Solved: How do I fix WhatsApp voice message not working on iPhone, Android or PC?

WhatsApp’s voice messaging feature is a handy way to communicate quickly, especially for long messages. However, some users have recently encountered problems with WhatsApp voice messages. These issues can manifest in various ways, such as no sound during playback, inability to record messages, or difficulties in sending and receiving voice messages. What’s more, these problems are not exclusive to a particular platform; they affect Android, iPhone, and PC users alike.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the reasons behind WhatsApp voice message issues and provide practical solutions to help you resolve them. Whether you’re unable to send voice messages, facing playback problems, or experiencing other audio-related troubles, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn how to fix WhatsApp voice message problems on your device.

Common Problems and Fixes for WhatsApp Voice Message Issues

Are you facing problems with WhatsApp voice messages? It can be frustrating when you encounter issues like being unable to send a voice message or experiencing difficulties in playing received ones. In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons why your WhatsApp voice messages might not be working and provide practical solutions to address these problems.

• Low Device Volume: If the speaker volume on your device is too low, it can affect your ability to hear voice messages clearly.
• Microphone Permission: WhatsApp needs access to your device’s microphone to record voice messages. If you haven’t granted this permission, you won’t be able to send voice messages.
• Outdated WhatsApp Version: Regularly updating your apps is essential for their proper functioning. Outdated versions of WhatsApp can lead to various audio-related issues.
• WhatsApp Server Status: Sometimes, WhatsApp servers can experience downtime or issues. When this happens, you might encounter problems with recording, sending, or receiving voice messages.
• Speaker Problems: If your phone or computer’s speaker is malfunctioning or set to a very low volume, it can affect your ability to hear voice messages.
• Offline Status: You need an internet connection to receive voice messages, although once downloaded, you can listen to them offline.
• Incorrect Permissions: Make sure you have granted WhatsApp the necessary permissions, including access to your device’s microphone, to record voice messages.

By identifying the specific issue you’re facing from the list above, you can take the appropriate steps to resolve it. Whether it’s adjusting your device’s volume, updating WhatsApp, or checking your permissions, we’ll guide you through the solutions to get your WhatsApp voice messages working smoothly again.

Step-by-Step Guide to Use WhatsApp Voice Messages

WhatsApp voice messages offer a convenient way to communicate with your contacts using your voice. If you’re wondering how to use this feature, follow these simple steps to send and receive voice messages:

Sending a Voice Message

Step 1: Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat where you want to send a voice message.

Step 2: You’ll notice a microphone icon at the bottom of the chat screen. To start recording your voice message, press and hold this microphone icon.

Step 3: Begin speaking your message while holding down the microphone button. WhatsApp will continue recording as long as you keep the button pressed.

Step 4: Once you’ve finished recording your message, release the microphone button. Your voice message will be automatically sent to the recipient.

Listening to a Voice Message

Step 1: When someone sends you a voice message, it will appear in the chat conversation.

Step 2: To listen to the voice message, locate the message bubble containing the voice note. You’ll see a small Play button within the bubble.

Step 3: Tap the Play button to start listening to the voice message. You can adjust the volume and pause or replay the message as needed.

That’s it! You’ve successfully sent and received a WhatsApp voice message. This feature is especially handy when you want to convey emotions, share quick updates, or simply have a more personal conversation with your contacts.

Troubleshooting WhatsApp Voice Message Issues on iPhone or Android

WhatsApp voice messages are a convenient way to communicate, but sometimes they may encounter issues that prevent you from sending, receiving, or listening to them. If you’re facing problems with WhatsApp voice messages on your Android or iPhone, don’t worry – there are solutions to fix these issues. Here’s how:

Solution 1: Perform Preliminary Checks

Start by performing some basic checks to rule out common issues:

• Check WhatsApp Server Status: Verify that WhatsApp’s servers are operational. If the servers are down, you may experience voice message problems.
• Adjust Volume Settings: Ensure that your device’s volume is set to an audible level, and it’s not on mute. If you’re using a headset, make sure it’s connected correctly and functioning.
• Network Connection: Voice messages require a stable internet connection. Check your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection to ensure it’s working correctly. Switching to a different network can help if you’re having issues.
• Proximity Sensor: Some phones use a proximity sensor to play audio through headphones rather than the speakers. If you have a screen protector that interferes with this function, try removing it and see if you can listen to voice messages properly.
• Specific Message Issue: If the problem is with a specific voice message, contact the sender and ask them to resend it.

