Can’t Hear Voices on Discord? 7 Fixes (2024)

Informal, Encouraging

Informal, Encouraging

Having trouble hearing your friends on Discord? It’s super frustrating when you cant hear other voices on discord, especially during a crucial raid in World of Warcraft or while strategizing with your team in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Discord, the popular communication platform, sometimes experiences audio glitches. Don’t worry, the good news is that the problem is usually fixable by adjusting settings within the Discord application itself or tweaking your Windows 10 audio configurations!

Understanding Discord and Audio Fundamentals

Before we dive into troubleshooting audio issues on Discord, let’s establish a solid foundation. Think of this as understanding the rules of the game before you start playing. We’ll cover some essential concepts that will make the troubleshooting process much smoother.

Discord: Always Use the Latest Version

First things first: make sure you’re running the latest version of Discord. It’s like having the newest software update on your phone. New versions often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features that can resolve audio glitches.

To update Discord, simply close the application completely (check your system tray too!). Then, re-open it. Discord will automatically check for and install any available updates. Easy peasy!

VoIP: Discord’s Voice Magic

Discord uses a technology called VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. In simple terms, VoIP converts your voice into digital data, sends it over the internet, and then converts it back into audible sound for the other person.

It’s the same technology used by many other voice and video calling apps. Understanding that Discord relies on VoIP helps to identify potential sources of problems – like a shaky internet connection!

Decoding Audio Latency

Ever experienced a delay between when you speak and when the other person hears you? That’s audio latency. Latency is the time it takes for an audio signal to travel from your microphone to the other person’s ears.

Several factors can contribute to latency:

• Distance: Data has to travel farther across the internet.
• Network Congestion: Think of rush hour for internet traffic.
• Hardware/Software Processing: Your computer takes time to process the audio.

High latency can make conversations awkward and difficult. We’ll explore ways to minimize latency later on. For now, just know what it is and why it matters!

Audio Input and Output: The Sound’s Journey

Let’s trace the path of your voice. It all starts with audio input. This is where your microphone captures your voice and converts it into an electrical signal. This signal then travels to your computer.

Your computer processes the signal and sends it over the internet via Discord. On the other end, the process is reversed. The incoming audio signal is your audio output. This is where your computer receives the digital audio data from Discord. Your computer then converts this digital data back into an electrical signal that is sent to your headphones or speakers.

Understanding this basic input/output flow is crucial. Why? Because it helps you pinpoint where a problem might be occurring. Is the microphone not picking up sound (input issue)? Or are the speakers not playing sound (output issue)? Knowing the difference is half the battle.

Hardware Verification: Ensuring Proper Connections

Before we start diving into the intricate software settings and network configurations, it’s crucial to ensure that your physical connections are solid. Think of it like building a house – you need a strong foundation before you can start decorating! Let’s run through a hardware checklist to guarantee everything is plugged in, powered on, and ready to go.

Headphone and Speaker Check: Are You Really Hearing Me?

Let’s start with the basics: your headphones or speakers. Obvious, right? But you’d be surprised how often this gets overlooked.

• Connection is Key: Make sure your headphones or speakers are securely plugged into the correct port on your computer. A loose connection can cause all sorts of weird audio issues, from crackling sounds to complete silence.

• Volume Levels: This might seem like a no-brainer, but double-check that your volume is turned up! Look for the volume controls on your headphones, speakers, and computer. Make sure nothing is muted. It happens to the best of us!

• Functionality Test: Play some audio through your headphones or speakers to verify they’re working correctly. If you hear distorted sound, try a different set of headphones or speakers to isolate the problem. Is it the device itself, or something else?

Microphone Assessment: Let Your Voice Be Heard

Next up: the microphone. A working mic is obviously essential for clear communication on Discord.

• Physical Connection: Just like your headphones, ensure your microphone is firmly plugged into the correct port on your computer. USB mics are straightforward, but traditional mics might require a separate audio interface.

• Mute Button Check: Many microphones have a physical mute button. Make sure it’s not engaged! This is a common culprit.

