Updated at: 15-05-2023 - By: Leo Hall
Not able to hear others on Discord? The solution is right here! So that you can get your Discord working again as soon as possible, we’ve compiled a list of all the possible fixes.

Trouble hearing your friends in Discord?

Don’t fret; everything is taken care of. Actually, the audio configuration is probably the cause of the issue.

To save you time, here are eight solutions that should have you chatting again in no time.

History of Voice Chat and Gaming

Voice chat is a great improvement to most multiplayer games. That way, you can save time by avoiding having to type out your plans, steps, and jokes. Before Discord, VOIP (Voice over IP) methods like Ventrilo and TeamSpeak were the norm. They were ahead of their time and still have their uses today, but you won’t find them as common as Discord despite their merits. Both systems required users to connect to a server on a computer. Whether you’re using Ventrilo or Teamspeak, you’ll need to know the server’s address (a URL or IP) in order to connect to it. Voice chat with other players and friends is available once you join. So, that’s pretty much it. Discord has made managing the online chat for a gaming community much easier. Discord’s servers are hosted by the company, so there’s no need for users to set up anything special. A Discord server can be accessed by anyone who has been sent an invite by the server’s administrator. It could be a personal invite to the server, or it could be a public invitation available to anyone. It’s safe and makes it simple to organize a group of people. Discord stands out from other voice and text chat services because it includes many extra tools in addition to the basics.

Can't Hear People On Discord? [Simple Fix] - GamingScan

What is Discord?

Discord is a free chatting app where you and your friends, gaming communities, and even developers can have voice and video conversations. With so many people using it, it’s easily one of the most popular social media platforms. Discord is available on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, iPad OS X, Android, and web browsers, among other platforms and devices.

What is Discord for?

So that we can talk! A Discord server can be set up for free and used for a variety of purposes. You can use it to organize a general group chat with your contacts, whether via text message or voice call. You can use it to talk about your day, share screenshots, memes, and gifs. You can also run it while actually playing the game and communicate with other players via the in-game voice channels. Are you a bad loser? Friends can watch your gameplay and offer tips or, more likely, make fun of your terrible aim. Creators and publishers of video games frequently use the messaging app Discord to distribute free content to their fan bases. Discord is a great place to see concept art, new screenshots, and even get early access to a game.

How to start using Discord?

Discord’s ‘Home’ screen is displayed initially. The main window displays your friend list, while the server list is located on the left side of the screen. You’re going to need a friend to talk to! Discord tags are the case-sensitive usernames and ID numbers that users can share with you. You can start chatting with them by tapping the “Add Friend” tab at the very top of the main screen. If they accept your friend request, you’ll be able to initiate a chat with them here using text, voice, or video. You can even invite others to join the conversation, though doing so frequently may be better done in a server.

How to create a Discord server?

Making a server from scratch is simple and free. The Discord client lists available servers on the far left. Click the “Add Server” button if you haven’t already joined a server. Discord makes it simple to set up your own server by providing you with a set of premade instructions and files to work from. Simply name your server and select whether it will be public (open to anyone) or private (only visible to your friends). You’ll be able to adjust any and all aspects of the server as you see fit. Select ‘Invite People’ from the context menu that appears when you right-click the channel list on the server’s left side. In this way, you can send out invitations to people already in your contact list. Anyone with the link you provide can then join the server without needing an invitation. When copied and pasted into a browser’s address bar, the link will take users to your server within the app. The server’s users can engage in private voice and text conversations by creating separate chat channels. That way, the Rocket League players won’t bother the Fall Guys while they’re having fun. If you have access to the server’s administrative tools, you can remove disruptive players or promote helpful ones.

Discord Voice Chat

Discord’s Home screen features a direct message system for instant messaging with friends. To initiate a voice call, simply right-click on a contact’s name and select “call.” They’ll know you’ve called, and you can chat for as long as you like without paying per minute. To make the call, you’ll need headphones and a microphone. VoIP is available on servers. Here, numerous users can connect with one another and carry on simultaneous conversations. It’s just like everyone’s in the same room, so it’s much simpler to coordinate during games. It simplifies online multiplayer gaming significantly. These are typically accessible to everyone on the server, though some servers may limit their functionality in certain ways. They’re useful for when players want to engage in the same game but in different game modes. For example, you could separate Fortnite Creative players into a separate channel from the Battle Royale players. When you join a voice channel, voice communications are activated automatically, and you can listen to everyone talking in that channel. Voice communication options are flexible. You can configure it as a “push-to-talk” system, where your microphone will only transmit when you press a button, or as a “volume-triggered” system, where it will transmit whenever it detects your voice above a certain threshold. Your microphone can also be left “open,” or constantly broadcasting.