Let’s move on to more solutions to tackle WhatsApp voice message issues effectively.

Solution 2: Increase Your Phone’s Volume

If you can’t hear voice messages on WhatsApp, it’s a good idea to check your phone’s volume settings. Here’s how to do it:

• Check Volume Settings: Ensure that your phone’s volume is set to an audible level. You can do this by using the volume buttons on the side of your device.
• Toggle Mute: Make sure your phone is not in silent or vibrate mode. Disable the mute function to allow sound playback.
• In-App Volume Control: While playing a voice message on WhatsApp, you can also adjust the volume within the app. Look for the volume control icon while the message is playing, and increase the volume to an audible level.

After adjusting the volume settings, try playing the voice message again on WhatsApp to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 3: Check or Remove Your Screen Protector

WhatsApp utilizes your phone’s proximity sensor to play audio through the earpiece when the phone is held to your ear during a call or while listening to voice messages. However, certain screen protectors and phone cases can interfere with this functionality. Here’s what you can do:

• Check Audio Output: When playing a voice message, ensure that the audio is being played through your phone’s earpiece rather than the loudspeaker. Adjust the positioning of your phone to verify this.
• Remove Screen Protector: If you suspect that your screen protector is causing issues with the proximity sensor, consider removing it temporarily and then test the voice messaging feature again.
• Replace Screen Protector: If you prefer to keep a screen protector on your phone, ensure that it is designed to work seamlessly with your device’s proximity sensor. Some screen protectors are specifically manufactured to avoid interfering with sensor functionality.

By checking and, if necessary, adjusting your screen protector, you can ensure that WhatsApp’s proximity sensor functions correctly during voice message playback. This step may resolve any issues related to audio output during voice messages.

Solution 4: Close WhatsApp and Try Again

If you’re having trouble recording or sending a voice message on WhatsApp, a simple solution is to close the app and then reopen it. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Close WhatsApp: Exit the WhatsApp app completely. On most smartphones, you can do this by tapping the square or recent apps button (usually located at the bottom of the screen), then swiping WhatsApp away or tapping the “X” or close button.

Step 2: Reopen WhatsApp: After closing the app, reopen WhatsApp from your app drawer or home screen.

Step 3: Retry Voice Message: Once WhatsApp is open again, go to the chat where you want to send the voice message, press and hold the microphone icon, and start recording your message.

Closing and reopening WhatsApp can help refresh the app and resolve any temporary glitches that may be causing issues with voice messaging. Try recording and sending the voice message again to see if the problem is fixed.

Solution 5: Force Stop WhatsApp and Restart the App

Another way to address voice message issues on WhatsApp is by force-stopping the app and then restarting it. Follow these steps:

On Android:

Step 1: Long-press the WhatsApp app icon on your home screen or app drawer.

Step 2: Tap on the “Info” (i) button or select “App info” from the options that appear.

Step 3: On the App info page, tap the “Force stop” button located in the lower right corner.

Step 4: Afterward, reopen WhatsApp and try playing the voice messages that were causing problems.

On iPhone:

Step 1: Exit WhatsApp completely by double-clicking the Home button (or swiping up from the bottom on iPhone X and later) to access the app switcher.

Step 2: Swipe up or away on the WhatsApp preview to close the app.

Step 3: Reopen WhatsApp from your home screen or app drawer.

Step 4: Attempt to play the voice messages again to see if the issue is resolved.

