> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tensionhost.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Add Voice Chat to Your Minecraft Server

> This guide shows you how to add voice chat to your Minecraft server using Simple Voice Chat. Learn how to install the mod, open a voice chat port on the Tension panel, and set up proximity voice chat on Paper, Spigot, Fabric and Forge servers so your players can talk in game without needing Discord.

Want your players to talk to each other in game instead of juggling a Discord call? This guide shows you how to set up proximity voice chat on your Minecraft server using Simple Voice Chat, the most popular voice mod out there.

## What is Simple Voice Chat?

Simple Voice Chat is a free mod that adds proximity voice chat to Minecraft. Players hear each other based on how close they are in the world, and the audio fades out with distance, so sneaking up on your friends actually means something. Players can also create group channels to talk privately no matter where they are.

It works on Paper, Spigot and Purpur as a plugin, and on Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt as a mod, so it fits pretty much any server you can run with us.

## Setting up voice chat

Voice chat audio travels over its own port, separate from the port players use to join your server. That's why the setup is two parts: install the mod, then give it a port to use.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install Simple Voice Chat" icon="puzzle-piece" stepNumber={1}>
    Head to the " Plugins " tab on your server and install Simple Voice Chat, then start your server once so it can generate its config files.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/tensionhosting/kwbhZaJkbSNOIC-Z/images/voice-install.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=kwbhZaJkbSNOIC-Z&q=85&s=de53e95f27cb5cd7eebd23b2cb59fd79" alt="Voice Install" width="1889" height="894" data-path="images/voice-install.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to the Network tab" icon="router">
    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/tensionhosting/ixT9GlFrEkeyOXjj/images/network-tab2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ixT9GlFrEkeyOXjj&q=85&s=7375ec16d1523cea1ccf4c9e41bca289" alt="The Network tab on the Tension panel" width="1892" height="906" data-path="images/network-tab2.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a new allocation" icon="hammer">
    This gives your server another accessible port, which voice chat can use. Make a note of the port number, you will need it in a minute.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/tensionhosting/ixT9GlFrEkeyOXjj/images/new-allo.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ixT9GlFrEkeyOXjj&q=85&s=09edb098aa67b9d2fc341bdc10036ac6" alt="Creating a new port allocation on the Tension panel" width="1264" height="328" data-path="images/new-allo.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open your voice chat config" icon="wrench">
    In the file area, find the voice chat config. Where it lives depends on what your server is running:

    * Paper, Spigot or Purpur: **/plugins/voicechat/voicechat-server.properties**
    * Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt: **/config/voicechat/voicechat-server.properties**

    <Note>
      Can't find it? The file is only created after the server has started with Simple Voice Chat installed, so start the server once and check again.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the voice chat port" icon="plug">
    Find the line that says **port=24454** and change the number to the port from the allocation you created before, then save the file.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/tensionhosting/rqEjHtsivhLZKSkc/images/newport.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=rqEjHtsivhLZKSkc&q=85&s=de2e74e8abe65ac2d6d51de301de827f" alt="Setting the voice chat port in voicechat-server.properties" width="1146" height="732" data-path="images/newport.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart the server" icon="rotate-right">
    Restart so the config applies. You're now set up to use voice chat! In game, players press the V key to open the voice settings and check their mic is working.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Voice chat FAQs

### Does Minecraft have built-in voice chat?

No. Minecraft has no voice chat of its own, which is exactly why mods like Simple Voice Chat exist. Once it's set up on your server, players can talk in game without any outside apps.

### Do my players need to install anything?

Yes. Each player needs the Simple Voice Chat mod installed on their own game to talk. On plugin servers like Paper, players without the mod can still join and play normally, they just won't have voice.

### Why is my voice chat stuck on connecting?

Nine times out of ten it's the port. Check that the **port=** value in voicechat-server.properties exactly matches a port from your Network tab, then restart. You can also test a player's connection in game with the command **/voicechat test playername**.

### Does voice chat work for Bedrock players?

No. Bedrock editions can't install mods, so crossplay players joining through Geyser won't be able to use voice chat. Also make sure voice chat and Geyser are on different ports, they can't share one.

## Still stuck?

If you need any more support, join our [Discord](https://discord.tensionhost.com) or open a [Ticket](https://billing.tensionhost.com/tickets/create)