The likely scenario is: your phone rings, and so you answer but get muffled or no sound. After seconds of back-and-forth “hellos” from yourself and the caller, you terminate the call thinking, “Maybe it's the network provider acting up.”
On the return call, you still experience poor or no sound from your receiver. At this point, frustration and dread have set in. You ponder what could go wrong with your iPhone and the finances needed for a repair or replacement (if the warranty period has elapsed).
If this seems like your current condition, then worrying about a replacement could be so soon. Why? An issue like iPhone ear speaker blockage is fixable through simple do-it-yourself (DIY) step-by-step solutions that wouldn't only save you a trip to a repair center and replacement money.
Here’s a 10-way step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot, resolve the issue, and get your iPhone sounding right again! It's important to note that these steps apply to all iPhone models. Now, the steps.
10 ways to fix your iPhone speaker when it’s not working
Step 1: Check the volume and silent mode switches
Everyone forgets to increase the volume of their devices or switch off the silent mode; it's an unpredictable and easy mistake. However, as simple as it is, they might be why you get muffled or no sound from your iPhone speaker. The silent mode switch, located above the volume buttons, flashes an orange light to indicate that it's ON; this means that every sound is automatically ceased at initial activation.
To reverse this, simply move the flip forward. When successful, you'll be notified that your ringer has been changed to an ON status.
Similarly, your iPhone ear speaker may not work due to a low or entirely muted volume. Pressing gently on the left side of your iPhone to increase this.
But do not stop there—go to your settings. Then, make sure the "Ringer and Alerts" volume slider is set to a suitable level by going to "Sounds & Haptics.”
Why do you need to do this? Due to software glitches, your iPhone sometimes fails to respond to the side button, so adjusting through this option gets the job done. Think of it as a 2-way authentication method.
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.
Step 2: Clean the ear speaker
Overtime exposure to the atmosphere and surfaces results in accumulated dirt, dust, and debris that can block the speaker mesh, leading to poor or no sound quality.
Delicately clean the speaker grille using a small, dry, soft brush. Be careful so as not to push more obstructive pieces into the speaker. Also, do not apply liquids or insert sharp objects into it to prevent damaging the mesh and other components.
Cleaning maintenance is an ancient culture that does great changes, so this can create a big difference and get your iPhone ear speaker working right immediately.
Step 3: Check for connected bluetooth
Another reason your iPhone ear speaker might not be working is if the sound is routed away from the ear speaker to a connected Bluetooth device.
To confirm the status, swipe down from the top right corner to access the Control Center and check if Bluetooth is enabled. If it is, simply tap the Bluetooth icon to disable it.
Additionally, you can go to “Settings” search for and click on “Bluetooth” to see if your iPhone is connected to any devices. If found positive, turn Bluetooth off and run a trial call to a friend to check if the ear speaker works during the call.
Step 4: Remove iPhone cases, films or screen protector
Encased iPhones with bulky protective cases or screen protectors may inadvertently obstruct the ear speaker, leading to muffled or no sound quality. To rectify this issue, carefully examine the device to ensure that the earpiece grill is not covered by any of these protective accessories.
Next, check for visible damage, such as cracks or scratches, on the ear speaker grill, as these may impede sound transmission.
Finally, temporarily remove any protective cases or screen protectors. If your iPhone ear speaker functions properly without these accessories, it is likely that they were interfering with sound production.
Step 5: Update iOS software
Outdated software can occasionally cause glitches, including sound issues. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, you should keep your iPhone's iOS up to date.
To check for updates, open "Settings," then "General," and finally "Software Update." If there is an update available, download and install it.
Apple releases updates on a regular basis to fix bugs and improve system performance, so staying up to date may resolve the issue.
Plus, an update always makes every system experience smoother and better.
Step 6: Restart your iPhone
Just like you, your iPhone needs time to cool off. Simply restarting your iPhone can automatically correct temporary software glitches affecting the audio.
To begin the restarting process, press and hold the Power button and either Volume button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to turn off your phone.
Keep it off for a few minutes and place it on a cold, dry surface. Afterwards, press and hold the power button to turn it back on.
Step 7: Reset all settings
If you've exhausted standard troubleshooting steps and your iPhone's ear speaker remains unresponsive, resetting all settings may provide a solution. While this process doesn't erase your personal data, it does revert system settings to their default state. This includes configurations like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpapers, and personalized preferences.
