10 Fixes For Instagram Voice Message Not Playing or Working

Instagram released a voice messaging feature back in December 2018 which people loved a lot due to its high demand.

However, people began reporting issues with the voice messages feature not working. There is no need to worry 😀 if you’re also facing an issue regarding playing voice messages.

Several factors can cause this problem. Although it is difficult to provide an exact solution, there are several fixes you can try that will help you a lot.

In this guide, 10 possible solutions will be shared to fix the Instagram voice message not playing issue.

Note: Whether you’re using Android or iOS, you can follow this guide.

So, make sure you follow this guide all the way to the end to resolve the voice not playing issue.

10 Solutions To Fix Instagram Voice Messages Issue

Despite your best efforts, you haven’t succeeded. Isn’t it?

I will share with you 10 possible fixes for this problem. You should follow them one after another.

Now, let’s see possible solutions to why Instagram voice message isn’t playing:

1. Check If Instagram Server Is Down

In some cases, Instagram may be to blame for this issue. The Instagram server may be down, which is why you are experiencing this issue.

If so, it’s not just you, but all Instagram users are experiencing this issue as well. The Instagram app sometimes works well, but some features like Instagram DMs and voice messages don’t work properly.

Nevertheless, how can you determine if Instagram’s servers are down right now?

You can use any of the following platforms for this purpose:

1. Down Detector
2. Down For Everyone Or Just Me
3. Is It Down Right Now

By clicking any link, you will be directed to Instagram’s status, whether it is working or not:

If this is the problem then, you have to wait until Instagram resolves the server issue. There’s no other way.

Once the problem is fixed, you can enjoy the Instagram voice message feature again.

But!

Upon fixing the Instagram issue, if your Instagram voice message is still not working or playing, follow the next solutions.

2. Give Microphone Access To Instagram

In many cases, people don’t enable microphone access for Instagram. It is most likely that you are experiencing voice message problems because of this.

It won’t be possible for you to use the voice messages feature or record an Instagram story if you don’t allow Instagram to use your microphone.

Note: You can try a different microphone if your mobile microphone isn’t working.

Don’t worry, your microphone will only be used when necessary.

Enable Microphone on Android:

Follow the given steps to allow Instagram to use your android mobile microphone:

Navigate to Android Settings ⚙️

Then, Apps > find Instagram > tap Permissions:

Select Microphone 🎙️> tap Allow only while using the app:

You can also tap and hold the Instagram app icon and press App info to directly open Instagram settings.

Alternately:

You can go to Settings > Privacy 🔏> Permission Manager:

Choose Microphone > select Instagram from the list:

Then, select Allow only while using the app

Note: Depending on your device model or Android version, your settings may vary.

Now, launch the Instagram app again after closing it. You should be able, now, to send and play Instagram voice messages.

For iPhone:

For iPhone devices, follow the given steps to enable Microphone for Instagram:

Open Settings ⚙️

Scroll down and tap Instagram > Click on Enable the microphone settings

It’s done. Now, test it by sending a voice direct message to someone.

Try out the next solution if you’ve already enabled the microphone and your issue still persists.

3. Sign Out & Sign In Again

It can sometimes help to re-sign into your Instagram account in order to resolve this issue.

Alternatively, if you have another android device, try to log in with the same account. You will be able to identify whether the problem is with your device.

To logout of your Instagram app, tap on your profile > tap three horizontal lines (☰):

Then, Settings ⚙️> Scroll down to the end and tap Log out:

Now, again log in and check if the voice messages are playing or not.

4. Update Instagram App

You are missing out on many features if you don’t update your apps. The latest version of the apps should always be used.

The Instagram bug you’re experiencing might have been resolved, and you are still using the old version of the app.

If this is the case, you simply need to update the app to fix your issue. Alternatively, uninstall Instagram first, then reinstall it

For Android devices, go to the play store and update the Instagram app. For iPhone devices, navigate to the App store and update the Instagram app.

After that, try sending a test voice memo to someone to determine if the problem is fixed.

5. Clear Instagram Cache & Data

Instagram, like most apps, stores temporary files in order to speed up loading times and improve app performance.

It is possible for the stored cache to become old or corrupted, resulting in many features not working as expected.

Possibly this is why your Instagram Voice messages aren’t playing. If so, you just need to clear the cache of the Instagram app.

For this, tap and hold the Instagram icon and tap App info:

Then, select Storage usage > Clear cache:

If the problem still persists, try out clearing the data as well.

