How can I increase the sound on my Android phone?
Check Volume Settings
The first step in increasing the sound on an Android phone is to check the volume settings. Android phones have physical volume buttons located on the side of the device that control overall system volume. Raising the media volume and notification/ring volumes using these buttons is the most straightforward way to increase sound.
To raise media volume for music, videos, games, and other media, first make sure the phone is not in vibrate or silent mode by toggling these off in the notification panel or quick settings. Then use the volume buttons on the side to raise the media volume slider to the desired level in the Settings > Sound menu.
Raising notification and ring volume can make ringtones, alarms, and notifications louder. Go to Settings > Sound and drag the volume sliders for these up to increase loudness. Note that increasing media volume does not affect ring volume.
According to Wired, smartphone volume levels can go up to 100 decibels or higher, which exceeds the 85 decibel maximum recommended by hearing health organizations. Keep the volume below 60% of maximum to stay within safer levels.
Remove Obstructions
One easy way to increase the sound from your Android phone’s speaker is to remove any obstructions covering or blocking it. Phone cases, especially thicker protective cases, can partially cover up the speaker and reduce sound output. Take the case off your phone or try a thinner, less obstructive case to allow sound to flow freely.
You’ll also want to check for any dust, lint, or other debris that may have collected inside the speaker holes. Use a toothpick or canned air to gently clean out the speaker opening and make sure nothing is muffling the sound. As simple as it sounds, just clearing obstructions from the speaker can noticeably amplify the volume.
For additional ideas, you can explore makeshift sound dampening materials like blankets or quilts to block ambient noise around you while maximizing the phone’s speaker sound. Just avoid fully covering the phone, as you want to leave the speaker area open. See [1] for DIY sound dampening techniques.
Download Volume Booster App
One effective way to amplify volume is to download a dedicated volume booster app from the Google Play Store. Reputable options include Volume Booster by GOODEV (link) and Volume+ by Victory Projects (link). These apps allow you to boost overall volume or adjust volume for specific apps like music, videos, and games.
Before installing any app, be sure to check the app permissions and reviews. Only download from trusted developers and be wary of apps requesting unnecessary access like contacts or SMS. Also note that while volume booster apps can amplify sound, they may impact battery life. Use the volume boost judiciously for short periods as needed.
Adjust Audio Settings
You can adjust the audio settings on your Android phone to increase the maximum volume and turn off audio normalization features that may limit sound output. Here are the steps:
Locate the Sounds settings in your Settings app. The exact path varies by phone model, but it’s usually under Sound & vibration or Audio & vibration. Once in Sounds, look for options like Media volume, Volume limit, or Audio leveling/normalization.
Turn off any audio leveling or normalization features, which aim to even out the volume across songs and videos but can result in capped volume levels. Disable options like “Volume leveler” or “Sound balance” if present.[1]
Adjust the media volume limit slider to the maximum safe level. Some Android phones default to a reduced limit of around 80%, so increasing this to 100% can significantly boost your max volume.[2]
With audio leveling disabled and volume limit maxed, your overall phone volume should be increased. Make sure to test it with your media and headphones to ensure your desired sound levels.
Toggle Sound Enhancements
One way to increase the overall volume and improve sound quality on your Android phone is to toggle the sound enhancement features. Most Android devices come with built-in equalizers, surround sound, and other audio effects that can boost certain frequencies and amplify the sound.
To access these settings, open your phone’s Settings app and go to the Sound section. There you’ll find options like “Audio effects,” “Sound quality and effects,” or something similar depending on your device. Tap into these menus to locate equalizer presets and surround sound toggles (Fox News).
Try enabling an equalizer preset like “Rock” or “Pop” which boost high and mid frequencies so music sounds fuller. You can also create a custom EQ setting if you want precise control over different frequency ranges. Switching on surround sound can make audio feel more spatial and immersive.
Playing around with these enhancements can significantly amplify overall volume and improve sound clarity on both music and videos. Just be careful not to overdo it as too much enhancement can make things sound unnatural.
Connect External Speakers
One of the easiest ways to increase the volume on your Android phone is to connect external speakers. This allows you to route the audio from your phone to amplified speaker hardware that is designed to produce louder sound.
