February 19, 2025

iPhone Speaker Issues During Calls?

iPhone Speaker Issues During Calls
Having trouble hearing calls on your iPhone? Learn how to troubleshoot and fix iPhone speaker issues during calls with our step-by-step guide.

If you’re experiencing issues with your iPhone speaker during calls, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users encounter this problem, where the speaker either produces low sound, crackles, or doesn’t work at all during calls. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of diagnosing and fixing iPhone speaker problems so you can get back to clear and uninterrupted conversations.

1. Check the Volume Level

It might sound simple, but the first thing to do is check your iPhone’s volume level. Sometimes, the volume may have been accidentally turned down or muted.

  • How to Check: During a call, use the volume buttons on the side of your iPhone to increase the volume. You can also go to the Settings app, tap on “Sounds & Haptics,” and adjust the volume slider under “Ringer and Alerts.”
  • Additional Tip: Ensure that the “Change with Buttons” option is turned on in the same menu, allowing you to adjust the volume easily during calls.

2. Disable Bluetooth

If your iPhone is connected to a Bluetooth device, such as wireless headphones or a car audio system, the sound may be routed to that device instead of the speaker.

  • How to Check: Go to the Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen (on iPhone X and later) or swiping up from the bottom (on iPhone 8 and earlier). Tap the Bluetooth icon to disable it. You can also go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn off Bluetooth.
  • Additional Tip: If you frequently use Bluetooth devices, check the “Connected Devices” list to ensure your iPhone isn’t automatically connecting to a nearby device.

3. Remove Any Obstructions

Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in the speaker grille, blocking sound and causing audio issues during calls.

  • How to Clean: Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry, soft cloth to gently clean the speaker grille. Avoid using liquids or sharp objects that could damage the speaker.
  • Additional Tip: Compressed air can also be used, but ensure you use it gently to avoid damaging the internal components.

4. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that affect the speaker.

  • How to Restart: Press and hold the power button and either volume button (on iPhone X and later) or just the power button (on iPhone 8 and earlier) until the “slide to power off” slider appears. Slide it to turn off your iPhone, then press and hold the power button again to turn it back on.
  • Additional Tip: If the issue recurs frequently, consider performing a force restart by pressing and quickly releasing the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally holding the power button until the Apple logo appears.

5. Check for Software Updates

Outdated software can cause various issues, including problems with the speaker during calls. Apple frequently releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance.

  • How to Update: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”
  • Additional Tip: Enable “Automatic Updates” in the same menu to ensure your iPhone always has the latest software version.

6. Reset All Settings

If the problem persists, resetting all settings can sometimes resolve software-related issues without erasing your data.

  • How to Reset: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will reset your settings to their defaults, but your data and apps will remain intact.
  • Additional Tip: After resetting, you’ll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and configure any other custom settings, so ensure you have that information handy.

7. Test the Speaker

To determine if the issue is with the speaker itself, test it using other apps.

  • How to Test: Play music or a video through the iPhone’s built-in speaker to see if the sound is clear and at an appropriate volume. You can also make a FaceTime call or record a voice memo to test if the issue occurs there as well.
  • Additional Tip: If the sound is fine during media playback but poor during calls, the issue might be specific to your phone’s receiver, which handles audio during calls.

8. Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the above steps resolve the problem, it’s possible that the issue is hardware-related. This could be due to a damaged speaker, faulty connections, or internal components.

  • How to Check: If you suspect a hardware issue, contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or visit a repair shop like Phone Zone for a professional diagnosis and repair. If your iPhone is still under warranty, Apple may cover the repair costs.
  • Additional Tip: If your phone has been exposed to water or dropped recently, mention this to the technician, as it could help pinpoint the issue more quickly.

9. Backup and Restore Your iPhone

As a last resort, backing up your iPhone and restoring it to factory settings can help eliminate any persistent software issues.

  • How to Backup and Restore: Connect your iPhone to a computer and use iTunes or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) to back up your data. Then, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to restore your iPhone to factory settings. Afterward, you can restore your backup.
  • Additional Tip: Before restoring, ensure your backup is up to date, as restoring from an old backup may reintroduce the issue.

10. Seek Professional Help

If none of the above methods work, it may be time to seek professional help. A certified technician can diagnose more complex issues that aren’t easily fixed at home.

  • When to Visit a Technician: If your iPhone has suffered physical damage, has been exposed to water, or if you’ve tried all the software troubleshooting steps without success, a professional diagnosis is recommended.
  • Why Choose Phone Zone: At Phone Zone, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing iPhone speaker issues. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art tools to ensure your iPhone is repaired quickly and efficiently. We can handle everything from simple speaker replacements to more complex internal repairs, ensuring your phone functions like new.

Conclusion

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iPhone speaker issues during calls can be frustrating, but they are often fixable with some basic troubleshooting. By following these steps, you can identify and resolve the problem, whether it’s a simple setting adjustment, a software update, or a necessary repair. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a trusted service provider like Phone Zone, where experts can diagnose and repair your iPhone, ensuring clear and reliable calls once again.