Can’t Hear Crewmate? Fix Among Us Audio Now!

Okay, so you’re in the middle of an intense Among Us game, trying to figure out who the Impostor is, but you cant hear a crewmate and they cant hear me – super frustrating, right? The InnerSloth team knows this audio issue can be a real buzzkill, especially when you’re relying on teamwork to survive! Discord, a popular communication platform, is often used as a workaround when in-game audio fails. But sometimes, even Discord can be glitchy. Don’t worry; we’re here to troubleshoot those pesky audio problems so you can get back to clearing those tasks and sussing out the suspicious characters in the Skeld!

Silence in Space: Getting Your Voice Back in Among Us

Ever been in a crucial Among Us meeting, ready to drop that perfect alibi or expose the Imposter lurking in the shadows, only to realize… nobody can hear you?

Yeah, we’ve all been there.

Voice chat issues in Among Us are infuriating, turning tense moments into silent, frustrating guessing games. It’s like being a ghost in your own spaceship!

Why Voice Chat Matters

In Among Us, communication is everything.

For crewmates, clear, concise reporting and collaborative sleuthing are the keys to identifying and ejecting the Imposter.

Misunderstandings or lack of information can lead to innocent players getting the boot, leaving the Imposter free to wreak havoc.

And let’s not forget the Imposters!

They rely on carefully crafted lies and subtle manipulation, which is impossible without a working microphone. A faulty voice chat can blow their cover in an instant.

The Agony of Inaudibility

Imagine this: you have irrefutable evidence against the Imposter, but your mic is dead.

You frantically type, but it’s too slow, too late.

The Imposter deflects, the crew believes them, and you’re ejected into the cold void of space. Talk about frustrating!

This kind of experience can quickly turn a fun social game into a source of pure stress.

Your Comprehensive Voice Chat Troubleshooting Guide

Don’t despair, fellow crewmates (and cunning Imposters)!

This guide is here to help you diagnose and fix those pesky voice chat problems, so you can get back to the important business of sussing out the competition and completing your tasks.

We’ll walk through a series of troubleshooting steps, from the simplest in-game settings to more advanced system configurations.

Let’s get your voice back in the game!

In-Game Checks: The First Line of Defense

Before diving into complex system settings or blaming your headset, let’s tackle the low-hanging fruit. Among Us has its own set of audio controls, and they’re often the culprit behind sudden silence. These are the first places you should look.

Accessing the In-Game Audio Settings

Finding the audio settings is pretty straightforward.

From the main menu, look for the gear icon – that’s your settings portal. Once you’re in, tap on the "Audio" tab.

It’s that simple! This is your control center for all things sound within the game itself.

Mastering the Volume Sliders

Okay, you’re in the audio settings. Now what?

You’ll see a few volume sliders: one for the overall game volume and crucially, one for your microphone.

Make sure that microphone slider isn’t accidentally set to zero. We’ve all done it!

Give it a little nudge upwards and test your mic again. You might be surprised at how often this fixes the problem.

Remember to adjust the overall game volume as well! You want to be able to hear other players, but not blast your eardrums.

Mute Madness: Are You or Others Silenced?

Sometimes, the problem isn’t your microphone volume, but whether you (or someone else) are muted.

In the meeting screen, look for the mute icon next to your name (or the names of other players).

It looks like a microphone with a line through it. A simple tap can toggle mute on or off.

Accidental mutes happen, especially during those frantic emergency meetings.

Double-check that you haven’t inadvertently silenced yourself or someone else before accusing them of being suspiciously quiet.

Mic Test… Mic Test… Is This Thing On?

Unfortunately, Among Us doesn’t have a built-in microphone test feature.

This would be incredibly useful, but sadly, it’s not something the developers have implemented (yet!).

For now, you’ll need to rely on external methods (like voice recording apps or Discord) to test your microphone’s functionality.

We will cover those in the coming article sections so do not fret!

Decoding Voice Chat: Proximity, Push-to-Talk, and Voice Activation

Before diving into complex system settings or blaming your headset, let’s tackle the low-hanging fruit. Among Us has its own set of audio controls, and they’re often the culprit behind sudden silence. These are the first places you should look.

It’s easy to overlook the nuances of how the in-game voice chat actually works. There are different features that might be switched on, or perhaps the opposite.

