How can I increase the volume of my call speaker?

Check Your Device’s Volume Settings

The first step in increasing your iPhone’s call volume is to make sure the device volume itself is turned up to the maximum level.

To do this, use the physical volume buttons on the side of your iPhone. While on a call, press the up volume button to raise the volume to the highest setting. The volume indicator on screen will display when you change the level. Make sure it is showing maximum volume.

You can also check your volume settings in the Settings app. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and make sure that both the Ringer and Alerts volume and the Call Volume sliders are set to the maximum level.

Additionally, ensure that any volume limiters or battery saving settings are disabled, as these can artificially limit the maximum volume level. Turn off settings like Reduce Loud Sounds under Sound & Haptics.

Setting your iPhone to max out the native call volume is an important first troubleshooting step before exploring other options. According to discussions on the Apple forums, the iPhone’s own volume levels directly impact how loud the speaker can be on calls.

Use Speakerphone

One way to increase the volume coming from your phone is to switch to speakerphone mode during calls. The speakerphone feature utilizes larger speakers built into the phone, allowing for louder volume than the standard earpiece speaker ¹. Using speakerphone redirects audio through these more powerful speakers, boosting the volume output.

To enable speakerphone on an iPhone, tap the speaker icon during a call. On Android phones, press the speakerphone button during a call. You can also say “Ok Google, turn on speakerphone” to toggle it on hands-free.

Keep in mind that speakerphone projects sound outward. Be conscious of your surroundings when using this feature in public spaces or around others. Make sure to avoid disturbing those around you.

Try a Wired Headset

Plug in wired headphones or earbuds for improved volume over your phone’s built-in speaker. Headphones provide a more direct channel for audio output right into your ears.

According to discussions on Reddit, wired headphones can produce higher maximum decibel levels than a phone’s speaker (Source). This allows you to increase the volume further with headphones.

Additionally, opt for over-ear headphones or earbuds with larger drivers, as these are engineered to deliver louder sound than smaller headphone drivers (Source). Larger drivers have more power to reproduce audio at higher volumes.

Wired headphones provide a simple and effective way to increase your maximum speaker volume, delivering louder audio directly into your ears.

Use Volume Booster Apps

You can download volume booster apps like Volume Booster, Super Loud, or Extra Volume from your device’s app store to amplify the maximum volume output. These apps use software to optimize audio settings and push your speaker volume beyond its normal limits.

However, be cautious of potential downsides of using volume booster apps. Pushing your speaker volume too high can lead to distorted, cracking, or fuzzy sound quality. Volume boosters may also cause conflicts with other apps or system processes on your device. Additionally, some volume booster apps contain intrusive ads or even malware, so be careful which apps you choose to download.

To minimize risks, read reviews and choose reputable volume booster apps from known developers. Avoid shady apps with lots of permissions or advertising. Start with moderate volume boost levels and listen for any degradation in sound quality. Overall, volume booster apps can provide a quick, free way to turn up your speaker volume, but use them carefully.

Sources:

https://www.quora.com/Is-our-speaker-booster-app-for-Android-bad-for-your-Android

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/is-it-bad-for-the-sound-driverdevice-to-use-a/d3861a78-d30f-466b-9692-efbb16bc4f29

Amplify with a Bluetooth Speaker

One way to boost the volume coming from your phone’s speaker is to pair your phone with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Bluetooth speakers contain larger drivers and amplifiers than most smartphones, allowing them to produce much louder audio output.

To use a Bluetooth speaker to increase your phone’s volume:

• Enable Bluetooth on your phone and pair it with the Bluetooth speaker, following the speaker’s instructions.
• Position the Bluetooth speaker close to you when listening, such as on a nearby table, to maximize volume. The closer you are to the speaker, the louder it will sound.
• Play audio from your phone as you normally would. The audio will now route through the Bluetooth speaker instead of your phone’s built-in speaker.
• Adjust the volume using your phone’s volume buttons or the speaker’s controls. You should be able to achieve greater volume than with your phone’s speaker alone.

Look for a Bluetooth speaker that supports high output wattage and volume levels if loudness is your primary concern. High quality Bluetooth speakers from reputable brands can dramatically increase the max volume from your smartphone.

