Fix: Discord Voice Chat not Working

Discord voice chat may not work due to incorrect configuration of the voice settings in Discord (e.g., input mode, OpenSL SE, etc.). Moreover, an outdated Discord application may also cause the discussed error. The affected user encounters the error when attempting to voice chat with a contact. The issue is not limited to any particular OS. In some cases, the issue appears after 2 to 3 minutes of voice chat.

Before moving on with the troubleshooting process to fix the Discord voice chat issue, make sure your voice input/output devices are working fine. Also, restart your devices (phone, PC, router, etc.) to clear any temporary glitches. Moreover, ensure the Discord servers are up and running.

Additionally, unmute your mic and speak to check if the issue is a temporary glitch. Make sure the microphone is enabled in your device and Discord’s settings. Also, confirm your headset is not faulty or incompatible with Discord (in some cases, the HyperX Cloud II was the reason behind the issue).

Lastly, take a good look at our articles for Discord mic not working and cannot hear anyone on Discord. For illustration, the solutions here are targeted for an Android phone; you may have to dig deeper to make these solutions work for your OS.

Solution 1: Change the Input Mode of the Discord Application to Voice Activity

You may have issues with Discord voice chat if the input mode/audio settings of the Discord application are not configured properly. In this context, changing the input mode to voice activity in the Discord/call settings may solve the problem.

1. Launch the Discord application and then open its Settings.
2. Now tap on Voice and Video.

   

3. Then change the input mode to Voice Activity.

   

4. Now ensure that when making a call, the input mode is also set to Voice Activity.
5. Then restart your phone. Upon restart, check if Discord is clear of the voice chat issue.

Solution 2: Enable ‘Force Calls to Use OpenSL ES’ in the Discord Settings

Different features have been added to improve the functionality of Discord. One such feature is the ‘Open Sound Library for Embedded Systems‘ (OpenSL ES) API, which can overcome different audio issues in the Discord application. Switching to this API may solve your voice chat issue.

1. Launch the Discord application and then open its Settings. Now tap on Voice and Video.
2. Then, under the option of Low Latency Hardware Acceleration, select Force Calls to Use OpenSL ES.

   

3. Then exit the Discord application.
4. Now launch the Settings of your phone and then open its Application Manager.

   

5. Then open Discord and then tap on Force Stop.

   

6. Now confirm to force stop the Discord application.

   

7. Now launch the Discord application and then check if the voice chat issue is resolved.

Solution 3: Update the Discord Application to the Latest Build/Beta

Discord is regularly updated to patch known bugs and add new features based on user suggestions. An outdated application may cause voice chat problems. In this context, updating the Discord application to the latest build/beta may solve the problem. For illustration, we will guide you through the update process on an Android phone.

1. Launch the Google Play Store and then tap on the hamburger icon.
2. Then tap on My Apps & Games.

   

3. Now navigate to the Installed tab and then tap on Discord.

   

4. Now tap on the Update button.

   

5. After updating the app, check if the issue is resolved.
6. If not, then repeat steps 1 to 3 to open Discord in the Play Store.
7. Now scroll down and then tap on the Join button (under Join the Beta).

   

8. Then confirm to join the beta program (Be careful, beta versions can be unstable).

   

9. Now, wait till your account is added to the beta program of Discord.
10. Now restart your phone, and upon restart, update the Discord application if an update is available (repeat steps 1 to 4). Hopefully, Discord will be clear of the error.