Samsung Call Drops or One-Way Audio – UK Guide
Samsung Call Drops or One-Way Audio – UK Guide
Samsung users in the UK sometimes experience call drops or one-way audio, where one participant cannot hear the other. This issue often appears on EE, Vodafone, or O2 networks and can be intermittent, making troubleshooting tricky. Unlike hardware failure, these problems usually involve network conditions, VoLTE/VoWiFi handovers, or device settings that affect voice call stability.
Why Calls Drop or Produce One-Way Audio
The main causes include:
- Network handovers: Switching between 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi during a call can disrupt audio or cause the call to drop.
- Signal strength fluctuations: Indoor locations, especially older UK buildings, can reduce LTE reception, leading to one-way audio.
- VoLTE or VoWiFi configuration: Misaligned or outdated carrier settings can affect voice routing.
- Device software: Background optimisations, battery saving, or corrupted cache can interfere with call processing.
These factors often combine, creating unpredictable audio behaviour.
UK User Patterns Observed
AvNexo collected several repeatable patterns:
- EE users in Birmingham report one-way audio in older flats with thick walls
- Vodafone users in central London experience call drops when moving quickly between 5G and 4G coverage zones
- O2 users in Glasgow report temporary audio loss indoors, restored after switching Wi-Fi Calling on
While locations vary, the common thread is network transition and device prioritisation of resources.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Check Signal Strength
Ensure that LTE or 5G reception is stable during calls. Moving closer to a window or higher floor can improve audio temporarily.
2. Enable Wi-Fi Calling
Wi-Fi Calling reduces dropped calls in areas with weak mobile signals:
- Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Calling → Enable
- Test indoor calls to see if one-way audio or drops are resolved
3. Update Carrier Settings
Carrier updates optimise VoLTE and VoWiFi routing:
- Settings → About phone → wait for carrier update prompt
- Apply updates to ensure compatibility with EE, Vodafone, or O2 networks
4. Disable Battery Optimisation for Phone Apps
Battery-saving modes can throttle call audio:
- Settings → Apps → Phone → Battery → Unrestricted
- Also check any system-level optimisations under Settings → Device Care → Battery
5. Reset Network Settings
Refreshing network connections can resolve misrouted call audio:
- Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings
- Re-enter Wi-Fi credentials after reset
6. Test Audio Paths
Distinguish device audio issues from network issues:
- Use speakerphone during a call
- Try a wired or Bluetooth headset
- If audio improves with alternative output, the problem may be earpiece-specific
Environmental Considerations in the UK
Older buildings, thick walls, and dense urban environments contribute to call drops and one-way audio. LTE signal attenuation inside such structures can temporarily suspend VoLTE routing. Wi-Fi Calling often mitigates these problems, particularly in flats or industrial conversions common across UK cities.
When Device Updates Trigger Problems
Firmware updates sometimes reset VoLTE or VoWiFi preferences, or reapply battery optimisations. After updates, UK users may experience one-way audio or dropped calls until:
- Carrier settings are refreshed
- Wi-Fi Calling is re-enabled if used previously
- Battery optimisation for Phone apps is set to unrestricted
Additional Tips
- Keep iOS or Android/Samsung software updated
- Test calls in different indoor locations to isolate environmental causes
- Document patterns: if drops occur in specific areas, network coverage may be the main factor
Where AvNexo Helps
Many users assume call issues indicate hardware faults. AvNexo’s UK-based analysis shows that most one-way audio or call drops are network and software-related, not device failure. Following network refreshes, Wi-Fi Calling configuration, and battery optimisation adjustments usually resolves the issue without repair.
Summary
Samsung call drops and one-way audio on UK networks are often caused by signal fluctuations, VoLTE/VoWiFi handovers, or device optimisation settings. Fixes include checking signal strength, enabling Wi-Fi Calling, updating carrier settings, disabling battery restrictions, resetting network settings, and testing alternative audio outputs. Environmental and update-related factors can exacerbate the issue, but the majority of cases are resolved with these adjustments.
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