Most calling problems come down to the browser tab, notifications, the microphone or the network. Go through the checks below in order. Most people find the cause within the first few.
Start with a call check
The web app can check most of this for you. Open Settings, then Calling, and select Run a call check. It looks at your connection, microphone, speaker and notifications in one place, and tells you what to fix.
Incoming calls don’t ring
- Check that you’re signed in. Calls only ring on devices where you’re signed in to Talkwish.
- Keep the web app open. On the web, calls ring only while the web app is open in a browser tab. Closing the tab or the browser stops calls from ringing there.
- Allow notifications. Turn on browser notifications for Talkwish, so you hear calls when the tab is in the background. If you blocked them, change it in your browser’s site settings, the same way as for the microphone. To check, open Settings, then Notifications. If notifications aren’t on yet, select Turn on notifications. Once they’re allowed, Send a test shows you a sample alert.
- Turn off Do Not Disturb. Check that Do Not Disturb is off under Settings, then Calling. While it’s on, calls don’t ring any of your devices. Also check that your computer or phone isn’t in a focus or do not disturb mode of its own. See Silence calls with Do Not Disturb.
- Check call forwarding. Once you have a number at launch, calls to it go to another phone while call forwarding is on. You’ll find it under Settings, then Calling.
- Check the volume. Make sure your device isn’t muted and the right speaker is chosen under Settings, then Audio.
Using the Talkwish app for Windows or Mac? It rings even with its window closed, as long as it’s running in the tray or menu bar. See Set up the Talkwish desktop app.
Calls won’t connect
- Allow the microphone. Without it, calls can’t connect. See Allow microphone access in your browser.
- Update your browser. Use the latest version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.
- Try without a VPN. Some VPNs, firewalls and shared networks, like those in hotels or schools, block internet calls. Turn off the VPN or try another network.
- Check who you’re calling. Today you can call other Talkwish users by their username, like @maya. Calls to regular US and Canada numbers start at launch, and calls to numbers outside the US and Canada aren’t available.
Calls cut out or drop
- Move to a stronger connection. Get closer to your Wi-Fi router, plug your computer into the router with a cable, or switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see which works better.
- Free up your connection. Pause big downloads, cloud backups and video streams on the same network during calls.
- Keep the device awake. A computer that goes to sleep, or a phone that locks and pauses the browser, can end the call. On a phone, keep the browser in front during calls.
- Turn off battery saver. Power saving modes can slow down the browser or the network.
- Close extra tabs. Other tabs that use your microphone, camera or a lot of memory can get in the way.
For more ways to make calls sound better, see Get the best call quality.
Still having trouble?
Email us, and we’ll look into it. It helps if you include:
- The device and browser you use, with the browser version if you know it.
- The date and time of a call that didn’t work, and the time zone you’re in.
- What happened: the call didn’t ring, wouldn’t connect, dropped, or sounded bad.
- Whether you were on Wi-Fi or mobile data, and whether a VPN was on.