• Placement Matters: The position of your microphone can significantly affect the audio quality. Ideally, it should be close to your mouth but not directly in front of it. Experiment with different positions to find the sweet spot that minimizes background noise and maximizes clarity. If you have a boom arm, now’s the time to use it!

Sound Card/Audio Interface Recognition: The Heart of Your Audio System

Your sound card or audio interface is the hardware component responsible for processing audio signals. Think of it as the engine that powers your audio experience.

• Internal vs. External: Most computers come with an internal sound card, but many users opt for an external audio interface for higher-quality audio recording and playback.

• Device Manager (Windows): On Windows, you can check if your sound card/audio interface is recognized by opening the Device Manager. Look for "Sound, video and game controllers." If you see your device listed without any error icons (like a yellow exclamation mark), it’s generally recognized.

• System Information (macOS): On macOS, you can find this information under "About This Mac" -> "System Report" -> "Audio." Make sure your audio device is listed here.

• Driver Issues: If your sound card/audio interface isn’t recognized, it might be a driver issue. Try updating or reinstalling the drivers for your device.

By verifying your audio hardware, you’ll rule out many common causes of audio problems in Discord. With these basics covered, we can move on to the software side of things!

Software Configuration: Diving into Audio Settings

After ensuring that your audio hardware is correctly set up, it’s time to dive into the software side of things. This is where we fine-tune the settings that dictate how your audio is processed and transmitted in Discord. Think of it as optimizing the engine of your car after making sure all the physical parts are in place. Let’s explore how to navigate the digital realm to enhance your Discord audio experience.

Audio Driver Management

Audio drivers are the unsung heroes of your audio setup. They act as the translator between your hardware and your operating system.

Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to all sorts of audio issues, from distorted sound to complete silence.

Keeping your drivers up-to-date is crucial.

How to Update Your Audio Drivers:

• Windows: Open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar). Expand "Sound, video and game controllers." Right-click on your audio device (e.g., Realtek Audio) and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for drivers."
• macOS: macOS usually handles driver updates automatically through system updates. However, checking for system updates regularly is still recommended. Go to System Preferences > Software Update.
• Manufacturer’s Website: For specific audio interfaces or high-end sound cards, it’s best to visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers directly.

If updating doesn’t work, consider reinstalling the drivers. Uninstall the device in Device Manager (Windows) or remove any related software (macOS) and then reinstall the drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

Discord Audio Settings Exploration

Discord has a dedicated section for audio settings, which offers a plethora of customization options.

Let’s explore them.

To access these settings, click on the gear icon next to your username at the bottom left of the Discord window, then select "Voice & Video" under "App Settings".

Key Discord Audio Settings:

• Input Device: Choose the correct microphone from the dropdown menu. Make sure it’s the one you actually want to use!
• Output Device: Select your preferred speaker or headphone output.
• Input Volume: Adjust the microphone volume slider to a comfortable level. Test it by speaking and observing the input meter.
• Output Volume: Control the volume of the audio you hear from other users.
• Input Mode: Voice Activity automatically detects when you’re speaking, while Push to Talk requires you to hold down a key to transmit audio. Experiment to see which works best for you.
• Attenuation: This setting automatically lowers the volume of other applications when someone is speaking in Discord. It’s helpful for keeping the focus on the conversation.
• Advanced Settings: These options include settings like noise suppression, echo cancellation, and automatic gain control. Experiment to see if these improve your audio quality. However, sometimes they can cause issues, so if you’re experiencing problems, try disabling them one by one.
• Test your Mic: Use "Let’s Check" to record and play back your audio.

Operating System Audio Settings Access

Sometimes, the issue lies not within Discord itself, but with the operating system’s audio settings.

Let’s take a look at how to access and adjust these settings on both Windows and macOS.