6. Disable Data Server Feature In Instagram App

To save your internet data, Instagram introduced a data saver feature. If you have turned on this feature, you may not be able to use all of Instagram’s features due to the limited data consumption.

Hence, you should try disabling this feature to see if voice messages work.

To disable the data saver feature, navigate to your profile > Hamburger icon (☰)

Go to Settings ⚙️> Account:

Then, Cellular data use 🌏> Disable Data Saver:

Now, check if Instagram voice messages are playing or not, and if not, jump to the next solution.

7. Check Network Issues

Your internet connection may be causing the problem, so it may be worth checking network-related issues.

With a fast internet connection, you’ll enjoy using Instagram’s features more. Check your internet connection by using any online service like Speedtest by Ookla.

You can also connect to your friend’s WiFi by sharing the internet.

Run a speed test and see if you have a stable internet connection. If not, switch to another Wi-Fi connection 📶 and see if the voice messages are working or not.

In case of a stable connection, turn on the airplane mode ✈, and then, turn it off. Check to see if the problem has been resolved at this point.

Moreover, you should try resetting your mobile network settings and see if the problem is resolved. To reset network settings, go to the Settings app and search for reset network:

Don’t forget to reboot your smartphone once you reset your network settings. Check if the problem persists after that by sending an Instagram direct audio message for testing purposes.

If you have a modem or router, you should also try rebooting it. Moreover, you can also try connecting to a higher GHz WiFi connection to see if the voice message plays.

8. Restart Your Smartphone

Have you tried restarting  🔃  your device? In this situation, it may prove to be an effective solution.

The background apps and processes on your mobile device will be terminated when you reboot your phone.

Moreover, it will improve the speed of your smartphone.

To restart your smartphone, press and hold power button and drag the slider toward Restart.

Alternately, turn the mobile off 📴 then on again. Do not turn off your phone for a long time as callers may think your phone is dead.

9. Try Instagram Web Or Instagram Lite App

This method should fix the problem if you are still unable to play or send voice messages after trying all the above solutions.

You need to switch to the Instagram Lite app. This is a lightweight version of Instagram, which contains all the essential features including voice messages.

Download this app from the Google Play Store and log in with the same account. Now, check if voice messages play or not.

Note: The Instagram lite app is not available for iPhone users

Alternatively, you can log in to your Instagram account to the Instagram web and play the voice messages.

Using this method, voice messages should now be played whenever you hear Instagram notifications about voice notes.

10. Contact With Instagram Support

Lastly, getting in touch with the Instagram Support team and explaining the situation is the ultimate solution.

Even after trying all of the solutions above, if you’re still unable to play voice messages on Instagram, then follow the given procedure to contact support:

Open your Instagram app and navigate to your profile.

Navigate to Settings > Help:

Select Report a Problem > Report a problem:

Note: If Instagram prompts you to shake a phone then, tap on Report problem without shaking

Here, explain your issue like “Instagram voice message not playing or working” or something like that.

Also, attach the screenshot as proof if you want.

After that, tap on Next > Send Report:

Now, you have to wait for their response. This will surely resolve your Instagram voice message glitch.

Types Of Instagram Voice Messages Error

You may encounter a number of different types of errors when sending or receiving audio messages.

Microphone issues are the most common because it does not work as expected. Let’s look at some of the common issues.

Users notice that no audio or sound is recorded when they play back or replay their voice messages after sending them to friends on Instagram.

If this is the case, it means you didn’t provide microphone access. Jump to solution #2 to resolve this issue.

Some users also reported that they were unable to listen to the incoming voice messages of their friends. In this case, either your mobile speaker is malfunctioning or your friend did not properly record the voice message.

Also, many users are unable to find the microphone 🎙️ icon. If so, simply update your Instagram app to the latest version. It’ll, hopefully, resolve your issue.

After following the solutions discussed above, the Instagram voice message feature will, hopefully, start recording your voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words:

The voice messaging feature is great, especially for lazy people who don’t want to type a single word but instead want their fingers to rest. They can easily record and send voice messages.

In spite of this, it becomes frustrating when Instagram voice messages don’t play or work. By following the above solutions, you should be able to resolve this problem.

It would be great if you could let the readers know in the comments which solution worked best for you. It’ll also help others to figure out their problem and they can also enjoy the voice messaging feature.

I hope you found this comprehensive guide helpful 😍 in this regard. If so, share it with others so that they can also get benefit from it.