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Why Is My Call Quality Poor or Unstable?

Understand why calls may sound poor, drop, echo, or lag, and learn how to fix common audio, network, and data-saving issues.

Updated yesterday

Call quality issues can be frustrating, but not all call problems mean the same thing.
Understanding what type of issue you’re experiencing helps us determine what you can fix yourself and when escalation is needed.

First: Dropped Calls vs. Bad Quality Calls (Very Important)

Not all call problems are the same. Understanding whether you are experiencing a Dropped Call or a Bad Quality Call is important because each has different causes and is handled differently.

Key differences at a glance

Issue type

What happens

Typical signs

Most common causes

❌ Dropped Call

The call ends suddenly

Call disconnects without you pressing “End”

Unstable internet, network handover, routing issues, recipient losing signal

🔊 Bad Quality Call

Call stays connected, but audio is poor

Choppy sound, delay, echo, robotic voice, one-way audio

Weak connection, device audio settings, Data Saver mode, background apps

What falls under Dropped Calls

  • Call disconnects mid-conversation

  • Call drops while trying to connect

  • Call ends when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data

  • Call disconnects when moving between locations (e.g. elevators, tunnels)

💡 Dropped calls are often linked to connectivity or routing issues and may require supplier investigation if they happen repeatedly.

What falls under Bad Quality Calls

  • Call connects, but the sound cuts in and out

  • Long delay between speaking and hearing

  • Echo (hearing your own voice)

  • Robotic or distorted audio

  • One-way audio (only one person can hear)

💡 Bad quality calls are usually caused by local device, audio settings, or network conditions, not call routing.

Why this difference matters

  • Dropped calls → more likely related to network stability or routing

  • Bad quality calls → usually fixable on the device or network level

  • Correct classification helps:

    • Fix issues faster

    • Avoid unnecessary escalations

    • Identify real routing problems when they exist


❌ Dropped Calls (Easy to Identify)

A dropped call means the call ends suddenly without you pressing the end button.

What this looks like

  • Call disconnects mid-conversation

  • Call drops while ringing or connecting

  • Call ends when switching networks (Wi-Fi ↔ mobile data)

  • Call drops when moving between locations (elevators, tunnels, travel)

Most common causes

  • Unstable internet connection

  • Network handover issues

  • Recipient losing signal

  • Temporary routing problems

Dropped calls are more likely to be network or routing related and may require supplier investigation if they happen repeatedly across multiple networks.


🔊 Bad Quality Calls (Call Connects, but Audio Is Poor)

A bad quality call means the call stays connected, but the sound is unclear, delayed, or missing.

Bad quality calls usually fall into one of the categories below.

Neither You Nor the Recipient Can Hear Each Other

If both sides are silent, this is usually not a routing issue.

Why this happens

  • The microphone or speaker is not working

  • App permissions not granted

  • Headset or Bluetooth issues

  • Another app using the microphone

  • Data Saver / Low Data Mode enabled

What you can try

  • Disconnect any wired or Bluetooth headset

  • Use your phone’s built-in speaker and microphone

  • Check microphone permissions in phone settings

  • Record a voice memo to test the microphone

  • Close background apps using audio

  • Restart your phone

You Hear a Delay During a Call

A delay means you hear the other person a few seconds after they speak.

Why this happens

  • Slow or unstable internet connection

  • High network latency

  • Recipient’s weak network

  • Calls are routed through traditional telecom networks

What you can try

  • Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data

  • Restart your router or move closer to it

  • Call a different number to compare

  • Retry at a different time of day

Echo During a Call

Echo happens when sound from a speaker is picked up by a microphone.

Why this happens

  • Speakerphone volume is too high

  • Headset or microphone feedback

  • Audio delay on weak networks

What you can try

  • Lower speaker volume

  • Avoid speakerphone

  • Use a headset

  • Ask the other person to do the same

  • Test with another contact

If ethe cho happens only with one specific person, the issue is usually on their side.

Data Saver / Low Data Mode (Very Common Cause)

Data Saver (Android) or Low Data Mode (iOS) limits background data and often causes:

  • No audio

  • One-way audio

  • Choppy sound

  • Delays

  • Dropped calls

This is one of the most common causes of bad call quality.

Android – What to check

  • Settings → Network & Internet → Data Saver → Turn Off

  • Or allow Unrestricted data access for Talk360

  • Ensure Background data is enabled

iOS – What to check

  • Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Low Data Mode → Off

  • Settings → Wi-Fi → ℹ️ → Low Data Mode → Off

  • Background App Refresh → On

  • Cellular Data → On

Menu names may vary slightly depending on the latest Android or iOS version.

Why Bad Quality Calls Usually Don’t Need Escalation

Most bad quality issues are caused by:

  • Device settings

  • Audio permissions

  • Network quality

  • Data-saving features

These issues are usually fixable without supplier involvement.


Why This Difference Matters (Support & Routing)

Not all call issues have the same cause, and identifying the right type of problem helps us resolve it faster.

How different issues are handled

  • Dropped calls
    These may point to network stability or call routing issues and can require investigation with our telecom suppliers if they happen repeatedly.

  • Bad quality calls
    These are usually caused by device settings, audio configuration, or internet quality and can often be fixed without escalation.

  • One-way or no audio
    Most often linked to microphone permissions, headset issues, or Data Saver / Low Data Mode on the device.

  • Delay or echo
    Typically caused by network latency, speakerphone use, or audio setup, not call routing.

Why does identifying the difference helps

Knowing what kind of issue you’re experiencing allows us to:

  • Fix problems more quickly

  • Avoid unnecessary escalations to suppliers

  • Identify genuine routing issues when they exist

This ensures the right issue is handled in the right way, every time.

💬 Still Need Help? (Before We Escalate)

If your call issues continue after testing multiple networks and different recipients, our Support team can investigate further.

To help us resolve your issue faster, please contact Support via the app and include the details below.

What to share with Support

  • Type of issue

    • Are calls dropping, or is the call connected but poor quality?

  • Network used

    • Wi-Fi or mobile data

  • Data Saver / Low Data Mode

    • Whether it was enabled or disabled

  • Scope of the issue

    • Does it happen with all numbers or only one specific contact?

Providing this information helps us:

  • Quickly identify whether the issue is device, network, or routing related

  • Avoid unnecessary delays or back-and-forth

  • Escalate to our telecom suppliers only when truly needed

We’re happy to help and will guide you through the next steps 😊

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