Samsung Camera Audio Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
The ability to hear what's happening and speak through your camera are key features of your Samsung home security. When you suddenly have no sound, or the two-way talk feature fails, it can be a major concern. Typically, these audio issues are not due to a hardware fault but are caused by simple settings or permissions on your smartphone or within the SmartThings app.
This guide will walk you through the necessary checks to diagnose and resolve audio problems with your Samsung camera.
## 1. Check App Permissions on Your Smartphone
This is the number one reason for audio issues. For you to hear audio from the camera and for others to hear you, the SmartThings app needs permission to use your phone's microphone and speaker.
- For Android Users: Go to Settings > Apps > SmartThings > Permissions. Look for "Microphone" and ensure it is set to "Allow".
- For iOS Users (iPhone/iPad): Go to Settings > SmartThings. Make sure the toggle switch next to "Microphone" is turned on (green).
After checking these permissions, close and reopen the SmartThings app and test the audio again.
## 2. Verify Your Phone's Volume and Sound Settings
It's easy to overlook the simple things. Let's make sure your phone is set up correctly to play the audio.
- Check Media Volume: While viewing the camera's live stream, press the volume-up button on your phone to ensure the media volume is not turned all the way down.
- Silent/Do Not Disturb Mode: Make sure your phone is not in silent or "Do Not Disturb" mode, which can interfere with app audio.
- Bluetooth Connection: If your phone is connected to a Bluetooth device (like headphones or a car stereo), the camera's audio might be playing there instead of your phone's speaker. Disconnect from any Bluetooth devices and try again.
## 3. Check the In-App Audio Controls
The SmartThings app has controls for the microphone and speaker that can be accidentally muted.
- Open Live View: Select your camera in the SmartThings app to view the live stream.
- Look for Audio Icons: On the screen, you should see icons for a microphone and a speaker. If either has a line through it, it is muted.
- Tap to Unmute: Tap the icon to unmute it. The microphone icon controls your voice going to the camera, and the speaker icon controls the sound coming from the camera to your phone.
## 4. Ensure the Camera's Microphone is Enabled
Some Samsung camera models have a setting that allows you to turn the microphone on or off directly.
- Go to Camera Settings: In the SmartThings app, navigate to your camera's device page and tap the menu (three dots) to find "Settings".
- Find the Audio Setting: Look for an option labelled "Microphone" or "Audio Recording". Ensure this setting is toggled to the "On" position.
## 5. Reboot Everything
If you've checked all the settings and are still having trouble, a simple reboot can often fix the problem by clearing out any software glitches.
- Restart Your Camera: Unplug the camera from its power source, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
- Restart Your Phone: Turn your smartphone completely off and then back on again.
- Restart Your Router: While less likely to cause a total audio failure, a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause audio to be choppy. Rebooting your router can help stabilise the connection.
By following these steps, you should be able to restore the audio functionality to your Samsung camera quickly and easily.