Discord Text Chat

Multiple chat rooms can be hosted on a single Discord server. The community uses them to have conversations without raising their voices, post and respond to questions, and share memes. While every Discord server begins with a General channel, administrators have the freedom to create additional channels for a variety of purposes. Some examples of such channels are “Announcements” and “Rules” for the server, as well as “Fortnite” and other game-specific channels. The server’s administrator and users have the final say. A Rules channel could benefit from being a “read-only” text channel. Users will have access to most text channels, and while there is no chat filter to prevent the use of offensive language, one is in place to try to prevent the posting of explicit images.

Discord Video Chat

Discord also works for video chatting if you have a camera connected. You can initiate a call with a friend from your friends list or through direct messages in the Home tab of the app, just as you would with voice chat. Select a friend from your contact list, and a video call will begin when you click the camera icon. Video conferences with up to 25 participants can be hosted by servers. They can be initiated in any existing conversation. After signing up, you’ll have the option to activate your camera for live video conferencing. They function similarly to Zoom calls and can be used to convene large gatherings.

Game Streaming in Discord

Share your screen with your Discord friends and chatroom. Unlike public broadcasts on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook, this isn’t intended for viewers at large. It’s a step up from basic video chatting. Direct messaging through the homepage or a server-wide voice chat are both viable options. Only the server and the channel you were watching when the problem occurred will be affected. It can be used to update friends on your game progress, flaunt your loot, or even ask for help. You can even broadcast the output of an external program, such as an art editor. You can broadcast a second screen in parallel with your video feed, but you can’t superimpose the two feeds to create a picture-in-picture effect. Unless you pay for Nitro, you can only stream in 720p at 30 frames per second. Nitro allows users to stream at up to 60 frames per second at the same resolution as the source.

What is a public Discord server?

The number of games with their own dedicated Discord server continues to grow. They serve as a hub for the community to interact with one another and the developer to spread news and information about the game. Joining a server is as simple as clicking the “Explore Public Servers” button or accepting a public invitation. Almost 800,000 people are subscribed to the Official Fortnite Channel, where they can chat, post screenshots, and find groups to play with. You must read and agree to the rules before you can use any of the chat servers. Reading the 14 rules (which include not disclosing personal information, not harassing others, and not linking to harmful websites) and then clicking a box to indicate your assent is all that is required. If you follow those steps, you’ll be able to engage with the neighborhood relatively safely. If you get kicked for breaking the rules, you might not be able to join the server again.

Fix: Discord Can't Hear Anyone [2023 FIX] - PC Strike

What are Discord roles?

Discord servers allow administrators to customize user permissions. This is an effective method of regulating the behavior of other users. They have the power to set server-wide access restrictions and liberties. This means you can set up a supporter role with the authority to make new voice and video channels, lock existing ones, and kick or mute users. If you don’t want anyone on the server to use video chat, you can disable it for everyone by making it a requirement for a specific role. You should only give someone more privileges than a regular user if you know you can trust them to use them responsibly.

Discord Privacy Controls

You can enable a number of security and privacy settings in Discord, just like you would on any modern software platform. Filtering who you receive messages from, blocking people you don’t feel comfortable talking to, and activating extra security features are all options. There is information on how to keep your Discord server safe on the Discord website itself. We recommend that you check back for any changes on a regular basis.

Discord Nitro

Even though you can do a lot with a free Discord account, you can show your support by upgrading to a Discord Nitro account. Larger uploads (100MB versus 8MB for free accounts) are available for US$9.99 per month or US$99.99 per year. If you’re broadcasting a game or your desktop, you can match your screen’s output at up to 60 frames per second, far exceeding the 720p and 30fps caps. Nitro users can personalize their servers with animated emojis and avatars.

Cant Hear People On Discord

Fix 1: Restart Discord

Let’s begin with the go-to fix of computer experts everywhere and simply close and reopen Discord. In many cases, if you just reset everything, all your problems will be gone. For good measure, you should also restart Windows.