To initiate a reset:
- Navigate to Settings: Access your device's Settings app.
- Select General: Tap on the "General" option within the Settings menu.
- Choose Reset: Scroll down to the "Reset" section and tap on it.
- Confirm Reset All Settings: Select "Reset All Settings" and confirm your choice.
Please note that although this action will restore your device's settings to their original state, it's advisable to back up your important data before proceeding, as this precautionary measure can safeguard your information.
Step 8: Connect to headphone
Connecting your iPhone to headphone mode will help you determine if the sound issue is coming from a hardware or software source.
First, begin to connect your iPhone to headphones, then check for the headphone icon on the screen; if it pops up, then the connection is completed.
Next, head to your music-playing apps like Spotify, YTmusic, and Audio Mac. Choose a favorite song or any random one and press “play.” Repeat this process on video by watching one from Netflix, Prime, Hulu, etc.
If sounds come through the headphone, then it shows that the problem might be from the hardware. If it doesn't, then it could be a software malfunction.
Any answer you arrive at will assist in narrowing down if you should continue with diy troubleshooting steps or get experts on it.
Step 9: Check for moisture exposure
Since iPhones aren't waterproof, exposure to it—no matter how minimal—can cause the ear speaker to stop working.
The primary iPhone part to carry out a check on when checking for moisture is the speaker grille. In the case that you find moisture there, use a silica gel packet to wipe it or let your iPhone dry naturally.
Do not use heat or compressed air, as it may push water further inside.
Note: If you suspect water damage, you may want to visit an Apple Store or authorized repair center.
Step 10: Visit the Apple support website
If, after trying the solutions above, one resolves your iPhone ear speaker sound issue, then it’s time to seek Apple's technical support and let them take the matter off your hands.
You can reach Apple Support online, in person at an Apple Store, or through an authorized service provider.
They will perform a test run on your iPhone to determine whether the speaker needs to be repaired or if you need to get a new iPhone. It is better to seek professional assistance than to risk causing additional damage by attempting to come up with new ways to repair it yourself.
The plus side of seeking Apple's support is that if your iPhone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare, the repair may be free or at a reduced cost.
FAQs
Why does my iPhone ear speaker sound muffled?
A muffled sound is often caused by dust, dirt, or debris blocking the speaker grille. Cleaning the grille with a soft brush or compressed air may help. If water enters the speaker, the sound may be distorted until it dries. Hardware damage from drops or moisture exposure could also cause muffled audio.
How do I clean my iPhone ear speaker?
Use a soft toothbrush, microfiber cloth, or a clean, dry brush to gently clean the speaker grille. Avoid using sharp objects or liquids. If the speaker is clogged with dust or lint, you can try compressed air, but use it carefully to avoid damage.
Why isn't sound coming through the ear speaker of my iPhone?
This could be due to mute settings, Focus mode (like Do Not Disturb), or headphone mode, where the iPhone mistakenly thinks headphones are connected. It could also be caused by dirt, dust, or water blocking the speaker grille.
I dropped my iPhone, is that the reason the sound is gone?
Yes, dropping your iPhone can cause sound issues. Physical damage to the speaker, internal connections, or audio components could result in loss of sound. A loose connection inside the phone might prevent sound from coming through. If the ear speaker alone isn't working but the bottom speaker works, it may be a sign of internal damage.
My iPhone's sound is not coming through unless I use headphones, why?
Your iPhone may be stuck in headphone mode. It might also be connected to a Bluetooth device without you realizing it.
Is there a way to temporarily use the speakerphone until I get it fixed?
Yes, you can use speakerphone during calls. Tap the speaker icon on the call screen to route audio to the bottom speaker. You can also use Bluetooth headphones or wireless earbuds as an alternative sound source.
How much does it cost to fix an iPhone ear speaker?
If the issue is hardware-related, repair costs range from $50 to $150 depending on the iPhone model and repair location. AppleCare+ or warranty coverage may reduce the cost.
Conclusion
Carrying out a do-it-yourself (DIY) fix of your iPhone sound issue can be simple and straightforward when you stick to the 10 steps proffered above. Before heading to the Apple Center support, adjust your volume, confirm the status of your silent mode, manually clean the ear speaker, update iOS software, and reboot your iPhone.
However, if you experience more persistent sound issues, visit an authorized Apple repair center or consider buying a new iPhone. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine.
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