Force-stopping and relaunching WhatsApp can help clear any temporary issues that might be affecting voice messages. Give it a try to see if the problem persists.

Solution 6: Ensure WhatsApp is Up-to-Date

Running an outdated version of WhatsApp can lead to voice message problems. To ensure you have the latest version:

On Android:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.

Step 2: Search for “WhatsApp” and go to the WhatsApp Messenger app page.

Step 3: If an “Update” button is visible, tap it to update WhatsApp to the latest version.

On iPhone:

Step 1: Launch the App Store on your iPhone.

Step 2: Search for “WhatsApp” and select the WhatsApp Messenger app.

Step 3: If an “Update” button is present, tap it to update WhatsApp to the latest version.

Keeping your WhatsApp app up-to-date can resolve various issues, including voice message problems. After updating, check if the voice messages are working correctly.

Solution 7: Ensure WhatsApp Has Microphone Permissions

Voice messaging requires access to your device’s microphone. If you’re unable to send or receive voice messages on WhatsApp, check if the app has the necessary microphone permissions:

On Android:

Step 1: Go to your device’s “Settings.”

Step 2: Scroll down and select “Apps” or “Applications.”

Step 3: Find and tap on “WhatsApp.”

Step 4: Navigate to “Permissions.”

Step 5: Ensure that “Microphone” is allowed, either as “Allow only while using the app” or “Ask every time.”

On iPhone:

Step 1: Open your device’s “Settings.”

Step 2: Scroll down and select “Privacy.”

Step 3: Tap on “Microphone.”

Step 4: Find “WhatsApp” in the list of apps and make sure the toggle switch is enabled to grant microphone access to WhatsApp.

Granting microphone permissions should resolve issues related to sending and receiving voice messages on WhatsApp. After making these changes, test if voice messages work as expected.

Solution 8: Restart Your Device

Sometimes, simply restarting your device can resolve issues with WhatsApp voice messages not working properly. Here’s how to do it:

On iPhone:

Step 1: Press and hold the power button until the “Slide to power off” slider appears.

Step 2: Slide the slider to turn off your iPhone.

Step 3: After a few seconds, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears, indicating that your iPhone is restarting.

On Android:

Step 1: Press and hold the power button until the power menu options appear.

Step 2: Select “Restart” or “Reboot,” depending on your device.

Step 3: Your Android device will restart.

On Desktop (WhatsApp Web):

Step 1: Close the WhatsApp Web tab on your browser.

Step 2: Restart your computer.

Step 3: After restarting, open your browser and access WhatsApp Web again.

Restarting your device can help refresh its settings and clear any temporary glitches, potentially resolving voice message issues on WhatsApp. After the restart, try using WhatsApp voice messages again to see if the problem is resolved.

Solution 9: Check WhatsApp Servers

If you’re still experiencing issues with WhatsApp voice messages, it’s a good idea to check the status of WhatsApp’s servers. Sometimes, the problem may not be on your end but could be due to server issues on WhatsApp’s side. Here’s how you can check:

Step 1: Visit a website like “DownDetector” or “Downdetector.com.”

Step 2: Search for “WhatsApp” on the website.

Step 3: Look at the live outage map or reports from other users to see if there are widespread issues with WhatsApp’s servers.

If the website indicates that WhatsApp is currently experiencing server problems, you may need to wait until WhatsApp resolves the issue on their end. In such cases, there’s usually little you can do to fix the problem other than being patient.

Checking the status of WhatsApp’s servers can help you determine whether the issue is related to server outages or if it’s a problem specific to your device.

Solution 10: Check If Your Phone Has Sufficient Storage Space

Insufficient storage space on your phone can sometimes cause issues with downloading and playing WhatsApp voice messages. If your phone is running low on storage, it may not be able to save or play audio files properly. Here’s what you can do:

Step 1: Check the available storage space on your phone. You can usually find this information in your phone’s settings, under “Storage” or “Storage & Backup.”

