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 settings, permissions, or connection quality. Work through the steps below.
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.
Check for physical obstructions
Make sure nothing is covering your phone's microphone (case, finger, surface)
If you're using a headset or earphones, try switching to the phone's built-in microphone
Try speaking closer to the phone
Test with another app
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.
No audio - you can't hear the other person
Check audio output settings
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
Try switching audio output during a call
During an active call in Beside, 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
Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data (tap the network icon during a call)
Close other apps 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?
First 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.
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. Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data during the call by tapping the network icon in the top corner. If neither connection is stable, move to a better signal area.