Hik-Connect Microphone Not Working? Audio Fixes

Can't Hear Anything? Your Guide to Fixing Hik-Connect Microphone Issues

Hikvision cameras are renowned for their high-quality video, but audio is a crucial part of security monitoring. Whether you're trying to listen in on a live feed, communicate via two-way talk, or review recorded footage with sound, a non-working microphone can be a major problem. If you're using the Hik-Connect app and getting silent treatment from your camera, you've come to the right place.

This guide will walk you through the common causes of microphone and audio problems with Hikvision cameras and the Hik-Connect app, helping you restore sound to your security system.

Diagnosing the Silence: Common Audio Symptoms

First, let's identify the specific audio issue you're facing. Understanding the symptom will help you narrow down the potential causes.

Common microphone and audio problems include:

• No sound on live view: You can see the live video stream in the Hik-Connect app, but there is absolutely no audio.
• Missing microphone icon: The microphone or speaker icon that should appear on the live view screen is either missing or greyed out, preventing you from listening or speaking.
• Silent recordings: You play back recorded footage, and while the video is fine, there is no accompanying audio track.
• Failed two-way talk: You can hear audio from the camera, but when you try to speak through your phone, your voice isn't transmitted.
• Poor audio quality: The sound you hear is heavily distorted, muffled, full of static, or has a very low volume.
• App vs. NVR discrepancy: You can hear audio when directly connected to the NVR/DVR with a monitor and speakers, but not through the Hik-Connect mobile app.

Essential Troubleshooting for Hik-Connect Audio

Let's begin with the most common configuration errors that lead to audio problems. These steps are performed via the camera's web interface, which you access by typing its IP address into a web browser.

1. Enable Audio in Camera Settings

For security and privacy reasons, audio is often disabled by default. You need to manually enable it.

1. Log in to your Hikvision camera's web interface.
2. Navigate to Configuration > Video & Audio.
3. On the Video tab, find the "Stream Type" you are using (Main Stream or Sub-Stream).
4. Crucially, change the "Video Type" dropdown from "Video" to "Video&Audio".
5. Now, go to the Audio tab.
6. Ensure that "Enable Audio" is checked.
7. Select the correct Audio Input (this will usually be "MicIn" for built-in microphones).
8. Adjust the Input Volume slider to an appropriate level (start with 70-80).
9. Click Save.

2. Enable Audio Recording

Just because audio is enabled for the live stream doesn't mean it's being recorded. This is a separate setting.

1. In the web interface, navigate to Configuration > Storage > Schedule Settings.
2. Select the Record Schedule tab.
3. Click on Advanced.
4. A pop-up window will appear. Make sure the "Record Audio" checkbox is ticked.
5. Click OK and then Save. This ensures that all future recordings will include the audio track.

3. Check App Permissions and Settings

The problem might be with your mobile device, not the camera.

• App Permissions: Go to your phone's settings, find the Hik-Connect app, and ensure it has permission to access your microphone.
• In-App Audio: During live view in the Hik-Connect app, tap the speaker icon on the screen. If it has a line through it, the audio is muted on your end. Tapping it should enable the sound.

Advanced Audio Fixes

If the fundamental settings are correct, the issue might be more complex.

Verify Hardware and Compatibility

• Does your camera have a microphone? Don't assume all models do. Check the spec sheet for your specific camera model number (e.g., DS-2CD2347G2-LU) to confirm it has a built-in microphone or audio inputs. It will be listed as "-U" or have "built-in mic" in the description.
• External Microphones: If you are using an external microphone, ensure it is compatible, powered correctly, and securely connected to the camera's audio input terminals.

Sub-Stream Configuration

The Hik-Connect app often uses the "Sub-Stream" for smoother mobile viewing. You must ensure audio is enabled on this stream specifically, as shown in Step 1. If the Main Stream is set to "Video&Audio" but the Sub-Stream is just "Video," you won't hear anything on your phone.

By methodically checking these settings from the camera's core configuration to the app on your phone, you can solve the vast majority of audio-related issues and once again hear what's happening.