Phone speaker not working? 9 fixes for iPhone and Android
No sound usually means the audio is going somewhere else, not that the speaker is broken. Rule that out first.
The fix
9 fixes, most likely first
- 1
Raise the volume while media plays.
Press volume up while a video is playing to change media volume, not ringer volume.
- 2
Turn off Silent mode.
iPhone: switch or Action button. Android: Sound mode in Quick Settings.
- 3
Disconnect Bluetooth.
Turn Bluetooth off for a test. Audio often stays routed to a car or earbuds.
- 4
Turn off Do Not Disturb or Focus.
- 5
Restart the phone.
- 6
Clean the speaker grille.
Use a soft, dry toothbrush. No pins, liquids or compressed air.
- 7
Take off the case.
Some cases cover the speaker holes.
- 8
Update the software.
iPhone: Settings › General › Software Update. Android: Settings › System or Software update.
- 9
Reset all settings.
iPhone: Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset All Settings. Samsung: General management › Reset › Reset all settings.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I hear calls but not music?
Calls use the earpiece at the top; music uses the loudspeaker at the bottom. If only music is silent, the loudspeaker, its grille or a media volume setting is the issue.
My phone got wet and sounds muffled. What should I do?
Let it dry completely at room temperature with the speaker facing down. Do not use heat or rice. If sound does not return after a day, get it checked.
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