> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.limephone.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.limephone.io/troubleshooting/call-quality.md).

# Call quality

Fix choppy audio, delays, echo, static, one-way audio, volume problems, and dropped calls — grouped by what actually causes them, so you fix the cause instead of chasing symptoms.

## Which symptom points to which cause

| Symptom                    | Most likely cause                           |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Choppy or robotic audio    | Network (jitter)                            |
| Delayed audio              | Network (latency)                           |
| One-way / missing audio    | Network (packet loss) or device permissions |
| Dropped calls              | Network (jitter/instability)                |
| Echo                       | Hardware positioning / volume               |
| Static or background noise | Hardware                                    |
| Too loud / too quiet       | Hardware / volume                           |

## Network causes (jitter, latency, packet loss)

Jitter is instability in your connection: audio packets arrive late, out of order, or not at all. It produces choppy or robotic audio, delays, one-way audio, and dropped calls. Even a normally fast connection can be temporarily throttled.

1. **Reset your router** if you're on Wi-Fi — and prefer a wired connection when you can (see [Network & audio requirements](/troubleshooting/network-and-audio-requirements.md)).
2. **Switch internet sources** — Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa — to see whether the problem follows the network.
3. **Rule out VPNs, firewalls, and extensions** by disabling them temporarily.
4. **Enable QoS** on your router so voice traffic (DSCP 46) gets priority over downloads and streaming.

For **one-way audio** specifically, also check that your browser and OS have granted microphone access, and that the other party hasn't muted themselves or put the call on hold.

## Hardware causes (echo, static, volume)

1. **Skip speakerphone.** Talk directly into the handset or, better, use a headset — headsets eliminate most echo and background-noise problems and give consistent volume.
2. **Check positioning.** Make sure the microphone isn't covered or obstructed; move the device closer or further from the speaker to fix volume that's too quiet or too loud.
3. **Lower output volume** if the other party hears an echo — high speaker volume feeding back into the microphone is the classic echo cause.
4. **Verify device selection** in **Settings → Audio Settings** — the wrong microphone or speaker being selected causes static, low volume, and "no audio" reports.
5. **Try different hardware.** A different headset, or a different computer or mobile device, quickly tells you whether the issue is device-specific.

## Software causes

* **Close CPU-intensive programs** running in the background — a maxed-out CPU produces choppy audio and drops even on a perfect network.
* **Restart your browser** completely, not just the tab.
* **Restart the device** — a full power-down clears most temporary software faults.
* **Switch platforms** — try the Android app instead of the browser (or vice versa); one may handle a weak connection better than the other.

## If only one contact is affected

If every problem call involves the same contact, the fault is almost certainly on their end — their network, device, or carrier. Nothing on your side will fix it.

## What to send support

If the problem persists across multiple contacts, contact support (see [Contact support](/troubleshooting/contact-support.md)) with:

* Your LimePhone number.
* Three numbers you were on calls with when the issue occurred.
* The approximate date and time of those calls.
* Which app you were using (web browser or Android app) and on what device.
* Whether you were using a headset or speakerphone.
* Whether the problem lasted the whole call or came and went.

With these details we can pull the call records and diagnose the exact leg where quality degraded.