Table of contents:
- Check that the proximity sensor is working properly
- Hardware Test, the application to detect phone failures
- Clear WhatsApp data and cache
- Use WhatsApp Business
- Get hold of a volume booster
- If none of the above works ...
- Alternative solution: use headphones
"WhatsApp audios are heard with a beep", "Audios are heard low", "WhatsApp voice notes are low and bad", "Low volume in WhatsApp audios"… There are dozens of search patterns in Google in relation to the same problem, the volume of the WhatsApp audios. Apparently, the sound emitted by the front and main speaker is very low, something that may be related to the application itself or the hardware of the phone. This time we will review some of the most common methods to solve this problem.
Since we will resort to our own Android solutions, the steps that we will see below are compatible with most brands. Xiaomi, OnePlus, BQ, Sony, Huawei, Honor, Samsung, Realme, Oppo…
Check that the proximity sensor is working properly
It is well known by all that WhatsApp activates the front speaker of calls when we bring the phone to our ear when playing an audio. For this task, the phone uses the proximity sensor. Checking its operation is as simple as bringing the device closer while we play a voice memo: if the screen turns off, the sensor works correctly. To increase the volume of the audio, just press the corresponding Volume button.
If the screen remains, it is most likely damaged and unable to switch the sound between the speakers, thus the front speaker is permanently disabled.
Hardware Test, the application to detect phone failures
To check the operation of the phone's components, most terminals use a hidden menu called Hardware Test that allows us to test items such as the speakers, the fingerprint sensor or the touch screen. In Xiaomi, for example, we can access this menu by pressing four times on Kernel version in Phone information or About phone in Settings. Then, the system will open an application similar to the one in the following screenshot:
Within the different menus we will click on Speaker to test all the phone's speakers. If no sound can be heard from any of the phone's speakers during the testing process, it is most likely a component failure. Another option is to make a call to any contact in the phonebook to check the maximum volume of the speaker for calls or the main speaker.
Clear WhatsApp data and cache
Faced with a possible application problem, the most effective solution is to delete the WhatsApp data and cache from the Applications section in Settings. Simply select the application in question from that section and then click on Storage.
Finally we will click on Empty cache and Empty storage to eliminate all the application data and the possible conflicts that it is generating with the system. Previously it is recommended to make a backup to avoid losing the last conversation history.
Use WhatsApp Business
In some OnePlus mobiles, the official WhatsApp client has generated several conflicts with the speaker and the microphone. In the absence of support from the brand, the only solution we find to this problem is based on resorting to WhatsApp Business, the tool developed by the same company for companies and small businesses.
We can download the application from the Google store itself. Once installed we can see that the interface is practically traced to that of WhatsApp, except that in this case we will have a series of advanced tools and functions.
Get hold of a volume booster
In Google Play there are many applications that act as a volume booster. What these apps do is forcing the maximum volume of the speakers above their own limit. For this reason, from tuexperto.com we recommend proceeding with caution, as they can cause irreparable damage to the speakers.
Among the options available in the Google store, the most recommended is GOODEV Volume Booster. We can download it for free.
Once installed, we will play with the Volume and Boost levels to adjust the volume to an audible level.
If none of the above works…
To rule out any hardware problems, the last solution we can turn to before sending the phone in for service is to completely reset the system to eliminate any type of conflict. The process is as simple as going to the phone settings, specifically the System section.
Within this section we will click on Reset or Reset. Finally we will select the option Reset the phone or Reset to factory values to delete all the data present in the memory. In this way, the phone will start up as if it were a new phone. Before proceeding, we recommend that you make the appropriate backup copies to avoid losing any information, since both the applications, the files and the photos captured with the camera will be permanently deleted.
Alternative solution: use headphones
If we do not want to send the phone to a technical service, a halfway solution is based on using the phone's own headphones or third-party headphones. We can also use external speakers or Bluetooth headphones to not depend on cables.
