Speakers not working − How to fix audio problems

A reason why speakers are not working on Skype are the Skype audio settings. Skype allows you to choose a speaker or a microphone in case if there are more speakers or microphones connected to your device. If you can't hear a voice during a call or the other side can't hear you, check your Skype settings in order to see if everything is correctly set, because it's possible that your current speaker or microphone aren't selected.

To alter the Skype settings, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the three-dot icon and select Settings.
2. Then select Audio & Video.
3. If you have 2 or more microphones, test them to check which one is correct.
4. Click the button Check speakers, and if you hear a sound it's obviously the right device. But if you don't, select another speakers device and test it again.
5. When you are finished with testing click Save.
   
   

Also when you make a call, ensure that your speaker and microphone aren't muted. 

Maybe the reason why you don't hear anything is because the speaker is muted in the Volume Mixer.

To check if this is the case:

On Windows 7:

1. Click on the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of the screen;
2. Click on Volume Mixer;

If you use Windows 8.1, or Windows 10, right-click on the Speakers icon and select Open Volume Mixer;

Here you can find every problem that uses speakers. If any program was muted, you will need to unmute it and the speaker issue will be resolved.

Muted speakers is a common problem when you don't have any sound.

First, go to the bottom right corner of your screen and if there is a red mark on the Speakers button, click on it and unmute it.

If that didn't help then:

1. Click the Start button (Windows logo key) and go to Control Panel (Windows+X -> Control Panel for Windows 8 & 10). 
2. Choose Sound, select the playback device you use, and go to Properties.
3. Go to Levels tab and if the sound icon is marked with red, click on it to enable the sound. Check also if volume levels are set to low. 
4. Then click Apply and OK.

If you can't hear a sound on your Android device, it's possible that the volume level is set to 0. If this is the case, all you need to do is to press the Volume Up button and there adjust all the sound levels.

You can press the volume up button anytime, even if apps are opened.

If you have low quality calls (drops in and out frequently, muffled, crackling, or no sound at all), maybe you use an outdated version of Skype. Make sure that the other side also has the latest version. 


Windows:

From the Skype menu go to Help -> Check of Updates. 

Android:

Go to the Play Store and search for Skype. When you open it, click on Update if available.

iOS:

Go to the App Store, search for Skype and click on Update if available.

MacOS:

When you open Skype, on the sign-in screen click on Download the latest version now.

The Microsoft team developed a set of tools, known as troubleshooters, that will help you diagnose what the issue is caused by, and how to fix it effectively. There are troubleshooters for virtually every aspect on your computer, CPU, network, video and more, which will help you save precious time you would spend to fix the issue, or if the troubleshooter fails, it will guide you where to search the solution, by showing you an error code.

To run the troubleshooter, right-click the audio icon (the speaker) in the bottom right corner of the screen, and select Troubleshoot sound problems.

The instructions below will work if you use a Windows 7 PC.

1. Click the Start button (Windows logo key) and go to Control Panel.
2. Go to Troubleshooting and select Troubleshoot audio playback, and then follow the steps.
   
   

Or watch this video which shows how to use the troubleshooter on your Windows 7 PC.

Maybe the reason why the speaker doesn't work on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is because the volume level is 0. Perhaps, you have accidentally held the volume down button without noticing. If this is the case, all you need to do is to turn up the volume using the Volume up button.

Note: If your device won't ring, then it is possible that you have accidentally moved the silent mode switch (located above the volume up button). In this case, you will just need to flick the switch.

It's possible that there is nothing wrong with your Mac, and that sound is coming through a different medium. If your Apple computer is not set to play sounds from the right device, you won't hear any sound.

If you have some audio devices connected to your Mac, remove them before trying to solve the issue. 

1. Open System Preferences;
2. Click on Sound;
3. Select Internal Speakers under the Output tab;
4. Raise the volume slider if it is low, or unmute if it is already muted;
5. Select the speakers if they aren't selected.
   