You can also press Ctrl r to reload Discord. When the app is done working its magic, it brings back a new digital coat of paint.

It’s also possible that this is just a temporary issue caused by a bug in the Discord app’s code. Launch Discord in your browser to check your audio connection and see if that fixes the problem.

Since Discord is so fast at fixing bugs and releasing updates, this is only a stopgap.

Fix 2: Hardware Check

The simplest answer is often the best one. If your PC is a desktop and its tower is hidden away under a desk, you should double check the connection between the headphone/microphone jack(s) and the PC’s audio inputs and outputs to make sure nothing has come loose.

Most headsets designed for use with video games also feature a global mute button that mutes all audio. Make sure you haven’t tapped it by accident.

New drivers are constantly being released by headset and microphone manufacturers to fix issues. Browse the vendor’s site for your model to see if there is a newer version available. If your accessory requires special software, check that it is up to date as well.

Fix 3: Turn Off Third-Party Voice Altering Software

In Discord’s voice channels, voice changes that alter a user’s timbre and quality are all the rage.

Unfortunately, they frequently mess up Discord’s carefully balanced audio ecosystem. To be safe, disable all programs that fit this profile, and then see if the issue persists.

Fix 4: Discord Settings – Output Device and Output Volume

Discord gives you the freedom to adjust the sound however you like. To access your user preferences, navigate to the bottom right of the Discord window and click on the gear icon next to your avatar. Select “Voice & Video” from the menu on the left.

If you have any troubleshooting issues, you can start fresh by scrolling down and tapping “Reset Voice Settings.” It’s important to verify that this has resolved the problem before proceeding to the next step.

Make sure the right input and output devices are selected in their respective menus. Which option is best for you depends on the other hardware you have set up. Start by clicking “Default.”

If that doesn’t work, then use your device’s default settings or the settings for your gaming headset if it has a mic. When activated, Discord sends a helpful beep to the selected gadget. Listen for the audio cue in your stereo or headphones.

Second, the “Output Volume” slider shouldn’t be set to zero. If so, turn it to the right a fair amount, or all the way if you’re feeling particularly reckless and don’t care about your hearing lasting a lifetime.

When you’re ready to run a mic test, click the convenient “Let’s Check” button and then read a poem, sing a verse from your favorite song, or utter complete and utter gibberish. This isn’t a microphone test so much as an attempt to get Discord to play back your voice.

The issue has been fixed if you can hear your voice. Try connecting to a voice channel at random to see if other users can hear you.

If you’re still having trouble, try switching between “Voice Activity” and “Push to Talk” in the “Input Mode” box below to see if that makes a difference.

Fix 5: Discord Settings – Advanced

The “Audio Subsystem” setting can be found in the “Voice & Video” preferences’ “Advanced” submenu. Verify that “Standard” rather than “Experimental” is selected for the subsystem setting. To make a change to the subsystem, you must restart Discord. To proceed, just hit “Okay” when prompted.

The experimental branch is where new features and bug fixes for Discord’s internals are tried out. The lack of polish and optimization can lead to a wide range of issues.

Check out the “Quality of Service” area and turn off the “Ensure Quality of Service High Packet Priority” option beforehand. The feature can cause havoc with internet service providers and routers/modems, as stated in the description.

Fix 6: Windows Audio Settings

It’s possible that Windows’ handling of your audio hardware is at fault, rather than Discord itself. In a voice channel, the output (other people’s voices) are going to the wrong speaker or headset.

To adjust the volume, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar. After that, select “Open Sound Settings” (Windows 7) or “Playback Devices” (Windows 10) to access your audio settings.

When the “Sound” window appears, click the “Playback” tab at the top. Right-click on the required gadget after you’ve located it. To make it your primary device, click “Set as Default Device,” then repeat the process for your primary means of communication. When it is finished, a reassuring green check appears next to the default gadget.

If for some reason your device isn’t showing up in the “Playback” tab’s list, you can enable it by right-clicking the list and selecting “Show Disabled Devices” and “Show Disconnected Devices.”

When your hardware appears, select “Enable” from the context menu. Now, make sure the “Default Device” and “Default Communication Device” are both configured as described above.

Fix 7: Simple Checks

We figured these tips for newcomers to Discord would be useful, but please take them with a grain of salt.

