Sound problems are easy to live with until you can't hear someone on an important call, or they can't hear you. The good news is that many of them come down to a setting, a blocked grille or a connected Bluetooth device. Here's how to check before you assume the worst.
Work out exactly what isn't working
Most phones have more than one speaker and more than one microphone, so it helps to pin down which one has the problem:
- Loudspeaker: play music or a video with the volume up. Is it quiet, crackly or silent?
- Earpiece: make a call and hold the phone to your ear, then switch to speakerphone. If you can only hear on speakerphone, the earpiece is the likely problem.
- Main microphone: record a voice memo or voice note and play it back.
- Other microphones: record a short video with the front camera and another with the rear camera, then play both back. Different microphones are often used for each.
Note what works and what doesn't. It narrows things down and is useful information if you do need a repair.
Check your settings first
- Volume and silent mode. Check the ringer and media volume separately, and any silent switch or setting.
- Do Not Disturb or Focus modes can silence calls and notifications.
- Bluetooth. This is one of the most common causes. If earbuds, a car system or a speaker is still connected, sound may be going there instead. Turn Bluetooth off and test again.
- App permissions. If the microphone works in some apps but not others, check that the app has permission to use the microphone in your privacy settings.
- Accessibility settings. Audio balance or mono audio settings can make sound seem to come from only one side.
Check for blockages
Speaker grilles and microphone holes are tiny and collect lint, dust and grime. A case or screen protector that doesn't fit well can also cover them.
- Remove the case and screen protector and test again.
- Look at the grilles with a torch for visible dirt.
- Clean gently with a soft, dry brush, such as a clean soft toothbrush.
Don't push pins or needles into speaker or microphone holes. They can puncture the mesh or the part behind it. Avoid liquids, and don't blast compressed air directly into the openings.
If the phone recently got wet, a muffled speaker may simply have water in it. Let it dry fully at room temperature, and see our guide on what to do if your phone has water damage.
Software checks
- Restart the phone.
- Install any available software updates.
- Test in more than one app. If only one app has the problem, update or reinstall that app.
- On Android, starting in safe mode temporarily disables downloaded apps. If sound works in safe mode, an app is likely interfering.
Signs of a hardware fault
- Crackling or distortion at every volume level, in every app.
- The microphone fails in every test, including voice memos and video.
- The problem started after a drop or after liquid exposure.
- Sound cuts in and out when you press on part of the phone.
- Nothing changes after cleaning, restarting and checking Bluetooth.
Speakers and microphones are usually separate parts that can be replaced, though how involved the job is depends on the phone. On many models the main microphone sits beside the charging port, sometimes on the same component, so a fault in one can affect the other. Our guide to charging port symptoms and repair options explains more.