Let’s dissect these potential issues, including proximity, push-to-talk, and voice activation, and how they contribute to the chaos (or lack thereof) in your Among Us sessions.

Proximity Chat: Location, Location, Location!

Let’s start with the basics: proximity. In many versions or game modes of Among Us, voice chat is not global. You can only hear players who are physically near your in-game character.

This sounds obvious, but it’s often forgotten in the heat of the moment!

So, if you’re wandering alone in Electrical while your teammates are huddled in the cafeteria, you won’t hear their frantic accusations or desperate pleas.

Distance matters.

Are you sure you’re close enough to the person you’re trying to talk to? This is especially important on larger maps. Keep an eye on your location and stay close to your crewmates to maximize communication.

Crewmates that stray alone might be the ones that are sus.

Push-to-Talk: Are You Actually Talking?

Next up: push-to-talk, or PTT. If this feature is enabled (either in-game or via a third-party voice communication service), you need to physically hold down a designated key or button while you speak.

It’s surprising how often this gets missed.

Many players, especially newcomers, forget they need to hold the button down while they’re talking.

Are you sure you’re holding down the correct key? Make sure you’ve mapped the PTT key to something comfortable and easy to reach during intense gameplay.

And don’t release it too early! You might be cutting off the end of your sentences, leading to miscommunication and confusion.

Don’t be the crewmate that no one can understand!

Voice Activity Detection: When Your Mic Has a Mind of Its Own

Finally, let’s talk about Voice Activity Detection, or VAD. This is a feature that automatically detects when you’re speaking and activates your microphone accordingly.

Sounds great in theory, right? In practice, it can be a bit finicky.

The Sensitivity Sweet Spot

VAD has a sensitivity setting that determines how loud you need to be before your microphone activates.

If it’s too sensitive, even the slightest noise (like a sniffle or a keyboard click) could trigger your mic, potentially broadcasting unwanted sounds to your teammates.

If it’s not sensitive enough, it might not pick up your voice at all, especially if you tend to speak softly. Even worse, it could cut off the beginning of your words.

Taming the VAD Beast

Ideally, you’ll want to find that sweet spot where your voice is reliably detected without picking up every little sound in your environment.

The option to adjust VAD sensitivity is rare in most games, but it’s worth checking your system or the platform you’re playing on (Steam, Discord, etc). Play around with the settings until you find what works best for your setup.

External Applications: Could Discord Be the Culprit (or the Solution)?

Before diving into complex system settings or blaming your headset, let’s tackle the low-hanging fruit. Among Us has its own set of audio controls, and they’re often the culprit behind sudden silence. These are the first places you should look.

It’s easy to overlook the nuances of how external voice chat apps might be messing with your in-game experience. Think of it like this: your computer is trying to juggle multiple audio sources, and sometimes, things get dropped.

Let’s explore how apps like Discord can impact your Among Us audio, and how they can even offer a solution when the in-game voice chat decides to take a vacation.

The Voice Chat Juggling Act: Why Conflicts Arise

Ever try talking on the phone while also watching a video? It’s a sensory overload, right?

Your computer faces a similar challenge when running multiple voice chat applications simultaneously.

Among Us‘s built-in voice chat and external programs like Discord, Teamspeak, or even Zoom all compete for control of your microphone and audio output. This competition can lead to a few common problems:

• Audio Hijacking: One application might "hijack" your microphone, preventing others from accessing it. You might be talking, but Among Us isn’t hearing a thing.
• Resource Strain: Running multiple voice chat apps can strain your system resources, leading to audio stuttering, delays, or complete dropouts.
• Configuration Confusion: Your operating system might get confused about which application should be using which audio device. This can result in the wrong microphone being selected or the audio being routed to the wrong output.

In short, the more voice chat programs running, the higher the chance that one of them will cause problems for the others.

The Temporary Solution: Muting the Competition

A simple but effective solution is to temporarily disable other voice chat programs while playing Among Us.

This means completely closing Discord, Teamspeak, Zoom, or any other app that uses your microphone. Don’t just minimize them; fully quit the application.

This frees up your system resources and eliminates potential conflicts, giving Among Us exclusive access to your audio devices. You might be surprised at how often this solves the issue!

