Having issues with voice recognition in Phasmophobia? This guide will help you test and troubleshoot voice input.
✅ 1. How to Confirm Voice Recognition is Working
🔈 Check In-Game Microphone Input
Load into a map.
Go to Options > Audio.
Under Current Microphone Input, speak into your microphone.
If the bar moves, your microphone is working and Voice can hear you.
📻 Test with the Spirit Box
Equip the Spirit Box.
Make sure the microphone icon is black (listening).
If it’s Gray, it’s not detecting voice input.
Ask a question clearly and slowly. Suggested phrases:
“Give us a sign”
“Where are you?”
“How old are you?”
If recognized, the X symbol will light up or turn black within 2–3 seconds.
Wait at least 6 seconds between questions — the Spirit Box has a cooldown.
ℹ️ The Spirit Box may also respond without a direct question. That's normal.
2. Known Issues & Solutions
🛠 Voice Not Working In-Game
Symptom: Your microphone works in the lobby but not during investigations.
Likely Cause: Multiple microphones are active (VR headset, controller, etc.)
Fix:
Set your preferred microphone as the default device in Windows.
Disable all other microphones.
Disable Exclusive Mode in the microphone's properties (see Basic Troubleshooting below).
🔄 Voice Stops Working After Loading a Map
Quick Fix:
While inside a map, go to Options > Audio, then click Apply (even if nothing was changed).
This refreshes the audio system and fixes recognition in many cases.
This is a known issue — the dev team is investigating.
❌ XLR Microphones Don’t Work
Cause: High-end XLR mics may not be fully supported by Voice at this time.
Fix: Use a standard USB microphone or gaming headset for best results.
🔇 Can’t Hear Others / Others Can’t Hear You
This issue usually relates to general audio setup, not voice recognition.
Fix: Refer to our (Fixing Audio Issues Guide)
🧩 Third-Party Audio Software Conflicts
Programs like the following are known to interfere with Phasmophobia's audio permissions:
Voicemeeter
Nahimic
Logitech G Hub
Razer Cortex / Surround
Voicemod
Other sound enhancement tools
Fix:
Uninstall or disable any third-party audio apps.
Restart your PC after making changes.
🛠 3. Basic Troubleshooting Steps
In-Game Settings
In the Lobby, go to Options > Other.
Make sure Voice Recognition Language is set correctly.
During a game, go to Options > Audio:
🎙 Microphone matches the device you’re trying to use.
📊 Current Microphone Input bar shows movement.
⌨️ Using Push-To-Talk? Double-check your hotkey in key binds.
🔘 Using Toggle? The mic icon (bottom left) should be white (On), not grey (Off).
🎚 Using Voice Activation? Adjust Sensitivity and Sound Suppression as needed.
Windows Microphone Configuration
Right-click the volume icon on your desktop and choose Sounds.
Go to the Recording tab:
✔️ Set your preferred microphone as Default Device.
❌ Right-click and disable unused or secondary mics (e.g., webcams, VR gear).
Click Properties on your main microphone:
Levels tab – Ensure volume and boost are set appropriately.
Advanced tab – Uncheck all Exclusive Mode options.