First, make sure the person you’re hoping to hear from is healthy and talking, rather than sitting there silently out of shyness or an attempt at trolling. This is probably a friend you can reach via email, phone, in-person, carrier pigeon, etc.

Second, make sure the other person’s microphone volume is high enough for their voice to be picked up and transmitted by Discord.

Fix 8: Contact Discord

If you’ve tried everything and the issue still persists, try not to freak out. When it comes to providing fast and helpful customer service, Discord is head and shoulders above the competition.

You can send the results of your VoIP debugging to Discord so that they can look into it. You can find the company’s comprehensive instructions for doing so on this page.

Can't hear anyone on Discord? [3 Easy Solutions]

Best Discord Gaming Servers

All of the most popular games have official servers on Discord. Multiplayer games like Fortnite, Valorant, and Destiny 2 require players to actively seek out one another. By connecting to these servers, you can meet some solid opponents.

Trying to catalog every single gaming server on Discord would be an impossible task. For this reason, we have included some of the most well-known servers here. The entries in the Discord discovery tab may lead you to a server with a more dedicated gaming community.

  • Fortnite
  • The Official Impact of Genshin
  • Valorant
  • Elite Champions
  • Rainbow 6
  • Splitgate
  • Video Game Known as “League of Legends”
  • Grand Theft Auto Online
  • a game of rockets
  • Roblox
  • Self-Centered (Among Us)
  • LFG in Destiny 2
  • r/Pokemon
  • Level 100 Pokedex (Pokemon GO)

Best Discord Entertainment Servers

Anime Soul

If you’re a fan of manga or anime, Anime Soul Discord is the place to be. Over half a million anime fans can be found in the Discord and Steam communities. This is the best neighborhood for hosting marathons of your favorite anime series in the wee hours of the morning.

Paradise Isle

The Paradise Isle is widely recognized as one of the best casual servers available. However, video games, anime, art, music, and karaoke take up the bulk of the discussion. In addition, the server regularly holds contests with prizes.

Memeology

If you want to find some truly hilarious memes, the Memeology discord server is where you need to be. Memeology is one of the largest entertainment servers, with a community of more than 400,000 users. New and creative memes for your social media profiles can be found here.

Best Discord Music Servers

Lofi Girl

When it comes to non-official gaming servers on Discord, Lofi Girl is without a doubt among the most well-known. Making new friends and listening to soothing music are two of the main activities in this community. You can also find channels that focus on things other than music. There are over 600,000 active users in the community who you can talk to and interact with.

Karaoke Lounge

There’s no better place to hear live music than at Karaoke Lounge. You’ll feel right at home here if you’re a budding singer or just want to listen to some tunes. There’s a chance you’ll meet some people who share your passion for music.

Best Discord Education Servers

Study Together

The Study Together Discord server is a popular choice for those looking to further their education. You’ve found the right spot if you’re in search of a study group. There are many students from other countries here pursuing a variety of academic programs.

With such a large group of people, it shouldn’t be hard to connect with some fellow students who can provide support and feedback. A different server called “Study With Me” is also available.

English

Most people in the world aren’t native English speakers, but they would still like to become fluent in it. Students from all over the world can get help with their English language skills from native speakers on this server. Engage in lively debates and discussions with native English speakers about topics of interest.

Homework help

While Homework Help has a relatively small user base, its members are very engaged. This is the place to come if you’re ever having academic difficulties and could use some peer support. On this server, you can talk to people who know their stuff.

Since this server hosts specialized channels for many different topics, it is unlike any other online community. The Homework Helpers server is another option.

Best Discord Tech Servers

Python

There are many Python-specific Discord servers for programmers to join. This group is great for people who are just starting out in the world of computer programming. Here you can talk shop with other programmers about anything and everything related to coding: software design, careers in the field, game development, security, etc.

Virtual Reality

If you’re a fan of virtual reality, you’ll feel right at home on the VR server. This server was designed with both VR enthusiasts and creators in mind. You will be the first to know about groundbreaking virtual reality developments. Users can also participate in free beta tests of numerous forthcoming VR titles.

Conclusion

Currently, these are the top-tier Discord channels to join. Disboard and Disforge are good places to look if you need to find something in particular. If you’re using a PC version of Discord, you can also check out the featured servers for each category by clicking the Explore tab.