Discord to the Rescue: A Voice Chat Lifeline

Ironically, while Discord can be a culprit, it can also be a lifesaver. If Among Us‘s in-game voice chat is consistently failing, Discord offers a reliable alternative.

Many players prefer using Discord for voice communication, even when the in-game chat is working, due to its superior audio quality and features.

Here’s how to use Discord as a workaround:

1. Create a Server: Set up a private Discord server for your Among Us group. This is your dedicated communication hub.
2. Invite Your Crewmates: Share the server invite link with your friends.
3. Join a Voice Channel: Create and join a voice channel within the server.
4. Mute In-Game Chat (Optional): To avoid hearing both Discord and the in-game chat simultaneously (if it’s sporadically working), mute the in-game voice chat in the settings.

Discord provides a stable and feature-rich platform for voice communication, allowing you and your crewmates to strategize, accuse, and deceive without the frustration of a faulty in-game chat. Just remember to mute yourself when you die so you don’t spoil the game for the living!

Operating System Deep Dive: Your Mic’s Silent Partner

[External Applications: Could Discord Be the Culprit (or the Solution)?
Before diving into complex system settings or blaming your headset, let’s tackle the low-hanging fruit. Among Us has its own set of audio controls, and they’re often the culprit behind sudden silence. These are the first places you should look.
It’s easy to overlook the nuances…]

But what if everything looks right in Among Us?

What if the in-game volume is maxed, you’re not muted, and you’re definitely within shouting distance (digitally speaking, of course)?

Then it’s time to venture outside the spaceship and delve into your operating system’s audio settings.

Think of your OS as the gatekeeper of all things audio. It decides which microphone gets heard and how loud it gets to be. Let’s make sure it’s not secretly sabotaging your chances of catching the imposter.

Accessing Audio Settings: A Platform-by-Platform Guide

Navigating your operating system’s audio settings can feel like trying to find electrical in the Skeld, especially with frequent updates changing things.

But don’t worry, here’s a general guide to get you started:

Windows: The Sound Control Panel

On Windows, the classic way is through the Sound Control Panel.

You can typically find it by:

• Right-clicking the speaker icon in your system tray (bottom right corner).
• Selecting "Open Sound settings."
• Clicking "Sound Control Panel" on the right side.

Alternatively, search for "Sound settings" in the Windows search bar.

macOS: System Preferences

On macOS, head to System Preferences.

Then click on "Sound."

From there, you’ll find Input and Output tabs to manage your audio devices.

iOS and Android: Buried Treasure

Mobile operating systems often bury these settings a bit deeper.

On both iOS and Android, you’ll usually find audio-related settings within the main Settings app. Look for sections like "Sound," "Audio," or "Microphone."

Keep in mind that the exact location and wording can vary depending on your device manufacturer and OS version.

Selecting the Right Microphone: The Default Device Dilemma

Once you’ve found the audio settings, the crucial step is ensuring the correct microphone is selected as the default input device.

Your computer might be stubbornly trying to use a built-in microphone you don’t even know exists, instead of your fancy gaming headset.

In the input settings, you should see a list of available microphones.

• Windows: Select the correct microphone and click "Set Default."

• macOS: Choose your desired microphone from the "Input device" list.

• iOS/Android: The process is usually automatic, but some apps might allow you to specify a microphone.

Make absolutely sure you choose the right one! This is the most common fix.

Test your microphone by speaking into it and observing the input level indicator (if there is one) to confirm that it’s picking up your voice.

Adjusting Microphone Input Volume: Speak Up!

Even if the correct microphone is selected, its input volume might be set too low.

Imagine trying to whisper vital clues – it’s a recipe for disaster.

Locate the input volume slider in your OS audio settings.

• Windows: You might find a "Levels" tab within the microphone’s properties.
• macOS: The input volume slider is usually located in the "Input" tab of the Sound settings.
• iOS/Android: Adjust the microphone volume within the app (if available) or in the system settings.

Gradually increase the input volume until your voice is clearly audible without being distorted or clipping (peaking).

A good starting point is around 75%, but experiment to find the sweet spot for your microphone and environment.

Pay close attention to the audio quality. Don’t crank it to 100% if it introduces static or distortion.

A clean, clear signal is better than a loud, messy one.

