Quick answer
Check you’re not muted or deafened (next to your avatar, bottom left). In User Settings > Voice & Video, choose the correct Input Device and Output Device, then run Mic Test. Make sure your computer or phone lets Discord use the microphone and camera. Still nothing? Fully restart Discord and try switching between the Standard and Legacy audio subsystem.
Does this match what you see?
- Your mic light never turns green and nobody hears you.
- You can see others talking but hear nothing.
- Friends hear an echo of themselves.
- Your camera or screen share shows nothing, or lags badly.
Computer (browser)iPhone & iPadAndroid
Based on Discord Support’s “Voice, Video & Streaming Guide” and “Discord Troubleshooting Guide”, read on November 7, 2026. Computer steps use User Settings (the cogwheel, bottom left).
Why this happens: the possible causes
The usual causes, from Discord’s guides.
| What happens | Start here |
|---|---|
| Nobody hears you | Devices and Mic Test, then permissions |
| You hear nothing | Output device |
| Echo | Echo fixes |
| Camera blank | Camera |
| Stream lags or is black | Streaming |
- The wrong input or output deviceCheck this first
Discord’s first check is the Input Device and Output Device in Voice & Video.
- Muted or deafenedCheck this first
Discord says to check the mute and deafen icons next to your avatar.
- No permission to use the mic or cameraCheck this first
Discord says to confirm it can access your mic and camera in your device’s settings.
- Audio subsystemPossible
Discord suggests trying both the Standard and Legacy audio subsystems.
Try these 60-second checks first
- Make sure your mic or headset is plugged in; try another USB port.
- Test the mic or camera in another app.
- Update Discord.
How to fix it, step by step
Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.
Fix 1: Make sure you’re not muted or deafened
Discord says to check your mute and deafen status first.
Computer (browser)
- Look to the right of your avatar in the bottom-left corner.
- If the microphone or headphones icon is crossed out, click it to unmute or undeafen.
Our note: a server moderator can also mute you in a channel. If only one server is silent, ask its moderators.
Did it work? Neither icon is crossed out.
Did Fix 1 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 1. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 2: Choose the right input and output device, and run Mic Test
Discord’s main voice fix: confirm the correct devices are selected.
iPhone & iPad
- Tap your avatar (bottom right), then the cogwheel (top right).
- Under App Settings, tap Voice.
- Check Input Mode is Voice Activity or Push to Talk, and adjust Output volume.
Android
- Tap your avatar (bottom right), then the cogwheel (top right).
- Under App Settings, tap Voice.
- Check Input Mode is Voice Activity or Push to Talk, and adjust Output volume.
Computer (browser)
- Click the cogwheel (bottom left) to open User Settings.
- Go to Voice & Video and choose the correct Input Device and Output Device.
- Run Mic Test and speak: the bar should move.
Using Push to Talk? Nobody hears you unless you hold the key or button.
Did it work? Mic Test shows activity and friends can hear you.
Did Fix 2 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 2. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 3: Let Discord use your microphone and camera
Discord says to verify mic permissions in your operating system’s settings.
- Open your computer’s or phone’s privacy or app permission settings.
- Allow Discord (or your browser, if you use Discord on the web) to use the microphone and camera.
- Fully close and reopen Discord.
Did it work? Discord can see your mic and camera in Voice & Video.
Did Fix 3 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 3. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 4: Restart Discord fully and switch the audio subsystem
Discord’s quick fixes include a full restart and trying both Standard and Legacy audio subsystems.
Computer (browser)
- Fully close Discord (on Windows, check it’s gone from Task Manager), wait 30 seconds, and reopen it.
- In User Settings > Voice & Video, try switching the Audio Subsystem between Standard and Legacy.
Did it work? Audio works after the restart.
Did Fix 4 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 4. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
You can’t hear anyone
- Confirm the correct Output Device in Voice & Video.
- Check your computer’s volume mixer: Discord may be turned down there.
- Make sure you’re not deafened, and that you haven’t turned one person’s user volume right down. Our note: right-click their name in the voice channel to check.
- Toggle between the Legacy and Standard audio subsystem.
Echo or feedback in calls
- Lower your input sensitivity in Voice Settings.
- Use Push to Talk instead of Voice Activity.
- Keep speakers away from the microphone. Our tip: headphones stop most echo.
Camera not showing
- Choose the correct camera in Voice & Video.
- Unplug and reconnect an external webcam, or try another port. Test it in another app.
- Make sure no other app is using the camera.
- Check camera permissions in your device settings and in Discord. On Discord in a browser, try a different browser.
- Update Discord and your webcam software.
Screen share or stream problems
- Use a stable connection; Discord recommends wired if possible.
- Close and reopen Discord, restart your device, and update Discord.
- Stream lagging? Turn off Hardware Acceleration: User Settings > Voice & Video > Video tab > Hardware Acceleration.
- Windows: right-click Discord and choose Run as administrator, and check Discord is allowed to record the screen in Windows privacy settings.
- Mac: Discord gives System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording, and make sure Discord is checked. Our note: on newer macOS it’s System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording (or Screen & System Audio Recording).
How to know it worked
- Friends can hear and see you, and you can hear them.
Still not working? Your next steps
- Can’t even connect to voice? See RTC Connecting or No Route. Discord itself won’t load? See Discord not working. On PS5 or Xbox? See Discord on consoles.
Official help routes
SocialAppFix can’t see or change your account. For account decisions, recovery and appeals, only the platform’s own tools can help. These links go to the official sites.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t people hear me on Discord?
Check you’re not muted, pick the right Input Device in User Settings > Voice & Video, run Mic Test, and make sure your device lets Discord use the microphone.
Why can’t I hear anyone on Discord?
Check the Output Device in Voice & Video, your computer’s volume mixer, and that you’re not deafened. Discord also suggests switching between the Standard and Legacy audio subsystem.
How do I stop echo on Discord?
Discord suggests lowering input sensitivity, using Push to Talk, and keeping speakers away from the mic.
Why is my Discord stream lagging?
Discord suggests a stable or wired connection and turning off Hardware Acceleration in Voice & Video > Video.
Did this solve your problem?
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Out of date or didn’t work? Email us — never include passwords or codes.
Sources and how we checked this guide
We base steps on the platforms’ own help pages and the phone makers’ official guides. Menu names change often and can differ by device, app version and region. Where a platform page could not be independently read, we link it so you can check the current wording yourself.
- Discord Voice, Video & Streaming Guide (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Discord Troubleshooting Guide (external site, opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed 7 November 2026 by the SocialAppFix editorial team against the sources above. Next scheduled review: 7 May 2027. Editor: Michael Michael. How we write and review guides.
What changed
- 7 November 2026: First published.
SocialAppFix is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Discord. We never ask for passwords, login codes or payment to fix an account.