Step 2: If you’re running low on storage, consider deleting unnecessary files, such as old photos, videos, apps you no longer use, or large documents.

Step 3: After freeing up some storage space, try using WhatsApp to send or receive voice messages again.

Having sufficient free storage space on your phone ensures that WhatsApp can save and play voice messages without any issues. If this was the cause of the problem, clearing up storage space should resolve the WhatsApp voice message error.

Solution 11: Disable Other Recording Apps

If you have other apps that are actively using your device’s microphone, they may interfere with WhatsApp’s ability to record and send voice messages. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check if you have any other apps that use the microphone actively, such as voice recording apps, video call apps, or voice assistants.

Step 2: Close or exit these apps to ensure that they are not running in the background.

Step 3: After closing other recording apps, open WhatsApp and try sending or receiving voice messages again.

By disabling other apps that use the microphone, you can ensure that WhatsApp has exclusive access to the microphone, potentially resolving any conflicts and allowing voice messages to work correctly.

Solution 12: Clear the WhatsApp Cache

Accumulated cache and temporary data in the WhatsApp app can sometimes lead to performance issues, including problems with voice messages. To address this, you can clear the app’s cache by following these steps:

Step 1: Press and hold the WhatsApp app icon on your home screen or app drawer.

Step 2: Tap on the information (i) button or select “App Info.”

Step 3: In the App Info or Storage section, locate and tap on the “Clear Cache” button, usually found in the bottom-right corner.

Step 4: After clearing the cache, return to WhatsApp and check if the voice message issue is resolved.

Clearing the app cache can help eliminate any potential problems caused by cached data, improving the overall performance of WhatsApp and its features, including voice messages.

Solution 13: Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp

If none of the previous solutions have resolved the WhatsApp voice message issue, it’s possible that the app itself may be corrupted. In such cases, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling WhatsApp. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Locate the WhatsApp icon on your device and long-press it.

Step 2: Select the “Uninstall” option and confirm the app’s uninstallation.

Step 3: After WhatsApp is uninstalled, open the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone).

Step 4: Search for “WhatsApp” and locate the official WhatsApp Messenger app.

Step 5: Tap the “Install” button to download and install WhatsApp on your device.

Step 6: Once the installation is complete, open WhatsApp and follow the setup process to log in to your account.

Step 7: Test whether the voice messaging feature is now working correctly.

Reinstalling WhatsApp ensures that you have the latest version of the app, and any potential app corruption issues are resolved. This step often fixes persistent problems with WhatsApp, including voice message errors.

Troubleshooting WhatsApp Voice Message Issues on PC

If you’re encountering problems with WhatsApp voice messages on your desktop, follow these steps to resolve the issue:

Solution 1: Check PC Volume and WhatsApp Tab Mute

One common reason for WhatsApp voice message issues on your desktop is related to the volume settings. Here’s how you can ensure your PC’s volume and WhatsApp tab are not muted:

• PC Volume: First, check your computer’s volume settings. Ensure that your PC’s volume is not set too low or muted. Adjust the volume to an audible level to make sure you can hear voice messages on WhatsApp.
• WhatsApp Tab Mute: If you’re using WhatsApp Web in a browser like Chrome, it’s essential to check whether the tab is muted. Right-click on the WhatsApp Web tab and look for the “Unmute site” option in the context menu. Click on it to unmute the tab. Afterward, try playing WhatsApp voice messages to see if the issue is resolved.

By ensuring that your PC’s volume is adequate and unmuting the WhatsApp Web tab, you can improve your experience with WhatsApp voice messages on your desktop.

Solution 2: Allow Sites to Play Sound in Chrome

To ensure that websites like WhatsApp can play sound in Chrome, you may need to adjust your site settings. Follow these steps to allow sites to play sound:

Step 1: Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Choose the “Settings” option from the menu.

Step 3: In the Settings page, navigate to the “Privacy and security” tab on the left-hand side.

Step 4: Select the “Site settings” option.