   

This also applies to your headphones because Mac OS considers them internal speakers when you plug them in.

NVRAM or non-volatile random-access memory is small amount of computer's memory which stores many informations such as: Speaker volume, Screen resolution, Startup disk selection, Recent kernel panic information. 

You can reset NVRAM in order to fix the issue with your speakers volume. Do this also if you don't have sound after installing new graphic (video) card on your Mac, or you cannot fix your sound issue when upgraded to OS X Yosemite.

Click here for a detailed explanation on how to do it.

If you exhausted all solutions on your Windows, but none of them worked, then go with the System Restore.

Check first if you have restore points created before. To do this:

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on File -> New Task ( Run...) and in the dialog box type: rstrui.exe. Then click the OK button and you will see the System Restore.
   
   

Make sure to select one of restore points from which you won't lose important data. If you don't see any restore points, you can't do anything about it.

Having a strong and stable Internet connection is imperative for a smooth call. If your Internet connection is not strong the sound quality will be way lower, or you will hear no sound at all. The solution is to switch to another and more importantly stable Internet connection. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, switch to another Wi-Fi network or to mobile data.

Ways to improve the Internet connection include:

• Ensure that the router is not far away;
• Use signal boosters;
• Upgrade your current Internet plan;
• Switch the Internet provider.
  
  

Discover more solutions to improve the Internet connection in our how to fix slow Internet guide.

System Management Controller plays a role in the following vital computer functions:

• Power (the power button, the USB ports, charging the battery);
• Thermal regulation via the cooling fans;
• Indicators (sleep status, battery charging status, and others, etc);
• other vital processes.

Maybe the reason behind the sound issue is one of the vital computer functions that got stuck. To fix this, you will need to reset the SCM, but only if none of the other solutions worked.

Resetting the SCM is like power-cycling the computer, i.e. unplug it from the power cord, and let it sit for a few minutes until all the electricity is drained. This is what you need to do if you're using a static Mac (iMac, Mac mini, Mac). The equivalent of this process in laptops includes removing the battery. However, as that is not an easy task, Mac have engineered a way using buttons.

1. Turn off your computer;
2. Press and hold the Shift, Control, Option (Alt);
3. Without releasing the buttons above, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, after which you should release them;
4. Turn on your computer via the power button.
   
   

Note: Check out the Apple's guide for variations of the instructions above, in case if they didn't work in your case.

If you have corrupt device driver files you will most likely get red "X" on the speakers icon,  yellow "!" or red "X" in Device Manager (this may happen after virus / malware removal also or if you upgraded to Windows 8/10 recently). Try to reinstall the sound card drivers to see if it helps:

1. Click the Start button, right click on Computer and select Properties (Windows 8 & 10: enter Device Manager in the search box and select it from here then go to Step 3).
2. From the top left side select Device Manager.
3. Double click on Sound,video and game controllers.
4. Double click on the driver that causes the error.
5. From the Drivers tab click Uninstall.
6. Right click on Sound, video and game controllers and click on Scan for hardware changes and your sound driver will be automatically installed.
   
   

If you get the same error, uninstall it again, go to the manufacturer's website and download the correct driver or put driver disc to install it from there.

If you talk on Skype/Viber, or other communication service, you may lose the other sounds because of settings you've made before.

To change this:

1. Click the Start button (Windows logo key) and go to Control Panel (Windows+X -> Control Panel for Windows 8 & 10).
2. Select Sound and go to Communications.
3. Select other than "Mute all other sounds". 

Make sure to update your mobile operating system to the latest version.

iOS:

Click here to see how to do the update for iOS.

Android:

In the Settings tab, click on About phone, choose System Updates or Software Updates,and then click on Check now. If your operating system is up to date, you will be notified about it.

If you exhausted all the solutions, but nothing worked for you, maybe you should reset your device. Also some users report a problem when they upgrade from Kit Kat to Lollipop or iOS 6 to iOS 7. Use this as last option because it erases all the data you have. If you consider doing this, move all your important data to SD card or some external device (HDD, Computer).

iOS:

Go to Settings -> General -> Reset -> Erase All Content and Settings -> Enter your passcode. 

