Troubleshooting call audio static and other audio interference

Is the person you're talking to is having a hard time hearing you or you're having a hard time hearing them due to audio interference, background noise, or call static?

We put together this guide to help diagnose and resolve any call static issues.

Typically, call volume issues are caused by the hardware positioning, placement, or volume levels. However, it is possible the call static issues are a connection issue. Here are some possible solutions for call static issues:

Hardware/device

  • Disable speakerphone functionality and talk directly into the handset

  • Try using a headset or a separate microphone

  • Adjust the placement of the device

  • Try using a different computer or mobile device

Jitter

If the above steps don't work, it's possible that your call static issue is due to your connection. Jitter indicates a connection issue occurred on the call. Jitter affects your call's packets of audio data transmitted to and from. This can result in packet loss and, subsequently, audio interference and static-y calls. Thankfully, there are a few steps that may alleviate these issues.

Your internet connection

While your internet connection may have lightning-fast speeds most of the time, if your speeds are temporarily throttled, you may experience call quality issues. Here are some steps that may resolve jitter:

  • If you're using WiFi, reset your router

  • Switch to a different internet source (e.g. WiFi to data or vice versa)

Your device

While the strength of the internet is the most likely culprit, it's also possible that the issue is due to the device itself. Here are a few things you can do on your device to help improve your call quality:

  • If you're running any CPU intensive programs in the background, try closing those programs

  • Try switching between mobile and desktop (e.g. you may find that your laptop works better with a weaker internet connection than your mobile)

  • Try completely powering down then restarting your device

While these steps typically solve the problem, if they do not, then we'll need to dig into them a little more.


If this issue is only occurring with one contact, it's likely that the issue is coming from their end.

For all other issues, submit a request here with the following information and we can look into those calls:

  • Your OpenPhone phone number

  • 3 numbers you were on a call with where this issue occurred

  • Approximate date and time of call

  • What OpenPhone app you were using (i.e. iOS, Android, Mac, desktop)

  • What device did you use?

  • Did the call static occur the entire time or only some of the time?