Step 5: Under the “Additional content settings” section, click on “Sound.”

Step 6: In the “Default behavior” section, ensure that “Sites can play sound” is selected.

Step 7: Additionally, check if WhatsApp is listed under the “Not allowed to play sound” section. If it is, select the WhatsApp entry and choose the “Allow” option.

Step 8: Once you’ve made these changes, try playing WhatsApp voice messages again to see if the issue has been resolved.

By allowing sites to play sound and ensuring WhatsApp is not restricted in your browser settings, you can address voice message problems on WhatsApp for desktop.

Solution 3: Allow Microphone Permission for WhatsApp

To resolve issues with sending voice messages on WhatsApp, ensure that you’ve granted microphone permission to WhatsApp. Follow these steps to allow microphone access:

For Windows PC:

Step 1: Press the Win+I keys to open the Windows Settings.

Step 2: Go to the “Privacy & Security” tab.

Step 3: Under “App permissions,” select “Microphone.”

Step 4: Ensure that the toggle for microphone access is turned on.

Step 5: Scroll down and verify that microphone permission is enabled for the WhatsApp app.

Step 6: Open WhatsApp on your PC and check if voice messages are functioning correctly.

For WhatsApp Web in Chrome:

Step 1: Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu button.

Step 2: Select “Settings.”

Step 3: Navigate to “Privacy and Security” > “Site settings.”

Step 4: Find and click on “Microphone.”

Step 5: Ensure that the option “Sites can ask to use your microphone” is selected.

By allowing microphone access for WhatsApp on your PC or Chrome browser, you should be able to send and receive voice messages without any issues.

Solution 4: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

If you are using WhatsApp Web and experiencing issues with voice messages, it’s possible that corrupted browsing cache and cookies are causing the problem. Follow these steps to clear your browser’s cache and cookies:

For Google Chrome:

Step 1: Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu button in the top right corner.

Step 2: Select “Settings.”

Step 3: Scroll down and click on “Privacy and Security.”

Step 4: Under “Privacy and Security,” select “Clear browsing data.”

Step 5: In the pop-up window, make sure the “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” options are checked.

Step 6: From the “Time range” drop-down menu, choose “All time” to clear all data.

Step 7: Click on the “Clear data” button.

Step 8: Once the process is complete, close and reopen Google Chrome.

For Other Browsers:

If you are using a different browser, the process for clearing cache and cookies may vary slightly. Generally, you can find these options in your browser’s settings under the privacy or security section. Consult your browser’s documentation or online resources for specific instructions.

After clearing the cache and cookies, return to WhatsApp Web and check if voice messages are functioning properly.

Clearing browser cache and cookies often resolves issues related to web applications like WhatsApp Web.

Solution 5: Disable Web Extensions

If you are using browser extensions, one of them might be causing issues with WhatsApp Web’s voice messages. Here’s how to disable extensions in Google Chrome:

Step 1: Open Google Chrome.

Step 2: Click on the three-dot menu button in the top right corner.

Step 3: Select “More tools” and then click on “Extensions.”

Step 4: You will see a list of installed extensions. Toggle off the switch next to each extension to disable them.

Step 5: After disabling the extensions, close and reopen Google Chrome.

Step 6: Return to WhatsApp Web and test if the voice messages are working correctly.

Sometimes, browser extensions can conflict with web applications, causing unexpected behavior. Disabling extensions can help identify if this is the cause of the issue. If voice messages work after disabling extensions, you can enable them one by one to determine which one is causing the problem.

Solution 6: Other Solutions

If the issue persists, here are some additional solutions to try:

• Log Out and Log In: Log out of WhatsApp on your desktop and then log in again. This can sometimes resolve minor glitches.
• Try a Different Browser: If you are using WhatsApp Web on a browser like Chrome or Edge and encountering voice message issues, try switching to a different browser (e.g., Firefox) to see if the problem persists.
• Install WhatsApp Desktop App: You can also install the WhatsApp desktop app from the Microsoft Store or official WhatsApp website. Using the desktop app might provide a different experience and resolve the voice message problem.