Or read here how to do it with iTunes.

Android:

Go to Settings -> scroll down to Backup & reset -> Factory date reset -> Reset phone

If factory reset does not fix your sound problem, it is most likely a hardware issue. Go to your retailer if it's still under warranty.

Core Audio is the digital audio infrastructure of Mac OS X. It is used to handle the audio needs in your applications.

Open your Applications folder and go to Utilities folder. Open the Terminal application and type: 
sudo killall coreaudiod

Restart your Mac after it.

If you don't have sound when you plug in your headphones, try to remove the audio configuration files and reboot the audio drivers to see if it helps.

1. Open your Applications folder and go to Utilities folder. 
2. Open the Terminal application and type one after another: 

          sudo rm /Library/Preferences/Audio/*.plist
          sudo killall coreaudiod

From the Apple menu go to System Preferences -> Sound Pane -> Output tab. Now plug in your headphones and see if they come up, and then select them as output. They can also show up as built-in speakers.

If none of the solutions worked for you, probably your speakers/headphones are damaged and need to be repaired. Most common signs of damaged speakers are distortion and crackling.

But if you don't want to mess up with old speakers / headphones, maybe it's time to buy new ones.

If you upgraded your sound driver to a newer version, but you lost the sound after it, restore the driver to its previous version to see if it helps.

1. Click on the Start button, right click on Computer and select Properties. (Windows 8 & 10: enter Device Manager in the search box and select it from here then go to Step 3)
2. From the top left side select the Device Manager.
3. Double click to expand Sound, video and game controllers.
4. Right click on the sound driver and select Properties.
5. From the Driver tab select Roll Back Driver.

You must be logged on as administrator in order to perform this action.

Your internal speakers could be disabled if you have some virus or malware in your laptop. To re-enable the speakers:

1. Click on the Start button, right click on Computer and select Properties. (Windows 8 & 10: enter Device Manager in the search box and select it from here then go to Step 3).
2. From the top left side select the Device Manager.
3. Click on View from the menu and select Show hidden devices.
4. Expand Non-Plug and Play Drivers with double click on it.
5. Double click on Beep and go to Driver tab.
6. Click on the Start button to enable the speakers again.

Windows Firewall might block the traffic between your computer and the internet which may cause to hear low quality or no sound at all on Skype.

1. Click on the Start button and go to Control Panel (Windows button + X -> Control Panel for Windows 8 & 10).
2. Go to Windows Firewall.
3. From the top left side click on Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall.
4. Tick Skype for all networks (Home,Private,Public) if you are not sure which one you have. 

To disable the Windows Firewall:

To enable the Windows Firewall:

If nothing helped you to resolve the sound issue on Skype, maybe re-installing the application will fix your problem. Delete Skype from your device and then download it from one of the links above:

• Download for Windows & Mac.
• Download for Android and iPhone.
• Download for Tablet.

Sometimes your audio device is not plugged in correctly e.g wrong jack or plug. In most cases, speaker port has a green grommet around it, but try all plugs in order to make sure which one is correct. 

If you have an external speakers or headphones, make sure that your volume up button is not set to zero, and check if some other controls are correctly set.

You may not have a sound card or sound processor on your computer. In order to make sure:

1. Click the Start button, right click on Computer and select Properties (Windows 8 & 10: enter Device Manager in the search box and select it from here then go to Step 3).
2. From the top left side select Device Manager.
3. Double click on Sound,video and game controllers.
4. When you expand it, check if your sound card is listed.

If it is not listed, check the informations for your computer to see if there should to be a sound card installed. Click here to see how to install a sound card, once you are make sure you have it (it also applies for Windows 8 & Windows 10 users).

Most laptops have built-in sound processing chips (sound processors), but they don't have an internal sound cards.