Hardware Health Check: Your Mic’s Silent Partner

Before diving into complex system settings or blaming your headset, let’s tackle the low-hanging fruit. Among Us relies on your physical hardware working correctly. It’s like a chain — if one link is broken, the whole system fails. So, let’s make sure your microphone, headphones (or speakers), and connecting cables are all in tip-top shape.

The Connection Inspection: Is It Plugged In?

Seriously, start with the obvious.

Is your microphone actually plugged in?

It sounds silly, but you’d be surprised how often this is the issue.

Double-check that the microphone cable is securely connected to your computer, phone, or tablet.

If you’re using a USB microphone, try a different USB port. Some ports might be faulty or not provide enough power.

Wireless? Ensure it’s charged!

For those with separate headphone and microphone jacks, make sure you’re plugging into the correct ports (usually color-coded).

Testing, Testing: Is This Thing On?

Okay, it’s plugged in. Great! But is it actually working? Don’t just assume.

The best way to check is to use another application that utilizes your microphone.

Windows has Voice Recorder, macOS has Voice Memos, and most smartphones come with similar apps.

Record a short snippet of your voice and play it back.

Can you hear yourself clearly?

If not, the problem likely lies with the microphone itself.

Listening In: Are Your Headphones Playing Ball?

Even if your microphone is working, you won’t hear anything if your headphones or speakers are muted or broken.

Make sure the volume is turned up, both on your device and on the headphones/speakers themselves.

Try playing music or a video to confirm that audio is being output correctly.

If you can hear audio from other sources but not from Among Us, then the problem is likely specific to the game’s audio settings or a deeper system issue.

Cable Chaos: Untangling the Truth

Wires, wires, everywhere!

Cables can become damaged over time, especially if they’re frequently bent or twisted.

Carefully inspect the cables connected to your microphone and headphones for any signs of wear and tear.

Look for frayed wires, exposed conductors, or broken connectors.

If you find any damage, replacing the cable (or the entire device if the cable is built-in) is the best course of action. Also, check for loose connections. A slightly loose connection can cause intermittent audio problems, which can be incredibly frustrating during a tense Among Us meeting! Wiggle the connectors gently to see if the audio cuts in and out. If it does, reseat the connectors or try a different cable.

Driver Diagnostics: Keeping Your Audio Hardware Up-to-Date

Hardware Health Check: Your Mic’s Silent Partner
Before diving into complex system settings or blaming your headset, let’s tackle the low-hanging fruit. Among Us relies on your physical hardware working correctly.

It’s like a chain — if one link is broken, the whole system fails.

So, let’s make sure your microphone, headphones (or speakers), and connecting cables are all in tip-top shape.

The Unsung Heroes: What Are Audio Drivers, Anyway?

Think of audio drivers as the translators between your operating system and your microphone.

They’re the software that allows Windows or macOS to understand what your microphone is "saying" and relay that information to Among Us.

Without the right drivers, your microphone might as well be speaking a foreign language.

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a surprisingly common cause of voice chat woes. They can lead to garbled audio, complete silence, or even system crashes. It’s like trying to run a modern app on an old computer – things just won’t work right.

Windows: Updating Your Audio Drivers

Updating drivers on Windows can feel a bit like navigating a maze, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down.

Method 1: Device Manager – The Scenic Route

1. Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager."

2. Expand the "Audio inputs and outputs" section.

3. Find your microphone in the list (it might be labeled with the manufacturer’s name or a generic term like "USB Microphone").

4. Right-click on your microphone and select "Update driver."

5. Choose "Search automatically for drivers." Windows will try to find the latest driver online.

   Sometimes, Windows says you have the best driver already installed even if it’s outdated. Don’t trust it blindly!

   Method 2: Manufacturer’s Website – The Direct Route

For the most reliable drivers, head straight to the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Logitech, Razer, Blue Microphones).

Search for your specific microphone model and download the latest driver.

You will need to install the driver file manually after downloading it.

This method often gets you the most up-to-date and feature-rich drivers.

macOS: Staying Current with System Updates

macOS handles driver updates a bit differently.

Instead of manually installing drivers, most audio driver updates are bundled with macOS system updates.

So, the best way to ensure your audio drivers are up-to-date on a Mac is to keep your operating system current.