If you want a portable audio solution, consider pairing portable Bluetooth speakers to your Android phone. Some of the best options for loud, high-quality sound include the JBL Boombox 3 and speakers from brands like Bose and Anker, according to sites like CNET.
For the loudest volumes, look for a portable Bluetooth speaker with high wattage and large drivers. However, also pay attention to sound quality – higher wattage doesn’t always mean better sound. Look for speakers with good reviews praising audio fidelity and volume.
You can also plug wired headphones or external speakers directly into your Android phone via the headphone jack or USB-C port (with an adapter). This bypasses the built-in smartphone speakers entirely for direct access to louder sound. Opt for over-ear headphones or speakers with larger drivers for maximized loudness capabilities.
Just make sure to adjust the volume judiciously when using the direct wired connection to avoid damaging your hearing.
Update Phone Software
Installing the latest Android operating system (OS) updates can potentially fix sound issues on your device. Software updates include bug fixes, security patches, and improvements to device functionality. For example, Android 13 introduced enhanced Bluetooth audio quality and latency optimizations.[1] Keeping your phone’s OS up-to-date ensures you have the latest audio drivers and compatibility fixes.
To update your phone’s OS, open the Settings app and go to System > System update. Tap Check for update to search for any available updates. If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it. You may need to reboot your device once the installation is complete. Updating to a newer OS version can improve speaker performance and fix sound problems caused by bugs in an older OS version.
However, some users have reported audio issues immediately after a major OS update. If sound problems arise after an update, try rebooting your phone or performing a factory reset to see if it resolves the issue. You can also check forums or contact the device manufacturer for help troubleshooting post-update audio problems.
[1] https://www.androidcentral.com/android-13
Reset App Volume
Sometimes the volume on individual apps can become lowered or muted without realizing it. This often occurs after connecting bluetooth headphones or external speakers. To fix this:
- Open any apps you use for audio or music playback, like Spotify, YouTube, or podcast apps.
- Look for the volume slider within each app and raise it up to the maximum level.
This ensures the volume for media playback is turned up at the app level. If the overall system volume is already high, boosting the in-app volume can significantly increase loudness.
According to Android Authority, some of the most popular Android music apps include Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Pandora. Open these apps and raise their internal volume controls for an easy volume increase.
Troubleshoot Hardware
One potential reason your Android phone’s speaker is not working properly is a hardware issue. First, visually inspect the speaker grill for any obstructions or damage that could be blocking sound. Carefully use a toothpick to remove lint or debris if present. Also try gently blowing on the grill to dislodge anything stuck.
If the speaker hardware seems fine, test it with different audio sources like music, videos, phone calls, alarms, etc. to isolate the problem. For example, if the speaker works during calls but not with media, it points to a software glitch rather than physical damage.
As a last resort, you may need professional repair if the speaker is still not functioning. Many phone manufacturers and third-party shops offer affordable speaker replacement services. Before replacing the part, technicians can run diagnostics to pinpoint the exact issue. Schedule an appointment with your manufacturer or trusted repair shop if you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting options.
Maximize Media Quality
One of the best ways to maximize the sound on your Android phone is to play high bitrate audio files. Most music streaming services offer different audio quality options. For example, Spotify has a “Very High” quality tier that streams at 320 kbps, while Amazon Music Unlimited streams up to 850 kbps. Apple Music streams 256 kbps AAC files, while Tidal HiFi offers lossless 1411 kbps FLAC streaming.
According to Now from Tufts University (https://now.tufts.edu/2023/06/20/how-do-i-get-best-audio-quality-streaming-music-services), a bitrate of 256 kbps or higher is considered “high quality” audio. For the best sound quality, look for options like “High Fidelity,” “HiFi,” or “Lossless” within your streaming app’s settings.
You should also stream music over WiFi instead of mobile data whenever possible. WiFi typically provides faster, more consistent connectivity compared to mobile data networks. This allows for smooth, uninterrupted audio playback. If you stream high bitrate files over a spotty mobile connection, you may experience choppy audio or buffering issues.