Fix Call or Audio Quality Android Phone or Tablet

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Not being able to hear the other person or vice versa can be frustrating. Here, we will provide some troubleshooting tips to help you with your phone call or speaker quality issues.

Call and audio quality issues on Android phones and tablets can be frustrating, affecting voice calls, video calls, and media playback. These issues may include poor sound quality, distorted audio, dropped calls, or other audio-related problems. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through various troubleshooting steps to help you resolve call or audio quality problems on your Android device.

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Part 1: General Troubleshooting Steps

Check Network and Signal Strength

Ensure you have a strong cellular or Wi-Fi signal. Weak signals can lead to call quality issues.

If you're in a low-signal area, consider moving to a location with better reception or connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.

Restart Your Device

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that affect audio quality.

Press and hold the power button, then select "Restart" or "Reboot" to restart your Android device.

Disable Bluetooth

If you have a Bluetooth headset or speaker connected, disconnect it to ensure it's not causing audio issues.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle off Bluetooth.

Check for Software Updates

Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and audio problems.

Go to Settings > Software Update (or System Update) to check for and install any available updates.

Clear App Cache

If specific apps have audio issues, clear their cache:

Go to Settings > Apps or Application Manager.

Select the problematic app.

Tap "Storage" and then "Clear Cache."

Part 2: Troubleshooting Call Quality

Check Microphone and Speaker

Ensure there's no physical obstruction blocking the microphone or speaker on your device.

Test the microphone and speaker by making a test call or using a voice recording app.

Check for Noise Reduction

Some devices have noise reduction settings that can affect call quality. Check your phone's call settings and disable noise reduction if necessary.

Use Wi-Fi Calling

If your cellular signal is weak, consider using Wi-Fi calling if your carrier supports it. This can improve call quality when connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi Calling (or a similar option depending on your device).

Part 3: Troubleshooting Media Playback

Clear Media App Cache

If you experience audio issues while playing media (e.g., videos, music), clear the cache of the media app you're using (e.g., YouTube, Spotify, or your preferred media player).

Check Equalizer Settings

Some devices have equalizer settings that can affect audio quality. Adjust these settings to your preference or reset them to default.

Go to Settings > Sound > Equalizer (or similar) to access these settings.

Test with Different Headphones/Speakers

If you're using external headphones or speakers, test with a different pair to determine if the issue is with the accessory.

Ensure the audio jack or port on your device is clean and free of debris.

Part 4: Troubleshooting Video and VoIP Calls

Check App Permissions

Ensure that the app you're using for video or VoIP calls has the necessary permissions to access the microphone and camera.

Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions to verify and grant these permissions.

Close Background Apps

Running multiple apps in the background can consume system resources and affect call quality.

Close unused apps by accessing the recent apps menu and swiping them away.

Part 5: Factory Reset (As a Last Resort)

Backup Your Data

If all else fails and your device still has audio problems, consider performing a factory reset.

Before doing this, back up your important data, including contacts, photos, and other files.

Factory Reset

Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset (or a similar option).

Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your device to its factory settings.

After the reset, restore your data from the backup.

If none of the above steps resolve the call or audio quality issues on your Android phone or tablet, it may indicate a hardware problem.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

About This Guide

This guide will take you through a number of different fixes to try, to get the audio quality up to par on your device. Since this involves a couple different checks, one may work for your particular issue, and the rest don't need to be completed.

When the audio quality is back as it should be on your Android device, simply stop at that point and enjoy your device!

2. Check Audio Levels

If your device has its own built-in speakers, try its audio without using a headset first.

Set the volume to maximum by using the volume button on the side of the device.

Android phone with volume switch highlighted.

You can also set individual volume levels using the volume sliders. They will show on screen after you press the side volume button. Touch the drop-down button next to the slider to expand.

Android volume with dropdown highlighted.

The max level is when you put the slider to the far right.

3. Restart your Device

Hold down the power button on your Android device.
Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.

If the menu does not pop up, continue to hold the power button, and your Android device will shut off.

If you had to shut down your Android device, wait 30 seconds before turning your device back on.

4. Turn off Bluetooth

Every Android device is slightly different because of manufacturer and carrier customizations and launchers. While the icons and exact layout shown may be slightly different, they will be extremely similar.