How do I reduce background noise on Android?
Background noise refers to any ambient sounds that can be heard during a phone call. This could include sounds from traffic, construction, crowds, wind, echo, typing, pets, or other environmental disturbances. Excessive background noise can make it difficult to hear the other person on the call clearly. It forces both parties to strain to understand each other, leading to frequent repetitions, misunderstandings, and overall call frustration.
Reducing background noise is crucial for improving call quality and having effective phone conversations. With less distracting ambient sounds, you can better focus on the discussion, pick up on tonal nuances, and avoid having to continuously ask the other person to speak up or repeat themselves. This enhances interaction, ensures important details aren’t missed, and prevents unnecessary clarifications down the line. Additionally, minimizing noise demonstrates respect for the caller’s time, improves perceptions of professionalism, and leaves the conversation feeling more satisfying for both parties.
Check Audio Settings
The first step is to locate your Android device’s audio or sound settings and look for options related to noise cancellation or suppression (DeviceMag, 2022). On most Android devices, you can access these settings by opening the Settings app and selecting “Sound & vibration.” Here you may find toggles or settings like “Noise cancellation” or “Call noise reduction” that can help filter out background noise during calls and media playback.
The specific options will vary across Android models and manufacturers. For example, on Samsung Galaxy devices there is a “Noise reduction” setting under Sound quality and effects that can reduce ambient noise on calls (Google, 2022). Take some time to explore your device’s audio settings to identify any noise filtering or cancellation features that may already be available.
Use a Headset or Earbuds
One of the most effective ways to reduce background noise on Android calls is to use a wired headset or pair of earbuds. Headsets that physically go over or into your ears can block out ambient sounds, preventing that noise from reaching the microphone and being transmitted to the other caller.
Wired headsets connect directly to your device’s headphone jack or USB-C port, providing a direct path for your voice to reach the microphone. This gives your voice priority over any background noise. The physical barrier of the earpads covers your ears to muffle external sounds.
Some top-rated wired headsets and earbuds that provide excellent noise cancellation include the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones (https://www.androidcentral.com/best-noise-canceling-headphones) and the Sennheiser Momentum 3 headphones (https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-noise-canceling-headphones/). The passive noise reduction from a quality pair of wired headphones or earbuds can make a dramatic difference in call clarity.
Find a Quiet Space
One of the most effective ways to reduce background noise on Android calls is to simply move to a quiet area before making calls. Ambient noise from conversations, appliances, traffic, and other sources can be picked up by your phone’s microphone and make it harder for the person on the other end of the call to hear you clearly. According to a report by Frontiers in Audio and Speech Technology, background noise significantly impacts the listening quality and intelligibility of phone calls (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fauot.2023.1226946).
Try stepping outside or into a quiet room and closing the door before making an important call. The utilities company Utilities One notes that background noise reduces focus and call quality in call centers, so finding a quiet space is key (https://utilitiesone.com/the-impact-of-noise-on-concentration-designing-for-focus-in-workspaces). Even during video calls, muting your microphone when not speaking and moving to a quiet spot will improve the audio for the other participants. Taking simple steps to reduce ambient noise around you makes a big difference in allowing your voice to come through clearly on the other end of the line.
Use Noise Suppression Apps
There are several excellent apps available for Android that can help suppress or eliminate background noise on calls and recordings. Some top options include:
- Krisp – This app uses AI-powered noise cancellation to remove background noise in real-time on calls. It works across various platforms and is free for 40 minutes of use per week (https://krisp.ai/blog/android-noise-cancelling-app/).
- Speekie – Creates a virtual microphone that removes ambient sounds. Can be used for calls, recordings, and livestreams (https://riverside.fm/blog/best-background-noise-removal-apps/).
- Noisli – Generates background noises like rain, ocean waves, and more to mask ambient sounds. Has a mixer to adjust volumes (https://krisp.ai/blog/iphone-noise-cancelling-apps/).
These apps use noise suppression technology like AI and machine learning algorithms to actively monitor and filter out any external sounds detected by the microphone. They can significantly reduce background noise from places like coffee shops, streets, and offices for clearer voice and audio quality.