Windows Sound Settings

• Accessing the Sound Control Panel: Right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray (usually at the bottom right of your screen) and select "Open Sound settings."
• Sound settings: From the "Sound settings" menu you can access and configure both the Input and Output properties.
• Input: Select your Microphone from the "Choose your input device" dropdown. Then you will be able to adjust the "Input Volume", see "Test your mic", and adjust the microphone properties via the "Device properties" link.
• Output: Select the output devices from the "Choose your output device" dropdown. Then you will be able to adjust the "Volume" and adjust the output properties via the "Device properties" link.
• Advanced Settings: Under "Related settings" click on "Sound Control Panel" to access the legacy sound panel. This provides greater in-depth advanced options.

macOS Sound Settings

• Accessing Sound Preferences: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences." Then, click on "Sound."
• Sound Effects: This tab lets you choose the sound output for system alerts.
• Output: This tab allows you to select your output device (speakers or headphones) and adjust the output volume.
• Input: This tab lets you select your microphone and adjust the input volume. There’s also an input level meter to help you set the correct volume.

Firewall Configuration

Your firewall acts as a security guard, protecting your computer from unauthorized access.

However, sometimes it can be a little too protective and block legitimate applications like Discord.

Checking Your Firewall Settings:

• Windows Firewall: Search for "Windows Defender Firewall" in the Windows search bar. Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall." Make sure Discord is checked in both the "Private" and "Public" columns. If it’s not, click "Change settings" (you’ll need administrator privileges), check the boxes, and click "OK."
• macOS Firewall: Click on the Apple menu, select "System Preferences," and then click on "Security & Privacy." Click on the "Firewall" tab. If the firewall is on, click the lock icon at the bottom left to make changes. Then, click "Firewall Options." Make sure Discord is allowed to receive incoming connections.

If you’re still having trouble, you might need to temporarily disable your firewall to see if it’s the culprit. However, remember to re-enable it as soon as you’ve finished testing.

Network Diagnosis: Identifying Connection Issues

After ensuring that your audio hardware is correctly set up, it’s time to dive into the software side of things. This is where we fine-tune the settings that dictate how your audio is processed and transmitted in Discord. Think of it as optimizing the engine of your car after making sure all the physical parts are in place.
Now, let’s shift our focus to something equally crucial: your network connection.

Discord relies heavily on a stable and reliable internet connection to deliver clear and uninterrupted voice communication. You might have the best microphone and perfectly configured audio settings, but a shaky network can throw a wrench into everything.

So, let’s explore how to diagnose network-related issues that can impact your Discord audio quality.

The Foundation: A Stable Network is Key

Think of your network connection as the highway that carries your voice data to and from the Discord server.
Just like a smooth highway ensures a comfortable ride, a stable network ensures clear audio.

A consistent and reliable internet connection is absolutely essential for Discord’s voice chat to function correctly.

Fluctuations in bandwidth, temporary disconnections, or high latency can all lead to audio problems like dropouts, robotic voices, and lag.
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting steps, make sure you have a reasonably stable connection. You can quickly check this by browsing other websites or streaming video. If those are struggling, chances are Discord will too.

Understanding and Tackling Packet Loss

Okay, let’s talk about something called "packet loss." It sounds technical, but it’s actually pretty straightforward.

Imagine your voice data being broken down into small "packets" that are sent over the internet.

Sometimes, these packets get lost along the way, like mail getting lost in the post. This loss of data is packet loss.

What Does Packet Loss Sound Like?

Packet loss manifests in several ways:

• Choppy Audio: You might hear breaks or skips in the conversation.
• Robotic Voices: Missing packets can distort the audio, making people sound like robots.
• Complete Dropouts: In severe cases, you might not hear anything at all.

Basic Troubleshooting for Packet Loss

If you suspect packet loss, here are a few things you can try:

• Restart Your Router: This is the age-old IT solution, but it often works! Restarting your router can refresh your connection and resolve temporary glitches.
• Check Your Wi-Fi Signal: If you’re on Wi-Fi, make sure you have a strong and stable signal. Move closer to your router or consider switching to a wired connection (Ethernet) for a more reliable connection. Ethernet is almost always more stable than Wi-Fi.
• Close Unnecessary Applications: Other applications, especially those that consume a lot of bandwidth (like streaming services or large downloads), can contribute to packet loss. Close them to free up bandwidth for Discord.

Ping and Speed Tests: Gauging Your Network Health

Ping and speed tests are invaluable tools for assessing the overall health of your network connection. They provide insights into latency and bandwidth.

What is Ping?

