Symptoms
- Caller reports hearing themselves with a delay
- Echo happens specifically when you're on speakerphone
- Echo stops when you switch to holding the phone to your ear
- Multiple different callers report the same echo
Likely causes
- CommonSpeakerphone mic picking up the speaker outputSound from the speaker re-enters the mic and gets sent back to the caller with a delay.
- CommonBluetooth car system or speaker with echo cancellation issuesSome car Bluetooth systems have poor echo cancellation, especially in larger cabins.
- PossibleRoom acoustics amplifying the effectHard-surfaced rooms bounce sound back into the mic more than soft, furnished ones.
- PossibleThird-party calling app issueSome VoIP or messaging apps have weaker echo cancellation than the native phone app.
- Less commonDamaged mic causing constant feedbackA faulty mic can create echo-like feedback even without speakerphone.
What to do
- Switch off speakerphone and hold the phone to your ear or use headphones instead.
- If in a car, lower the Bluetooth speaker volume, which often reduces echo picked up by the mic.
- Move to a room with soft furnishings like carpet and curtains if using speakerphone is necessary.
- Switch calling apps, like using the native Phone app instead of a VoIP app, to compare.
- Restart the phone to reset the audio session.
- Update the car's infotainment software or the calling app if updates are available.
- Ask if this happens with every caller or just this one, which can point to their phone instead.
- If echo happens across every call and app even off speakerphone, have the mic checked professionally.
When to call a pro
If callers consistently hear an echo of themselves even off speakerphone, have the microphone checked for a hardware issue.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.