Listen to an audio on WhatsApp can go from being something quick and simple to becoming a frustrating experience if it stops for no apparent reason. Thousands of WhatsApp users report that audios stop by themselves when holding the phone to your ear, which may seem like a technical failure, but there is a logical explanation.
This article will explain to you why this happens, how can you fix it easily And what other precautions you can take to prevent it from happening again. Don't worry, you're not alone, and it can be resolved without having to call a technician. It's also important to know what to do if I can't hear WhatsApp audio through the internal speaker.
WhatsApp audios stop automatically: why
One of the most common reasons is in the hardware of the phone itself, specifically in a small component called proximity sensorThis sensor is designed to detect when you bring the phone up to your ear and turn off the screen to prevent accidental touches.
WhatsApp relies on this sensor to determine which audio output to use: if it detects proximity, it switches the sound from the external speaker to the internal one (the one you use during a phone call). The problem arises when this detection fails or is performed incorrectly, causing the audio pauses automatically.
This behavior isn't a "bug" per se, but rather a privacy feature that prevents others from hearing your messages if you're listening to them with your phone pressed against your face. If your phone mistakenly thinks it's near your ear, it turns off the screen and mutes the sound as a preventative measure.
Most common causes of this problem
There are several situations that can cause the proximity sensor to malfunction or return incorrect results. These are the most common:
- Mobile phone case incorrectly placed: Some cases or covers partially cover the sensor, causing it to activate falsely.
- Screen protector incorrectly installed: If the tempered glass covers the sensors, the phone may interpret this as constant proximity.
- Dirt on the top of the screen: Dust, grease or debris in the sensor area may affect its operation.
- Position of the fingers when holding the mobile phone: By placing your hand on the top of the screen, you may accidentally block the sensor.
- Calibration errors: Over time or with some updates, the sensor may stop calibrating accurately.
It can also occur due to connectivity issues, especially if the audio hasn't fully downloaded. In these cases, the message will pause mid-stream or not even play at all. If you'd like to learn more about what can cause audios to pause, you can check out this post about why WhatsApp audios pause and how to fix it.
How to check if the proximity sensor is working properly
A simple way to verify the operation of the sensor is make a call from your mobile phone and see if the screen turns off automatically when you hold it to your ear. If this happens, the sensor is active. If not, it may be faulty or blocked by an accessory.
Another option is to play a WhatsApp audio message by holding the phone to your ear: if it plays through the top earpiece, the sensor is working correctly. But if the message stops playing, something is probably interfering.
Practical solutions to prevent audio from stopping
There are several ways you can resolve this error yourself without any technical knowledge. Here are the most effective ones:
1. Clean the sensor area well
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth at the top of the phone's front, where the sensor is usually located. Sometimes just removing dirt improves accuracy.
2. Remove the case or screen protector (temporarily)
To check if any of these elements are interfering, take them away for a moment And try listening to audios with WhatsApp. If they no longer stop, you'll need to find a case or glass that doesn't obstruct the sensor.
3. Use the speaker or headphones
Instead of putting your phone to your ear, You can tap and hold the audio to play it through the speaker. (hands-free mode). You can also connect wired or Bluetooth headphones, which prevents the proximity sensor from interfering. This will be useful if you want to transcribe WhatsApp audio on Android.
4. Check for updates
Make sure you have both WhatsApp as the updated mobile operating system. Many times, these errors are due to bugs that are fixed with new versions.
5. Restart the app or your device
Sometimes, closing WhatsApp completely and reopening it resolves the issue. If not, restart the mobile so that the sensor is also reset.
6. Calibrate or reset the proximity sensor
Some models allow access recovery mode and from there select the sensor calibration option, as explained by Ensedeciencia. Another alternative is use apps like “Reset Proximity Sensor” available on Google Play, which guide you through the process step by step.
Other possible causes that you should also consider
Aside from the sensor, there are other factors that can cause interruptions in audio playback on WhatsApp:
- Problems with mobile hardware: If the terminal has been dropped or damaged, it may have affected the speakers or sensor.
- Infection by virus or suspicious appsA recently installed app may be interfering with WhatsApp's normal operation. Check and remove any unknown apps.
- Weak Internet Connection: If Wi-Fi or mobile data fails during audio download, it may stop without warning.
- Active Bluetooth devicesIf you have paired headphones, sound may be sent to them even if you're not wearing them. Turn off Bluetooth if you're not using them.
- WhatsApp in the backgroundIf you switch apps or lock your screen, the audio may stop due to lack of priority. Try to keep the conversation open while recording.
As you can see, This problem does not always have a single origin. Sometimes WhatsApp audios stop on their own because two or more factors combine to cause the sensor to misbehave and stop the audios. Most of these errors They are reversible and have a short-term solution.
Spending a few minutes identifying what might be affecting performance can save you a lot of trouble. And if all else fails, you can always contact technical support or restore your device as a last resort (make sure you back up your device).