Your out of date sound card driver might be a cause for not having sound or if it degrades over time. To update it:

1. Click the Start button, right click on Computer and select Properties (Windows 8 & 10: enter Device Manager in the search box and select it from here then go to Step 3).
2. From the top left side select Device Manager.
3. Double click on Sound,video and game controllers.
4. Double click the entry for your sound card and go to the Drivers tab.
5. Go to Update driver and choose if you want to install it manual or automatic.
   
   

If you cannot find the driver in this way, update it through the Windows Update.

Windows 7:

Start button -> Control Panel -> Windows Update -> Check for updates. 

Windows 8 & 10:

Windows+X -> Control Panel -> Windows Update -> Check for updates. 

The most effective option to update the sound card driver is to download manually from the manufacturer’s website. Once you've download it, If it isn't an executable (.exe) file, go to the Drivers tab from the steps above and choose Browse my computer for driver software, then specify the folder where you downloaded the driver to, and follow the instructions.

If you have 2 sound devices connected, e.g monitor speakers and some other external speakers, you should check if the right device is selected.


        1. Click the Start button (Windows logo key) and go to Control Panel (Windows+X -> Control Panel for Windows 8 & 10).
        2. Select Sound and for the device you want to use click on Set Default.

First, make sure the sound device is connected to your computer. Headphones are under same name as your default speakers device.

Your may have some cheap device cables which can be easily damaged. If your cable to the speakers is damaged somewhere, consider replacing it with new cable.

If you see red "X" on speakers icon, you may need to restart the Windows Audio service.

Press Windows + R on your keyboard, type services.msc in the dialog box, and then click OK. Find the Windows Audio service and click on Restart which is on the left side.

Windows: If you upgraded your Flashplayer and suddenly you got the red "X" character on the speakers icon with no sound anymore:

1. Click on Start, and go to Control Panel (Windows+X -> Control Panel for Windows 8 & 10).
2. Select Flash Player and go to the Advanced tab.
3. Choose Delete all -> Delete all Site Data and Settings and then click Delete Data.

Mac: If you upgraded your Flashplayer, and you lost the sound after it:

1. From the Apple menu or Dock, open System Preferences.
2. Select Flash Player and go to the Advanced tab.
3. Choose Delete all -> Delete all Site Data and Settings and then click Delete Data.

Restart your computer after it.

The red "X" icon may appear when you installed a new video card on your computer. 

1. Shut down and then start your computer. 
2. Press the Delete button or F10 after starting it in order to access the Bios Menu. 
3. This option is most likely under the Advanced Tab, and there look for Onboard Audio entry. 
4. If you see it as Disabled, navigate to it with arrow keys, and with the Enter button select Enable. 
   
   

Don't forget to save the changes when you exit the Bios.

If you have a USB hub to which you connect your USB speakers, it is possibly causing communication issues between the device you use (windows computer/mac/mobile) and the USB speakers. Try to connect your speakers directly to your device (for mobile connect it directly to your OTG cable).

Your usb port may be damaged or for some reason it is not working anymore, so go for another usb port to check if it is a case why your speakers do not work.

If your sound device is disabled in Device Manager, that could be a reason for not hearing any sound. 

1. Click the Start button, right click on Computer and select Properties (Windows 8 & 10: enter Device Manager in the search box and select it from here then go to Step 3).
2. From the top left side select Device Manager.
3. Double click on Sound,video and game controllers.
4. When you expand it, If your sound device is listed with down arrow it means that it's Disabled.
5. Right click on the sound device name and select Enable.

If someone calls you and you can't hear his voice, it could be due to bluetooth interference (picking up the call with another device, e.g your car’s bluetooth). 

iOS:

Go to Settings-> Bluetooth -> Turn off with tapping from right to left side (from green to white icon).

Android:

Go to Settings -> Turn off with tapping from right to left side.

A lot of dust in your speakers can be a cause for crackling, distorted, or no sound at all. You can clean the speakers with a brush tool, some old toothbrush, or a toothpick.