1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Select "About This Mac."

3. Click "Software Update."

4. Install any available updates.

The Nuclear Option: Reinstalling Your Drivers

If updating your drivers doesn’t solve the problem, consider reinstalling them.

This can help clear out any corrupted files or conflicting settings.

On Windows, you can uninstall the driver through Device Manager (right-click on your microphone, select "Uninstall device").

Then, restart your computer. Windows will often automatically reinstall a generic driver.
It is recommended to install the driver downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.

On macOS, reinstalling the entire operating system is generally required.

A Word of Caution

Driver updates can sometimes cause unexpected issues.

Before updating, consider creating a system restore point (Windows) or backing up your Mac.

This way, you can easily revert to a previous state if something goes wrong.

Rare Culprits: Less Likely, But Still Worth Considering

Driver Diagnostics: Keeping Your Audio Hardware Up-to-Date
Hardware Health Check: Your Mic’s Silent Partner
Before diving into complex system settings or blaming your headset, let’s tackle the low-hanging fruit. Among Us relies on your physical hardware working correctly.
It’s like a chain — if one link is broken, the whole system fails.
So, let’s…

Okay, you’ve checked all the obvious stuff.
You’ve fiddled with volume sliders, updated drivers, and even sacrificed a crewmate to the tech gods (figuratively, of course!).
Yet, the silence persists.
Don’t despair!
Sometimes, the problem isn’t you; it’s the game itself, or even the invisible network gremlins.
Let’s explore some less likely, but still possible, causes for your Among Us voice chat woes.

The Ghost in the Machine: Game Glitches and Bugs

Let’s be real: video games aren’t perfect.
Even the most polished titles can have occasional glitches and bugs.
And Among Us, while super fun, isn’t immune.
Sometimes, a specific version of the game might have a temporary issue affecting voice chat.

These glitches can be sneaky, popping up seemingly out of nowhere.
Maybe a recent update introduced a bug that messes with audio.
Perhaps it’s a conflict with a particular device or operating system configuration.
Whatever the cause, the best course of action is to see if other players are experiencing the same problem.

Check online forums, the Among Us subreddit, or the game’s official Discord server.
A quick search might reveal that it’s a widespread issue that the developers are already working on.
If that’s the case, patience is key.
The developers will likely release a patch to fix the bug in a future update.

Whispers in the Wires: Network Nuances

While usually not the culprit for in-game voice chat (which typically relies on a direct connection to the game server), it’s worth briefly considering network-related issues.

Firewall Follies

It’s rare, but a firewall could potentially block voice traffic.
Your firewall acts as a security guard for your computer, controlling what information can enter and exit.
In extremely rare cases, it might mistakenly identify Among Us’s voice chat as a threat and block it.

If you suspect this might be the case, check your firewall settings.
Make sure that Among Us is allowed to access the internet and that there are no specific rules blocking UDP traffic on the ports the game uses.
Consult your firewall’s documentation for instructions on how to do this.

Network Congestion

Another, even less likely possibility, is network congestion.
If your internet connection is overloaded with traffic, it could affect voice chat quality or even prevent it from working altogether.
This is more likely to be an issue if you’re playing on a crowded Wi-Fi network or if someone else in your household is streaming videos or downloading large files.
However, for issues related to the in-game connection, it’s not very likely to be your network.
The network issues are more likely tied to a Discord connection.

The Collective Wisdom: Seeking Solutions Online

When all else fails, tap into the collective wisdom of the internet.
Online forums, communities, and social media groups dedicated to Among Us can be invaluable resources.

Search for your specific problem on these platforms.
Someone else might have encountered the same issue and found a solution.
Be as specific as possible in your search terms.
Include details like your operating system, device, and the version of Among Us you’re playing.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Post a detailed description of your problem and what troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.
The Among Us community is generally very helpful and willing to share their knowledge.

By exploring these less common causes, you’re leaving no stone unturned in your quest to restore your Among Us voice chat.
Good luck, and may your future games be filled with clear communication and cunning deceptions!

Hopefully, these tips have helped you troubleshoot your audio issues! It’s super frustrating when you can’t hear a crewmate, and they can’t hear me during those crucial emergency meetings. Now get back out there and find those imposters!