If your baby monitor app has no sound, start with three checks: the volume and silent switch on the parent device, the microphone permission on the camera device, and whether both devices have a working internet connection. Those three fix most cases in under two minutes.
A phone-based monitor uses two devices, so a fault can sit on either side. This guide goes in the order that finds the cause fastest. It applies to the Baboo baby monitor app on iPhone and iPad; the same logic helps with any app-based setup described in our guide to an old iPhone baby monitor.
Which device is the problem? A 60-second test
Hold the camera device near a noise (a clap or a radio) and watch the parent device. If you see the video move but hear nothing, the audio is lost on the parent side or in permissions. If both video and audio are frozen, the connection is the cause.
| What you see | Most likely cause | First fix |
|---|---|---|
| Video works, no sound | Parent volume down or silent mode; microphone permission denied | Raise volume, check Settings > microphone access |
| Sound works, no video | Camera permission denied or camera covered | Allow camera access, uncover the lens |
| Both freeze after a while | Weak Wi-Fi, low power mode or the app closed | Move closer to the router, keep the app open |
| Devices will not pair | Different networks or a mistyped four-digit code | Re-enter the code, check both devices are online |
| Alerts do not arrive | Notifications disabled | Allow notifications in iOS Settings |
Nine checks, in the order that works fastest
- Raise the volume on the parent device. Check the side switch and the volume buttons while the app is open.
- Allow the microphone on the camera device. In iOS Settings, open the app and make sure microphone access is on. Without it the camera device sends silence.
- Allow the camera. The same screen has the camera switch. A denied camera shows a black picture.
- Check the internet on both devices. Open a web page on each. Pairing and streaming need a working connection, either the same Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Re-pair with the four-digit code. If the code was typed wrongly or expired, create a new pairing.
- Keep the app in front or allow background audio. iOS can pause apps that are not active. Our guide to background audio mode explains how to keep listening with the screen off.
- Turn off Low Power Mode. It limits background activity and Wi-Fi performance, which can cut a stream after a few minutes.
- Restart both devices and update iOS. The native app needs iOS 17 or later. Older devices can use the browser version instead, covered in watching a baby monitor on a computer.
- Test on another network. Switch one device to mobile data. If it works, the problem is your Wi-Fi. See how a baby monitor works without Wi-Fi.
Why does the connection keep dropping?
The usual cause of a stream that starts well and fails later is the network, not the app. A phone on the edge of Wi-Fi range, a router that puts devices to sleep, or a phone that switches between Wi-Fi and mobile data all interrupt video.
- Place the camera device within one room of the router, or use a mobile-data connection.
- Plug the camera device into power for the night. A low battery makes iOS limit performance; see keeping a phone baby monitor running all night.
- Close apps that use a lot of bandwidth on the same network during the night.
- Check data use if you stream over mobile data: how much data a video baby monitor uses.
A safety note before you rely on any app
An app-based monitor is a convenience, not a safety device. It does not monitor breathing or heart rate and does not replace adult supervision. If the stream fails at night, treat the monitor as off and check your baby in person. Follow official safe sleep guidance from the NHS and the AAP; see our safe sleep checklist.
When to contact support
If all nine checks pass and the problem remains, write to support with the device models, iOS versions, what you see on each screen and whether it happens on Wi-Fi, mobile data or both. You can find contact details on the support page. To compare what each type of monitor can do, see our comparisons.
Why does my baby monitor app have no sound?
Why is the video black but I can hear sound?
Why does the monitor disconnect after a few minutes?
Can I use mobile data if my Wi-Fi is unreliable?
My older iPhone cannot install the app. What can I do?
Sources
- iPhone User Guide – Apple Support
- Apple Support: iPhone – Apple Support
- Safe sleep for your baby – NHS