Watch this video which shows how do it properly:

Another way is the use of compressed air directly into the speakers. Dust-off is one of the best products on the market. Do it gently in order to avoid damaging the speakers.

If you can't hear any sound during a call, but it works well with Skype, Viber, or another calling app, it could be due to some call blocker application you've installed before. 

Disable or uninstall all calling apps that you have, and then check if it helps.

If you don't have sound on your mobile device, maybe just rebooting will help you to fix the sound problem.

Android:

Press and hold the Power button, and select Reboot.

iOS:

Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and when the red slider appears, drag it to turn off the device. After it turns off, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until you see the Apple logo.

An update a day keeps the bugs away. It's crucial that you always install the latest version of the operating system as soon as it's released so that your computer is free of bugs that might arise due to incompatibility between latest app versions and the outdated operating system version.

If you use an incorrect version of Mac OS you may experience many issues including those with your built-in (internal) speakers. Click here to see if you are using the correct version.

If you've recently upgraded to OS X Yosemite and you are not getting sound from Safari, but apart from that the sound works fine, then: 

1. From the Apple menu or Dock, open System Preferences -> Sound.
2. Open the Sound Effects tab.
3. Tick "Play Feedback when volume is changed". 

If you use software such as SoundFlower it could have picked a wrong output sound for Safari.

How to fix this: 

1. From the Apple menu or Dock, open System Preferences.
2. Then open the Sound Pane and the Output tab.
3. If SoundFlower or something similar is selected, then switch the output to speakers you want to use.

If it happens every time you wake up your computer, then delete all extensions (SoundFlower or other strange extensions)

If you are using SoundMax audio software and you lose your sound after hibernation/sleep, then SoundMax may prevent the sound driver from re-initializing on resume.

Delete this program and try to see if it helps.

Your streaming audio/video application or web browser exhaust your bandwidth and thus reduces the sound quality. Close all other programs while talking on Skype.

When you exhaust all the solutions for your Mac, and nothing seems to work, then the last thing you can do is to reset the Mac. Click here if you decide to use this option.

If you notice the "X" red character on the speakers icon (e.g after you wake up your computer from hibernation / sleep), then scan for hardware changes to see if it helps.

To resolve the issue:

1. Click the Start button, right click on Computer and select Properties (Windows 8 & 10: enter Device Manager in the search box and select it from here then go to Step 3).
2. From the top left side select Device Manager.
3. Right click on Sound, video and game controllers and choose Scan for hardware changes.
   
   

Hardware changes should be detected and you won't see the red "X" character. Windows might ask you to insert the driver CD for your sound card.

If you cannot hear the other person during a call it might be due to your or their slow internet connection. Check out the solutions for no internet connection or slow internet connection. 

It is possible that your speakers aren't working properly due to audio enhancements. To have them fixed you can disable Audio Enhancements to see if it helps. To turn off audio enhancements, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Start button and go to Control Panel. (Windows button +X -> Control Panel for Windows 8 & 10 ).
2. Select Sound and go to Playback tab.
3. Select the speaker device you use and go to Properties.
4. Go to Enhancements tab and select Disable all enhancements.

After upgrading to Windows 8 or 10, users reported that they had problems with their speakers not working well. They were able to resolve them by changing the bit rate, following the steps below:

1. Press Windows+X and choose Control Panel from it.
2. Go to Sound and Playback tab.
3. Choose the device you use and click on Properties.
4. Go to the Advanced tab and change the bit rate to 24bit/44100 Hz or 24bit/192000Hz - depending on the speakers' configuration. 

As time goes by, software are upgraded so that they meet the latest standards. Unfortunately, computers and mobile devices don't get upgraded, as software do, and a time comes when upgrading the device is imminent. You might have an old computer / cell phone that does not meet the minimum system requirements for Skype , or you use a modem / router that is also old. If this is a case you can't hear a voice, or you hear some crackling/distorted sound, then you should update your hardware.

Click here to see the system requirements for Skype.