation
- Noise reduction
- Automatic gain control
Try switching the audio subsystem between Standard, Legacy, and Experimental. This can fix issues with certain sound cards or drivers.
If problems persist, use the “Reset Voice Settings” button. This returns all settings to default.
Utilizing the Quality of Service Feature
Quality of Service (QoS) helps prioritize Discord voice traffic on your network. To enable it:
- Go to Voice & Video settings
- Find “Enable Quality of Service High Packet Priority”
- Toggle the switch on
This feature can improve call quality, especially on busy networks. It works best when your router also supports QoS.
For push-to-talk users, adjust the release delay. This prevents your voice from cutting off too quickly.
Addressing Common Software Conflicts
Other programs can interfere with Discord’s audio. To fix this:
- Close unnecessary apps
- Update your audio drivers
- Check app permissions for Discord
On Windows, make sure Discord has the right to use your mic:
- Open Windows Settings
- Go to Privacy > Microphone
- Ensure Discord is allowed
If issues continue, try these steps:
- Restart Discord
- Update to the latest version
- Reinstall the app
Krisp noise suppression can help reduce background noise. Enable it in Voice & Video settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discord audio issues can be frustrating. Here are some common problems and fixes for voice chat, streaming, and mobile app troubles.
Why can’t I hear anyone on Discord?
Check your output settings. Make sure Discord is using the right speakers or headphones. Go to Voice & Video settings and pick the correct output device. Test your audio to see if it works.
How do I fix Discord audio issues when screen sharing?
Screen sharing audio problems often stem from system settings. Make sure you’ve allowed Discord to access your computer’s audio. On Windows, check the “Include computer sounds” box when starting a stream.
What steps should I take if there’s no sound from others in Discord voice chat?
First, check if you’re muted. Look for a red microphone icon. If not muted, restart Discord. This can fix many voice chat issues. If problems persist, try a different voice server.
How do I resolve audio problems on Discord mobile?
For mobile issues, check app permissions. Make sure Discord can use your microphone. Reset voice settings in the app. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling Discord.
Why is there no voice during Discord streaming?
Streaming without voice often means output settings are wrong. Check that Discord is set to capture desktop audio. Make sure your stream isn’t muted. Look for the speaker icon in the stream controls.
How can I troubleshoot Discord audio not working with my headphones?
First, test your headphones with another app. If they work elsewhere, check Discord settings. Select your headphones as the input and output device. Adjust volume levels for both microphone and speakers in Discord settings.
