How to fix the voice service unavailable error in MW2

If you're unable to talk to other players in MW2 online, it may be related to a voice service unavailable issue. Here's how to potentially rectify this problem.

Daniel Hollis

11th Jan 2023 11:34

Images via Infinity Ward

Communication is key when it comes to Modern Warfare 2 - especially when diving into the objective-based game modes. Unfortunately, as with most technology these days, certain hiccups and errors can prevent this from being the case. The end result is extremely annoying if you’re unable to speak with your team.

One of the most prominent circulating in Modern Warfare 2 is an error that states voice service is unavailable. This is incredibly frustrating as it blocks you from communicating with your team, losing the ability to warn them of enemy danger or plan out strategies. There are a few workarounds at present, some of which are easier than others. If you’ve run into the voice service unavailable error in MW2, here are some of the available solutions.

What's the fix

As mentioned, there’s a variety of solutions - some of which are incredibly simple, whilst others require a little more work. Before you call it quits, try these solutions below to see if they rectify the voice service unavailable in MW2 for you.

Check Your Microphone And Restart The Game

Your first port of call should be to check the microphone itself. Is it muted? Is it attached correctly? This can easily be identified on any system by trying another game or sending a voice message. If it’s unable to detect your voice, this indicates a problem with the headset instead of it directly being tied to MW2.

Another strategy is to completely reboot your game and system. This will force Modern Warfare 2 to reconnect with the server which could kick-start your voice chat functionality into gear. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s best to rule out it being a simple glitch before advancing any further.

Update Your PC Drivers

For PC players, always check to see if your audio has the most up-to-date drivers. This is extremely important and can be done by checking your manufacturer’s direct website. As with many other AAA game releases, it’s highly likely Modern Warfare 2 has a new driver to tie into its release. If so, ensure these are downloaded and installed, before rebooting your system and trying again.

Make sure to also check out the best MW2 aim assist settings.

Give MW2 Admin Privileges On PC

Another solution for PC players is to boot up the game in safe mode. This could help circumnavigate the issue until Infinity Ward addresses the problem with an official patch. If you’re unsure of how to do so, simply complete the following steps:

Open the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 installation folder.
Right-click on ModernWarfareII.exe.
Click Properties.
Click the Compatibility tab.
Go to Options.
Tick the Run this program as administrator box.
Click Apply.
Reload Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

Set Up A Temporary Workaround

If you’re still running into the problem, it’s best to come up with an alternative solution. For Xbox and PlayStation players, a simple party chat through the system should allow you to communicate with teammates you invite to join your party. Alternatively, PC players can use applications such as Discord will allow them to voice chat with one another.

Now you know some ways to fix the MW2 voice service unavailable issue, and you can get back to communication with teammates.

Want to have the best setup? Here are the best Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 settings for PC. Also make sure to find out the best guns to use in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to get ahead of the competition.

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