How to Fix: iPhone Speaker not Working

Your iPhone's speaker plays a crucial role in various activities, from making calls to listening to music and watching videos. However, encountering an issue where the speaker stops working can be frustrating and disruptive to your daily routine.

In this article, we will delve into the possible reasons behind your iPhone speaker not working during calls and provide you with a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and fixing this issue.

Why is my iPhone speaker not working during calls?

There are several potential reasons why the speaker on your iPhone might not be working during calls:
⛔ Software Glitch: Temporary software glitches or bugs can affect the functionality of your iPhone's speaker.
⛔ Audio Output Setting: Incorrect audio output settings might be directing the sound to a different device.
⛔ Hardware Issue: Physical damage or a malfunctioning speaker component can cause sound issues.
⛔ Bluetooth Connectivity: If your iPhone is connected to a Bluetooth device, audio might be redirected to that device instead of the speaker.

7 fixes to iPhone speaker not working

Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue of your iPhone speaker not working during calls. Try them one after another until your issue gets fixed.

1# Check for iOS update

Before making any changes, ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Software updates can sometimes fix issues related to hardware functionality.

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Software Update. If there is a new iOS version, download and install it.

2# Check Ring/Silent switch

This may seem like a simple reminder, but it's a detail that can easily slip one's mind. It's crucial to ensure that your iPhone's ringer is turned on. Otherwise, regardless of whether you're using an iPhone 7 or any other model, you won't receive any sound from your device.

3# Check iPhone volume

Should the volume level on your iPhone be set too low, you might find yourself unable to hear any audio emanating from your device's speakers. Adjusting the volume on your iPhone is a common and straightforward action, but there's a possibility of inadvertently muting it by flipping the silent switch or lowering the volume entirely. To address this, ensure that you raise the iPhone's volume, even adjusting it to the maximum level if necessary.

4# Check for physical damage

You may need to check your iPhone closely for any physical damage that could potentially impact the speaker's performance. Check for signs of water damage, cracks, or any debris that might obstruct the speaker's functionality.

5# Check if iPhone sound playing via other ways

An alternative approach involves verifying whether your iPhone is linked to external third-party output devices, causing the iPhone's sound to be transmitted through these alternate sources, rather than the device itself. This can include Bluetooth connections or AirPlay functionality.

To confirm and disable these connections, follow these steps:
Enter Control Center from your iPhone screen > Turn off the Bluetooth if it is switched on. And tap the AirPlay icon, turn off AirPlay Mirroring.

6# Adjust audio output settings

While engaged in a call, position your iPhone near your ear to determine whether the speaker is deactivated during conversations. This behavior is guided by the iPhone's proximity sensor, which directs sound to the earpiece for privacy.

If you intend to shift to speakerphone mode during a call, simply tap the "Speaker" icon located on the call screen.

7# Force restart iPhone

If the speaker issue persists, try a force restart. Restarting your iPhone is often the simplest solution to rectify various iOS issues, including instances where the iPhone speaker is not functioning as expected. The methods for restarting an iPhone vary based on the specific iPhone model you have.

iPhone 8 and later with Face ID: Press and quickly release the Volume + button > Perform the same operation on the Volume - button > Press the Side button and release when you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume - button and the Power button > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s or earlier: Press both the Power button and the Home button for seconds > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

Conclusion

Experiencing an issue where your iPhone speaker not working during calls can be concerning, but with the solutions provided in this article, you have the tools to troubleshoot and fix the problem. Whether the issue is related to software glitches, settings, or hardware concerns, the step-by-step instructions outlined here will guide you through the troubleshooting process.

While, if the issue persists, consider reaching out to Apple Support or visiting an authorized service center for professional assistance to ensure your iPhone is in optimal working condition.