The sound during calls is bad

Topics covered in this article

• The sound during calls is bad - what can I do?
• When I'm in a call, the other party cannot hear me well - can it be fixed?
• How can the sound during calls be improved?

Valid for

• Android™ 10

Solution

If you experience that the sound quality is bad during calls, try these actions one after the other. Verify after trying each action whether the problem was solved before trying the next one.

• Check the network signal strength in the status bar to make sure your device is connected to a network. If the signal is weak or you have no signal, move to an open location that is free from obstructions, or get close to a window.
• Make sure your hand isn’t covering the phone microphone. If your Xperia® device uses a cover or a case, remove it to see if the sound quality improves. Check that there is no water or dust blocking the microphone or the area around the microphone.
• Restart the Xperia device.
• Make a call to another phone to confirm that there isn’t a problem with the ear speaker of the phone you were calling when the problem arose. If possible, make a call with a different SIM card, to make sure that your current SIM card isn’t defective or old.

If the above solutions don't work, try the following actions:

• Use the Xperia Tests feature in the Support app to run a microphone and ear speaker test.
• Downloaded applications may affect the performance of your device or cause it to behave unpredictably. Use safe mode to check whether a downloaded application is causing the problem. In safe mode, your device only starts with software and applications that were already installed when you purchased your device. If the device performance improves in safe mode, it’s likely that one or more downloaded applications are affecting the device negatively. If the problem is recent and you’re not sure which application is causing the problem, you can start by uninstalling the most recently downloaded application.
• Update the software on your device.
• Back up all important content to the SD card or to a computer, then perform a factory data reset.

To run a microphone and ear speaker test

1. Find and tap Support . If this is the first time you start Support, tap ACCEPT to accept the privacy policy.
2. On the Xperia Tests tab, scroll down and tap Microphone and speakers, then follow the on-screen instructions.

To enable Safe mode

1. While the device is powered on, press and hold down the power key.
2. In the pop-up menu, touch and hold Power off until the Reboot to safe mode message appears.
3. Tap OK to restart in Safe mode.

To check for new software wirelessly

1. If you are using a device with multiple users, make sure you are logged in as the owner.
2. Make sure your device is connected to the internet. It is recommended to use a Wi-Fi network instead of a mobile network to download new software so that you can avoid data traffic costs.
3. Find and tap Settings → System → Advanced → Software update → SYSTEM.
4. If a system update is available, tap UPDATE.
5. When the update is installed, tap RESTART.

Tip: To refresh the Software update screen, tap the menu button (three vertical dots), then tap Refresh.

To perform a factory data reset

1. Find and tap Settings → System → Advanced → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset) → Delete all data.
2. If required, draw your screen unlock pattern or enter your screen unlock password or PIN to continue.
3. Tap Delete all data.