By following these additional steps, you can further troubleshoot and hopefully fix any voice message issues you’re experiencing on WhatsApp Web.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WhatsApp is a powerful messaging platform, but occasionally, users encounter issues with voice messages not working correctly. We’ve discussed various solutions to address these problems, ensuring that you can send, receive, and listen to voice messages without any hassles.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve voice message issues on WhatsApp, whether you’re using the app on an Android or iPhone device. From performing preliminary checks to clearing cache and even reinstalling the app if necessary, these solutions cover a wide range of potential problems.

Remember that WhatsApp frequently updates its features and functionality, so keeping your app up-to-date is crucial. Additionally, granting microphone permissions and checking your phone’s settings, such as volume and screen protector compatibility, can go a long way in ensuring a smooth voice messaging experience.

With these solutions in hand, you can enjoy seamless voice messaging on WhatsApp and stay connected with your friends and family without interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: Why are my WhatsApp voice messages playing abnormally fast?

Answer: If your WhatsApp voice messages are playing too quickly, it’s possible that the playback speed has been unintentionally adjusted to 1.5x or 2x normal speed. To rectify this issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Voice Message: Start by opening the voice message you want to listen to.

Step 2: Check Playback Speed: Look for the playback speed indicator on the message display. If you see that it’s set to 1.5x or 2x, it means the message is playing at an accelerated pace.

Step 3: Adjust Speed: Tap the playback speed number to cycle through the options. Keep tapping until you return to the regular (1x) speed.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your WhatsApp voice messages play at the normal speed, allowing you to listen to them without any issues.

Question: How do I delete a WhatsApp voice message?

Answer: Deleting a WhatsApp voice message is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp app on your device.

Step 2: Access Chats: Navigate to the Chats menu, which displays your chat conversations.

Step 3: Select Message: Locate the chat containing the voice message you want to delete. Tap to open this chat.

Step 4: Long Press on Message: Find the specific voice message within the chat and press and hold on it. This action will bring up a menu with various options.

Step 5: Choose Delete: Among the options, you will see ‘Delete.’ Tap on it to confirm that you want to delete the voice message.

By following these steps, you can easily delete a WhatsApp voice message from your chat conversation. Please note that once deleted, the voice message cannot be retrieved.

Question: How do I recover a deleted WhatsApp voice message?

Answer: Recovering a deleted WhatsApp voice message is possible through the restoration of your account data. However, there are some crucial points to keep in mind:

Backup Required: To recover deleted voice messages, you must have previously created a backup that includes the specific message you want to restore.

Here’s a simplified guide on how to attempt the recovery:

Step 1: Uninstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device.

Step 2: Reinstall WhatsApp: Go to your device’s app store and reinstall WhatsApp.

Step 3: Verify Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. During this process, you may be prompted to restore your chat history. If you see this option, select ‘Restore’ to retrieve your backed-up messages, including the deleted voice message.

Step 4: Check Chat: Once the restoration is complete, navigate to the chat where the voice message was originally located and see if the deleted message has been successfully recovered.

Remember that the success of this process relies on having a previous backup that contains the deleted voice message. Without a backup, retrieval may not be possible. Additionally, regularly backing up your WhatsApp chats is a good practice to prevent data loss in the future.

Question: Can someone see how many times you listen to an audio message on WhatsApp?

Answer: No, WhatsApp does not provide the feature to see how many times someone has listened to your audio message. However, you can check if someone has played and listened to your voice message. Here’s how:

Step 1: Long-press the Voice Message: Tap and hold the voice message in the chat.

Step 2: Access Message Info: After selecting the message, click on the three-dot menu button usually located at the top of the chat.

Step 3: View Message Info: From the menu that appears, choose the “Info” option.

This will display the time when your voice message was played. While you can track whether the message was played, WhatsApp does not offer a feature to count the number of times it was listened to.