Discord Can't Hear Anyone — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

If you can see people talking in Discord but can't hear them, your audio output is likely wrong. Discord may be sending sound to the wrong device — like an unplugged headset. Checking your output device in Discord settings usually fixes it instantly.

Affected Models

Discord on Windows
Discord on Mac
Discord on Android
Discord on iPhone

Common Causes

The wrong audio output device is selected in Discord's Voice & Video settings
You or a server admin has enabled server deaf or self-deaf mode
The Discord audio subsystem has a glitch and needs to be reset
The output volume slider inside Discord is set to 0%
Windows is routing audio to the wrong output device

How to Fix It

Open Discord User Settings (gear icon) > Voice & Video > Output Device. Select your headset or speakers from the list.

Discord defaults to 'Default' but Windows might have changed the default device. Picking your device manually fixes this.
Look at the bottom-left of Discord near your username. If there's a headphone icon with a line through it, you're deafened — click it to undeafen.

It's easy to accidentally click deafen. When deafened, you can't hear anyone and they can't hear you either.
In User Settings > Voice & Video, scroll down and set the Output Volume slider to 100%.

This slider is separate from your computer's volume. It can be at 0% even when your system volume is loud.
In User Settings > Voice & Video, scroll to Audio Subsystem and switch it to a different option (Standard or Legacy), then click Okay.

The audio subsystem handles how Discord processes sound. Switching it resets the audio pipeline and often fixes mystery audio issues.
Right-click the speaker icon in the Windows taskbar > Open Sound Settings. Make sure your headset or speakers are set as the Output device.

If Windows is sending audio to a different device (like an HDMI monitor), Discord audio will go there too — even if it sounds like Discord should know better.

When to Call a Professional

This is an audio settings issue — no technician needed. All fixes can be done in Discord or your computer's sound settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can people hear me but I can't hear them?

Your microphone works fine, but your output device is wrong. Go to Discord Settings > Voice & Video > Output Device and pick your headset.

What does server deafened mean?

A server admin can deafen you, which mutes all audio in that server. You'll see a headphone icon with a strikethrough next to your name.

Does restarting Discord fix audio problems?

Often, yes. Restarting clears the audio pipeline and reconnects to voice servers. If that doesn't work, try switching the audio subsystem in Voice & Video settings.