Call Quality

Clear calls depend on your internet or cellular connection, the microphone and speaker you use, and the environment around you. If a call connects but sounds unclear, quiet, delayed, or silent, use this guide to narrow down the cause.

If the call never rings, see Incoming Calls Not Ringing instead.

Start with what you hear

• The other person cannot hear you: check mute, microphone access, and the selected microphone.
• You cannot hear the other person: check call volume and where the audio is playing.
• Audio breaks up or sounds robotic: compare your connection and audio device.
• You hear echo: reduce speaker volume or switch to a handset or headset.
• Background noise makes conversation difficult: move somewhere quieter and use available noise-reduction options.

Notice whether the problem affects every call, one device, or only calls with a particular person. This helps narrow down what to check.

If the other person cannot hear you

Confirm that Mute is off in Waveline and on your headset, if it has a separate mute control.

Check that Waveline has microphone access and that the intended microphone is being used. A connected headset or Bluetooth device may be handling audio even when you expect to use the phone or computer.

Try the device's built-in microphone or another headset. If you use a deskphone, check that its handset cord or headset connection is secure.

See Microphone Permissions for permission instructions.

If you cannot hear the other person

Increase the call volume while the call is active, then check the selected audio output. Audio may be playing through a connected headset, car system, or another Bluetooth device.

On mobile, use the audio control to select the phone, speaker, or an available Bluetooth device. On a computer, check the system's selected output device and volume.

If the sound is still missing, try another output device and ask the other person to confirm that they are not muted.

See Mobile Call Controls for help choosing where audio plays.

Reduce background noise

Move away from fans, traffic, music, and nearby conversations when possible. Keep the microphone close enough to pick up your voice clearly, without covering it or placing it directly in the path of your breath.

A headset can help keep your microphone near your voice. On a deskphone, use the handset instead of speakerphone when background noise or room echo makes conversation difficult.

Use Mute when you briefly do not need the other person to hear your surroundings.

Use your phone's noise-reduction options

Some phones offer audio-processing settings that can make conversations clearer. These are device settings rather than Waveline settings, and availability depends on your phone, software version, and calling app.

iPhone: Voice Isolation

During a call, open Control Center, select the controls for the app handling the call, and choose Voice Isolation when available. This prioritizes your voice and reduces surrounding noise picked up by the microphone.

See Apple's Voice Isolation instructions.

Google Pixel: Clear Calling

On supported Pixel phones, open Settings → Sound & vibration → Clear Calling and enable Use Clear Calling. Support differs between regular phone calls and internet-calling apps, so it may not apply to every call.

See Google's Clear Calling instructions.

Samsung Galaxy: Voice Focus

During a supported call, open the Quick settings panel, select Mic mode, and choose Voice focus. On some Galaxy devices, this option is available for internet calls only when using speakerphone.

See Samsung's microphone-mode instructions.

Other Android phones may offer similar options. Check the device manufacturer's instructions if these settings are not available.

If audio breaks up, sounds robotic, or arrives late

An unstable connection can interrupt call audio even when websites and messages still load normally.

• Move closer to your Wi-Fi access point.
• Pause large downloads, uploads, or other heavy network activity.
• Use a wired internet connection on a computer when available.
• Compare another Wi-Fi network or mobile data connection.
• Try a different headset or the device's built-in audio to check whether the accessory is contributing.

Change networks between calls when possible, because switching connections can interrupt an active call.

If the problem affects several teammates on the same network, ask the person who manages that network to help investigate.

If you hear echo

Try lowering speaker volume or switching from speakerphone to a handset or headset. Ask the other person to do the same if needed.

If multiple devices are connected to the same conversation in one room, keep only one microphone and speaker active. Nearby devices can pick up and replay each other's audio.

For a deskphone, start by lifting the handset rather than using the speaker.

When mobile internet is unreliable

If Waveline displays a connection warning during an active mobile call, Move to Cell may let you continue the conversation through your verified cell phone. Use the option when it is offered. See Mobile Call Controls for requirements and instructions.

If you regularly work somewhere with poor internet but reliable cellular service, consider Direct to Cell for future calls. The Waveline app provides the more complete calling controls when your internet connection is reliable.

Common questions

Related pages

• Microphone Permissions
• App Connection Issues
• Mobile Call Controls
• Direct to Cell
• Manage a Deskphone
• Incoming Calls Not Ringing