Note: If you are from Pakistan specifically and are facing this issue, then it might not be from Riot’s end, as one user Zeshan Ramzan reached out to Riot Support and tried to inform them about the issue. In return, this is the statement he received from Riot’s official Support: The reply is in Turkish, which roughly translates to: Now, this reply is mostly specific to Pakistan’s audience, but if you are from a similar country where Internet infrastructure isn’t optimal for playing competitive online games, then it might also cater to your situation as well. Please ensure that your telecommunication authority or any other Internet-related regulatory authority has allowed proper access to video game servers. You can also try to change your DNS server to either Google or Cloudflare, which in many cases helps the overall Internet access and stable connectivity. We have discussed this thoroughly below.
1. Valorant In-Game Settings
The first thing to troubleshoot is to check if your Valorant in-game settings are configured properly, as often, it is the most common cause behind the voice bug. Make sure that you have in-game Valorant settings configured optimally and have selected the right Input/Output devices by following the steps below:
2. Check Windows Input/Output Device Settings
After you have checked and configured the Valorant’s in-game audio settings, it is highly recommended that you also check the Windows Audio settings. This is, in many cases, quite easy to miss as Windows Audio Input/Output devices don’t change randomly out of the blue. Sometimes a third-party application can change the Windows Input and Output device settings, which can lead to this issue. To check it, follow the instructions below:
3. Power Cycle Your Router
On most old routers, it is recommended that you power cycle your router at least once a day as they become inefficient if they keep them on for several days, preventing them from working efficiently. To power cycle your router, you can simply turn your Wi-Fi router off for roughly 20 seconds, then turn it back on. Many Valorant players have also reported that restarting the Rebooting of the router has helped their game to become lag-free and stable.
4. Perform A Clean Boot
If you still have network-related errors or voice bugs in Valorant, try to perform a clean boot of your PC as it clears the Random Access Memory (RAM) and removes unnecessary third-party applications from running, which helps the game to perform better and without any glitches overall.
5. Change Windows Compatibility Settings
Windows Compatibility settings can oftentimes fix this issue as Valorant requires some special system permissions from the System Administrator to execute its functions properly, including the in-game voice game. It is recommended that you run Programs and Games that require special permissions to execute properly via Administrator privileges so they aren’t limited by limited system permissions and can function to their full capacity. Follow the steps below to do so:
6. Update Audio And Network Drivers
Having Outdated Audio And Network Drivers can also be the main culprits behind this issue, as Valorant requires updated Audio And Network Drivers to execute its functions accurately. It’s always a good idea to update all your drivers to the latest versions provided by your system manufacturer (for laptops) or Motherboard manufacturer (for Desktop PCs). Below we have added the steps to update your Audio and Network Drivers via Windows Device Manager, but it is always recommended to update your drivers via your respective device manufacturer as they are more compatible.
7. Update Windows Operating System
Not having the latest stable build of Windows Operating System running on your Laptop or Desktop PC can have a lot of negative impacts and can cause many issues in and outside the game. To have an error-free experience, it is recommended that you always keep your Windows updated to its latest stable build.
8. Add Windows Security/Defender Exception
Most of the time, Windows Security/Defender also flags either Valorant or Vanguard as potentially harmful programs, affecting the Game’s functionality and creating multiple errors and glitches. It is always a good idea to Add the Games and Programs from trusted sources to Windows Security/Defender exception list, so it doesn’t limit their functionality in any way possible.
The default location of them are as follows:
Valorant: C:\Riot Games\VALORANT
Vanguard Anti-Cheat: C:\Program Files\Riot Vanguard
9. Turn Off Any VPN
If you are using Windows built-in or any third-party VPN while trying to play Valorant, you are prone to many glitches and errors, including not being able to hear anyone in Valorant via in-game voice chat. Valorant, by default, doesn’t allow you to play the game while using any VPN as it interferes with the Valorant’s Vanguard Anti-cheat and often connects you to different regions and servers, creating many other network-related issues. Many users reported that while using a VPN, they couldn’t use the in-game voice chat to communicate, so it is recommended to turn off any VPN while playing Valorant.
10. Disable Windows Auto Proxy Settings
If properly configured, Proxy servers often help to increase network stability, speed, and overall security. But often, some malicious program or application can misconfigure it, which often decreases network speed, not being able to load webpages fully, or even temporary disconnection of your whole network. While playing multiplayer games, it is recommended to turn off this setting completely to maximize the compatibility and stability of the network.
11. Allow Access Via Windows Firewall
Usually, the games and applications you install on your PC will have unrestricted access over the internet, which in some rare cases can be a privacy risk as well. So, as a precaution, sometimes Windows blocks unverified applications from having full access to the internet to keep your PC safe. It is a good practice but can hurt your online game performance and stability as it sometimes blocks fundamental components of Valorant and other games from freely communicating over its game servers. So, as a solution, it is quite a general consensus to allow your Valorant and Vanguard to allow complete access over the internet so it can function as it’s supposed to.
12. Change Default Network DNS Server
Changing your Network DNS Server from default to a Google or Cloudflare can significantly impact the accessibility and stability of daily Internet usage and gaming. Windows automatically sets your default Network DNS server depending on many factors like your location, Internet Service Provider (ISP) etc. The default DNS works fine in many cases, but it is still recommended to change your DNS to a stable and better one, which will enhance your Internet Stability, Speed, and Accessibility. Follow the steps below to do so:
13. Reinstall Valorant And Vanguard
If all else fails to solve this issue for you, you can try to uninstall the game completely and install a fresh copy of Valorant. In many scenarios, it can solve the issue as if it fixes the issue by installing the fresh files that were either corrupted or accidentally removed from Valorant and Vanguard.
To Uninstall Vanguard Anti-Cheat
To Uninstall Valorant:
We have compiled a list of solutions that are sure to fix any Network and Audio related issues you might be facing. If even after performing all the steps, your issue doesn’t resolve then it might be a good idea to consult a professional and have him/her diagnose your PC completely.
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