Headphones and microphones are fairly delicate devices, and they can stop working properly if not cared for well. The most common cause of audio cutting out is wear and tear on internal wiring or components after regular use over time.
That said, there are several other reasons your sound might cut out, often tied to your specific device or audio settings. This guide covers the most common causes and how to troubleshoot them, whether the issue is with your mic, speakers, or Discord audio specifically.
Why Does My Sound Keep Cutting Out?
The most common reason headphones or microphones stop working reliably is wear and tear on internal wiring or components from regular use.
Beyond that, the cause often comes down to your specific device or audio settings, such as whether you’re using an Android phone or iPhone, whether you’re plugged into a laptop, or whether the connection is going into the correct audio channel.
How to Fix Sound That Keeps Cutting Out
If you’re running into this issue, here are a few things worth trying.
Check your cables for any visible signs of damage or wear. Also make sure your device isn’t sitting too close to other electronics that could be causing interference.
Try adjusting your audio settings. If none of these fixes work, it may be time to consider replacing your microphone or headset.
Try a different device entirely. If you’re plugging into a laptop, double-check that you’re connected to the correct audio channel.
Check the physical placement of your device. If you’re using a phone or tablet, make sure your hand or another object isn’t blocking the microphone.
Check for volume controls on your device. Sometimes the simplest explanation is that the mic volume just isn’t turned up enough.
These are general troubleshooting steps that often resolve the issue. If you’re still having trouble after trying all of them, it may be worth getting help from a professional.
How to Fix Your Mic
If your mic isn’t working properly, start with the basics. Confirm the mic is actually turned on, and if you’re using a laptop, make sure it isn’t covered by your hand or another object.
Check the volume levels for your mic and make sure they’re turned up fully. If you’re on a phone or tablet, again confirm nothing is blocking the microphone.
Look for any additional volume controls on your specific device and make sure the mic input is turned all the way up.
How to Fix Discord Audio Cutting Out
If you’re specifically running into audio issues on Discord, try the following:
Make sure you’re running the latest version of Discord. Check your audio settings to confirm the correct input and output devices are selected.
If you’re using a laptop, make sure your mic isn’t covered by your hand or anything else. Check for any volume controls on your device and make sure your mic is turned up fully.
If none of these fixes solve the problem, it may be time to consider a new headset. These are general troubleshooting steps, and if issues persist, getting help from a professional is a reasonable next step. For more on Discord-specific audio setups, our guide on how to use Soundpad on Discord covers related troubleshooting.
Checking Your Speakers for Cutting Out
The most common reason speakers stop working reliably is the same as with headphones and mics: wear and tear on wiring or internal components over time.
Other causes can include the type of device you’re using, whether you’re plugged into a laptop, and whether you’re connected to the correct audio channel.
How to Fix Speakers That Keep Cutting Out
Confirm your speakers are powered on and that the correct audio input is selected. Check your cables for any visible signs of damage or wear.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be time to consider replacing your speakers.
FAQ
Why does my speaker keep cutting out?
There can be several causes, but the most common is wear and tear on the speaker’s internal wiring or components over time.
Why does my mic randomly stop working?
This is often tied to a problem with your specific device or audio settings, rather than the mic itself failing outright.
Why does my Discord audio keep cutting out?
This usually comes down to a device or audio settings issue. If the problem continues after trying the troubleshooting steps above, it may be worth seeking professional help.
Why does my audio cut out when I talk?
Missing, corrupted, or outdated drivers can cause issues like this, including on platforms like Discord. Less commonly, the peripheral itself, like a damaged headset or microphone, may be the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Audio cutouts usually trace back to a device or settings issue rather than a deeper hardware failure, though wear and tear over time is also a common factor. If you’re still running into problems after working through these troubleshooting steps, getting help from a professional is a reasonable next move.
For more on related audio setups and fixes, see our guides on how to use a headphone mic on PC, what does phantom power do, how to use a USB microphone on Xbox One, and how to use a Bluetooth karaoke microphone.