Adjust Microphone Settings
One way to reduce background noise when making calls on Android is to adjust the microphone settings. You can tweak the mic sensitivity which controls how much surrounding sound it picks up.
To adjust the mic settings, go to your phone’s Settings app and select Sound/Audio. Look for options like “Voice call audio settings”, “Call settings” or something similar. There should be a setting to change the Microphone sensitivity.
Slide the sensitivity down to reduce the mic pickup and cut down on ambient noise. However, taking it too far can make your voice sound muffled to the other person. Play around to find the right balance that minimizes background noise while keeping call quality clear.
Some Android phones like Samsung also have advanced options to adapt mic levels based on your environment. Enable “Auto volume” or “Automatically adjust microphone volume” to have your phone tweak the mic sensitivity dynamically.
Finally, check if your phone has a sound/audio enhancer feature. This can apply noise reduction to suppress background sounds, making your voice stand out more during calls.
Adjusting the microphone settings is an easy way to cut down on distracting ambient noise being transmitted to the other party during calls on your Android device.
Try Noise Cancellation Apps
Noise cancellation apps work by analyzing the ambient noise in your environment and generating an inverted sound wave to actively cancel it out. This technology is known as active noise cancellation. The apps use your device’s microphone to pick up background noise, then produce an opposite frequency to destructively interfere with the noise and reduce it.
Some of the top noise cancellation apps for Android include:
- Audio Video Noise Reducer – Actively removes background noise during calls and media playback. Works with headphones.
- Krisp – Uses AI to suppress background noise in real time during calls. Free and paid versions available.
- NoiseGator – Noise gate app that cuts out ambient sounds under a volume threshold. Useful for recording vocals or instruments.
- Parrot Zik – Companion app for Parrot Zik headphones that enables active noise cancellation features.
These apps can effectively cut down on background noise using advanced audio processing algorithms. Just make sure to choose one suited for your particular needs.
Use Accessibility Features
Android has built-in accessibility features that can help reduce background noise during calls. One useful feature is Sound Amplifier. Sound Amplifier filters out ambient noise and makes the caller’s voice clearer. To enable it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Sound Amplifier. You can customize sliders for Noise Reduction and Boost. Reducing noise filtering can help dampen background sounds. Boosting volume amplifies the caller’s voice over any remaining noise.
Another option is Live Transcribe. This feature generates real-time subtitles for speech during calls. Having captions can help you focus on the conversation if background noise is still distracting. To use Live Transcribe, enable it in Accessibility settings. Tap the Live Transcribe icon that appears to turn on captions during a call.
Finally, Sound Notifications can play an audible alert when sounds like alarms or a baby cry are detected. This can notify you of background noise you may not hear well during calls. Enable Sound Notifications in Accessibility to turn on useful alerts.
Get a Noise Cancelling Case
One option to reduce background noise on calls is to get a phone case specially designed with noise cancellation technology. These cases are typically built with microphone arrays to detect ambient sound and filter it using advanced algorithms. You can find noise cancelling cases from brands like ZIZO Wireless that are made for popular phones like iPhones and Samsung devices. These cases often provide clear call quality even in loud environments.
Another type of case to consider is a Faraday cage privacy case. These block cell, wifi signals, essentially isolating your phone from all radiofrequency interference. While designed for privacy, they can significantly cut down ambient noise transmission as well. The tradeoff is you won’t be able to make or receive calls until removing your phone from the case.
In summary, dedicated noise cancelling phone cases reduce echoes and unwanted sound through built-in audio processing technologies. Mini microphones combined with custom software filter out noise, while allowing your voice to transmit clearly. Alternatives like Faraday bags also prevent background noise by fully sealing off all radio signals. That covers some top options to consider if you want a case that acts like noise-cancelling headphones tailored for phone calls.
Conclusion
Reducing background noise on your Android phone can greatly improve your phone conversations, video calls, content recordings, and overall audio experience. The key steps covered in this guide include:
Trying a combination of these tips can help minimize background noise pick-up from loud environments. Choosing a quiet space when possible also goes a long way. Investing in noise cancelling phone cases or accessories provides another solid option.
With some small adjustments, you can successfully cut down on unwanted background noise on your Android phone. This allows your voice to come through clearly on calls and recordings.