The main reasons why Instagram voice messages may not be heard include low or muted phone volume, poor or unstable internet connection, outdated Instagram app version, corrupted app cache, or temporary app glitches. Some specific causes are the phone's media volume settings being too low or muted, data saver mode restricting media loading, and the message sender unsending the voice message. Common troubleshooting steps are:
- Check the phone's volume and media volume specifically.
- Ensure a strong and stable internet connection (Wifi or mobile data).
- Restart the Instagram app or the device.
- Update Instagram to the latest version.
- Clear Instagram app cache (on Android via settings).
- Reinstall Instagram if problems persist.
- Disable any data saver options that may limit media loading.
- Confirm the voice message was not unsent by the sender.
There is currently a widespread bug affecting voice note playback on Instagram for many users on both iOS and Android, causing voice messages to not play at all. Temporarily, users can try the above steps, but the issue may be resolved only after an official Instagram update to fix the bug. If unable to hear voice messages on Instagram, following these troubleshooting steps usually resolves the problem unless it is due to the ongoing bug, in which case waiting for Instagram's fix is necessary.
