How to Improve VoIP Call Quality

Before you start

VoIP quality depends mainly on the available network path between you and the other caller, the load on your local connection, and the audio hardware in use. The process runs locally on your device, but the actual call may go through a VoIP service or your organization's phone system. Check these prerequisites before changing settings:

• Close large downloads, cloud backups, streaming sessions and other bandwidth-heavy apps before the call
• Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi when possible, especially for important calls
• Note the name and version of your VoIP application because setting names can differ between versions
• Have the approximate internet plan speed available if you need to compare it with a speed test
• Have headphones or a headset available for testing audio

You may need administrator access to the device to change some network or firewall settings. Keep changes reversible by noting the original values before adjusting anything.

Step-by-step instructions

The following steps are ordered by how commonly they help improve VoIP call quality. They apply to most software-based VoIP tools, including apps used for voice and video calls.

• Close unnecessary applications that may be using the network or the microphone.
• Check for background updates on the device and pause them during the call if the VoIP app supports it.
• Switch from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection if one is available.
• Run a speed test from the same device used for the call and note the download, upload and ping or latency values.
• Restart the router and modem if the connection has been active for a long time or the call quality has changed recently.
• Open the audio settings in the VoIP app and confirm the correct microphone and speaker are selected.
• Lower the speaker volume slightly if the other side reports echo.
• Enable noise suppression in the VoIP app if the environment has steady background sound.
• Close the call test view or self-view in a video call if you need more bandwidth for audio.
• Reconnect the call and listen for changes.

For some versions of common VoIP apps, audio settings are available from the call screen or from a settings menu under Audio or Devices. If your version has a network quality indicator, open it during the call to see packet loss, jitter or round-trip time values.

If the application offers a quality or bandwidth mode, try a lower video quality setting or disable video temporarily during an audio-focused call. This can free network capacity for voice.

Check the output

Test with a short call to a known contact or an echo test number if your VoIP provider offers one. A good result usually means speech is continuous, without long delays between a question and an answer.

Listen for these signs while checking the result:

• Words that cut out or sound metallic may indicate packet loss
• A voice that speeds up, slows down or warbles may indicate jitter
• A noticeable delay in responses may indicate high latency
• Echo of your own voice usually points to speaker volume or microphone placement
• Robotic or compressed sound can occur when the network is congested or the audio codec is changing

If the VoIP app includes quality statistics for the current call, compare the values with typical operational ranges. Different services may use different scales, so use the ranges shown by the same service when available.

Common problems and next steps

When quality has not improved, focus on the most frequent causes one at a time.

• If VoIP audio breaks up, close background network activity and try a wired connection before changing app settings.
• If the issue appears only on one network, test the same VoIP app on another network to separate an account problem from a local connection problem.
• If the modem or router is shared, ask other people at the location to pause large transfers during important calls.
• If upload speed is low, avoid sending video and reduce the outgoing network load.
• If the microphone sounds quiet or harsh, check the operating system input level and move the microphone closer without blocking it.
• If the other side hears an echo, lower your device volume or use headphones.
• If settings look different from the steps above, check the provider's help for the exact menu names in your app version.

Network conditions can change during a call. Repeating the steps on a different day or during a less busy time can help identify whether the problem is persistent or temporary.