Ping measures the round-trip time for data to travel from your computer to a server and back. Lower ping is better, indicating a faster and more responsive connection. High ping can lead to noticeable lag in voice communication.

What is a Speed Test?

A speed test measures your internet connection’s download and upload speeds. Sufficient bandwidth is crucial for smooth Discord audio.

Performing and Interpreting Tests

Numerous online tools are available for performing ping and speed tests (e.g., speedtest.net).

1. Run the Tests: Visit a reputable speed test website and follow the instructions to run both ping and speed tests.

2. Interpreting the Results:

   • Ping: A ping of less than 50ms is generally considered excellent. A ping between 50ms and 100ms is still good. Anything above 100ms may cause noticeable lag.
   • Download and Upload Speeds: Discord requires relatively little bandwidth. However, you should generally aim for at least 5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload for a comfortable experience, especially if you’re also streaming or video conferencing. Ensure your speeds are consistent.

If your ping is consistently high or your speeds are much lower than expected, it might indicate a problem with your internet service provider (ISP).
In that case, contacting them may be necessary. It might also point to an issue with your router or modem.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

Network Diagnosis: Identifying Connection Issues

After ensuring that your audio hardware and software settings are correctly configured, it’s time to delve into some advanced troubleshooting methods. This section is tailored for those who want to get a deeper understanding of Discord’s audio mechanics and how to fine-tune their experience. Let’s explore Voice Activity vs. Push-to-Talk and how codecs play a crucial role.

Voice Activity vs. Push-to-Talk (PTT): Finding What Works For You

Okay, let’s talk about two primary ways to activate your mic in Discord: Voice Activity and Push-to-Talk.

They both have their pros and cons, and understanding them can significantly improve your communication.

Voice Activity is like having an open mic that automatically transmits your voice when it detects sound. It’s super convenient!

You don’t have to press any buttons, but it can also pick up background noise.

Push-to-Talk (PTT), on the other hand, requires you to press a designated key to activate your mic.

It gives you more control over what’s being transmitted, minimizing unwanted sounds.

Configuring Voice Activity

Setting up Voice Activity is straightforward.
Head over to your Discord settings, and find the "Voice & Video" section.

Here, you’ll see an option for "Input Sensitivity."
This slider determines how loud you need to be for Discord to register your voice.

Pro Tip: Spend some time adjusting this slider to find the perfect balance. You want it sensitive enough to pick up your voice clearly, but not so sensitive that it picks up every little sound.

Configuring Push-to-Talk (PTT)

Configuring PTT is just as easy. In the same "Voice & Video" section, select the "Push to Talk" option.

Then, click on the box next to "Shortcut" and press the key you want to use for PTT.

Choose a key that’s comfortable and easy to reach during gameplay or conversation.

Another Pro Tip: Experiment with different keys to find what works best for you. Some people prefer using a mouse button, while others prefer a key on the keyboard.

Codec Decoding: Understanding the Tech Behind the Voice

So, what exactly are codecs?

Think of them as translators for audio.
They encode your voice into a digital format for transmission and decode it back at the receiving end.

Discord uses different codecs to optimize audio quality and minimize bandwidth usage.

Understanding codecs can help you troubleshoot audio issues.
For example, if you’re experiencing garbled or distorted audio, it might be due to a codec incompatibility or a problem with the encoding/decoding process.

Unfortunately, Discord doesn’t allow the user to manually select the voice codec. Discord automatically selects the best codec for the connection.

Troubleshooting Codec-Related Issues

While you can’t directly change the codec settings, you can take steps to address potential codec-related issues:

• Restart Discord: A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches with the codec.
• Check your internet connection: A poor connection can lead to audio distortion, even with the best codecs.
• Update Discord: Ensure you’re running the latest version of Discord to benefit from the latest codec optimizations and bug fixes.

By understanding these advanced techniques, you’re well-equipped to tackle even the most challenging audio issues in Discord.
Keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to dive deeper into the settings to find what works best for you.

Alright, hopefully, one of those fixes got you back in the conversation! Dealing with technical issues is never fun, but usually, it’s a simple setting somewhere. Now you know some common solutions when you cant hear other voices on discord. Happy chatting!