Having no sound during calls on your Android phone can be incredibly frustrating. You can hear other apps, music, and notifications perfectly fine, but the moment you make or receive a call, silence. Before assuming the worst, let’s explore several common causes and troubleshooting steps you can try.
Check the Basics
Sometimes the solution is simple. First, ensure your volume isn’t muted or turned down too low *during* a call. Volume controls often change context based on what you’re doing. Tap the volume up button on the side of your phone while actively on a call. Similarly, check if the mute button on the call screen has been accidentally pressed. It’s represented by a microphone icon with a line through it.
Next, ensure you haven’t accidentally connected to a Bluetooth device. Your phone might be routing audio to a headset or speaker you aren’t actively using. Disable Bluetooth in your settings and try making a call again. Also, make sure headphones are not plugged in; even if no sound is playing, some phones prioritize the headphone jack.
Software Glitches and Settings
A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with call audio. Power off your phone completely and then turn it back on. It’s surprising how often this fixes odd issues.
Dig into your phone’s settings. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Phone (or Dialer). Then, check the permissions. Ensure the Phone app has permission to access the microphone. If not, grant the permission. Also, clear the cache of the Phone app. Sometimes corrupted cached data can cause problems. You can usually find the “Clear Cache” button in the storage section within the Phone app settings.
Check your phone’s accessibility settings. Some accessibility features can inadvertently affect call audio. Specifically, look for options related to hearing aids or audio routing and ensure they are set to default or are disabled if you don’t need them.
Hardware Issues
While less common, a hardware problem could be the culprit. If the speakerphone works during calls, but the earpiece (the speaker you hold to your ear) doesn’t, you might have a damaged earpiece speaker. Conversely, if no one can hear you but you can hear them on speakerphone, your microphone might be faulty. A professional repair might be necessary in these cases.
Try cleaning the earpiece and microphone ports. Dust, lint, or debris can obstruct these openings. Use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean them. Avoid using sharp objects that could cause damage.
Network Problems
Although typically manifested as dropped calls or poor audio quality, network issues could sometimes present as complete silence. Ensure you have a strong cellular signal. Try making a call in a different location to rule out signal issues. If you primarily use Wi-Fi calling, switch to your cellular network to see if the problem persists. Conversely, if you are on cellular, try a Wi-Fi call (if available on your carrier).
Software Updates and Factory Reset
Make sure your Android phone has the latest software updates installed. Software updates often include bug fixes that can resolve audio-related issues. Go to Settings > System > System Update and check for available updates.
As a last resort, if none of the above solutions work, consider a factory reset. This will erase all data on your phone, so back up important information first. To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). After the reset, set up your phone as new and test the call functionality before restoring your data.
If the issue persists after a factory reset, it’s likely a hardware problem, and you should consult with a qualified phone repair technician.