If you're experiencing audio problems during calls - no sound, echo, low volume, or the other person can't hear you - most issues come from device or browser settings, permissions, or connection quality.
The steps below cover both the Beside mobile app and the web app at app.beside.com.
Microphone not working - the other person can't hear you
Check microphone permissions
Beside needs microphone access to work on calls. If it was denied, the other person won't be able to hear you.
On iPhone: Settings → Apps → Beside → make sure Microphone is toggled on.
On Android: Settings → Apps → Beside → Permissions → make sure Microphone is allowed.
On the web app: click the site permissions icon in your browser's address bar for app.beside.com and make sure Microphone is set to Allow. Your operating system also needs to allow your browser to access the microphone - check your system Privacy settings (macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone; Windows: Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone).
Check for physical obstructions and hardware
Mobile: make sure nothing is covering your phone's microphone (case, finger, surface). Try speaking closer to the phone.
Web app: check that your computer's microphone isn't muted at the hardware level (some laptops and headsets have a physical mute button or switch).
If you're using a headset or earphones, try switching to the built-in microphone to isolate whether the headset is the problem.
Test with another app
Mobile: open the native Phone app or Voice Memos and check if your microphone works there. If it doesn't, the issue is with your device's microphone hardware - not Beside.
Web app: try another browser-based audio tool (for example, an online mic test) to confirm the browser can access your mic. If it fails across multiple sites, the issue is system-level or hardware-level, not Beside.
Close other apps or tabs using the microphone (web app)
If another application or browser tab is holding your microphone (video conferencing tools, voice recorders, other browser tabs), Beside may not be able to access it. Close those tools or tabs and reload app.beside.com.
No audio - you can't hear the other person
Check audio output settings
On mobile
Make sure your phone volume is turned up (use the volume buttons during a call)
Check that your phone isn't in Silent mode
If you're connected to Bluetooth headphones or a speaker, make sure they're the intended output - or disconnect them to use the phone's built-in speaker
On the web app
Check that your computer isn't muted and system volume is turned up
In your system sound settings, confirm the correct output device is selected (speakers, headphones, or external audio device)
If you're on Bluetooth headphones, make sure they're connected and selected as the default output
Try another browser if the audio still doesn't come through
Try switching audio output during a call (mobile)
During an active call in the Beside mobile app, tap the speaker icon to switch between earpiece, speaker, and any connected Bluetooth device.
Echo or feedback on calls
Echo is almost always caused by audio looping between the speaker and microphone.
Lower your speaker volume
Switch to a headset or earphones - this eliminates the loop entirely
Move away from hard surfaces that reflect sound
Ask the other person to check their setup too - the echo may be on their end
Poor call quality - choppy, robotic, or cutting out
Audio quality on Beside depends on your internet connection. If the call sounds choppy or robotic:
Move to a location with stronger Wi-Fi or cellular signal
Mobile: switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data (tap the network icon during a call)
Web app: switch to wired Ethernet if possible, or move closer to your router
Close other apps or browser tabs using bandwidth
Restart your router if on Wi-Fi
FAQ
The microphone works in other apps but not in Beside. What should I do?
The microphone works in other apps but not in Beside. What should I do?
On mobile, check that Beside has microphone permission (Settings → Apps → Beside → Microphone). If permission is granted, force-close Beside and reopen it. If the issue persists, delete and reinstall the app, then log back in with the same login method you originally used.
On the web app, check the site permissions icon in the browser address bar for app.beside.com. Also close any other browser tab or application that may be holding the microphone, and do a hard refresh (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+R).
My calls sound fine on speaker but not on earpiece. Is that normal?
My calls sound fine on speaker but not on earpiece. Is that normal?
This usually indicates a hardware issue with your phone's earpiece speaker, not with Beside. Try cleaning the earpiece grille gently. If the problem persists across all apps, contact your device manufacturer.
Audio cuts out every few seconds. What's causing this?
Audio cuts out every few seconds. What's causing this?
Intermittent audio is almost always a connection issue. On mobile, try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data during the call by tapping the network icon in the top corner. On the web app, switch to a wired Ethernet connection if possible, or move closer to your router. If neither connection is stable, move to a better signal area.
I granted mic permission in the browser but Beside still can't access it. What's wrong?
I granted mic permission in the browser but Beside still can't access it. What's wrong?
The browser needs mic permission, but so does your operating system. On macOS, check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and make sure your browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.) is allowed. On Windows, check Settings → Privacy & security → Microphone. Also close other apps or tabs that may be holding the mic, then do a hard refresh of app.beside.com.