Get Your Hearing Checked

If you are having trouble hearing phone calls even at full volume, it may be a sign of some hearing loss, especially in high frequencies that are important for speech understanding. See an audiologist for a hearing evaluation to determine if you have hearing loss. An audiologist can perform tests to assess your ability to hear different sound frequencies and volumes. This can identify any issues with your hearing ability.

According to the CDC, hearing exams during regular medical checkups can catch hearing loss early [1]. Don’t wait until hearing loss becomes severe. If you are diagnosed with hearing loss, your audiologist may recommend hearing aids to amplify sounds at certain frequencies. Newer hearing aid technology can be specifically programmed to help you hear speech sounds more clearly. Getting fitted for hearing aids, if appropriate, can significantly boost your ability to hear phone calls.

Adjust Audio Settings

Many smartphones and devices nowadays come with audio enhancement features that are meant to improve sound quality. However, these can sometimes have the unintended effect of lowering call volume. Try turning off any audio effects or equalizers to get a boost in volume.

On an iPhone, go to Settings > Music and turn off EQ under Playback. On Android, go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Audio effects and disable any effects like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X that may be enabled. You can also go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Advanced > Sound quality and effects and turn off the equalizer.

Similarly, on devices like headphones or Bluetooth speakers, disable any surround sound, EQ, or spatial audio effects which can divert volume away from the regular stereo mix used for calls. Sticking with a basic, untouched stereo output ensures the maximum volume possible during calls.

As per tests on Android Central (source), Dolby Atmos and other effects make calls sound more spacious but lower peak volume substantially. Turning these off can increase in-call loudness by up to 30%. This allows your device’s speaker to dedicate its full power to vocal frequencies instead of spreading it over a wider range of sound.

Check for Obstructions

One common cause of reduced speaker volume is obstructions blocking the phone’s speaker or microphone. Cases, covers, and screen protectors can potentially muffle or dampen the sound coming from your phone.

If you notice the volume decrease after adding a new case or cover, try removing it to see if the volume returns to normal. Bulky cases made of thicker materials tend to block more sound waves.

Similarly, screen protectors and skins covering the earpiece can interfere with call volume. Carefully remove any film or sticker covering the earpiece and microphone areas to remove potential barriers.

Switching to a thin, minimal case made of soft plastic or rubber allows sound to pass through easier. Transparent cases are ideal for avoiding muffling issues. Inspect the case to ensure it does not fully block the speaker outlets along the bottom or top edge.

Going case-less also resolves any obstruction, but leaves your phone more prone to scratches and cracks. With the right minimal case, you can protect your phone and enjoy unimpeded sound quality.

Rule Out Hardware Issues

If none of the above tips resolve your low call volume, it’s possible there is an underlying hardware issue with your phone. The speaker that you use for calls could be damaged or worn out over time. According to this source, speakers filled with lint and dust can cause muffled, low volume on calls. Inspect your phone’s speaker ports and use compressed air to clear out any debris.

If the speaker hardware itself is faulty, you may need to get your phone serviced or replaced. Phone repair shops can test the speaker and determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced. As a last resort, if the issue is unresolvable, you may need to replace your phone entirely. Hardware issues like degraded speakers generally cannot be fixed with software updates or basic troubleshooting steps. Get your phone inspected by a professional to properly diagnose and address the root cause.

Improve Cellular Reception

Weak cellular signal can significantly reduce call quality and volume. When your phone displays only one or two signal strength bars, it is likely struggling to maintain a stable connection to the closest cell tower. This can cause audio to cut in and out, make voices sound robotic or distorted, and reduce volume even at maximum levels.

The root cause is that weak signal introduces errors and data loss in the transmission between your phone and the tower. To compensate, your phone may compress the audio more aggressively. But this comes at the cost of fidelity and loudness.

Try moving to an area with better reception, such as nearer to a window or outside, to see if call volume improves. Avoid thick walls, buildings, and other obstacles that can further dampen signal. In buildings with poor reception, changing floors or moving closer to windows can sometimes help.

You may also consider contacting your wireless carrier. They may be able to provide a free signal booster if your area suffers from chronically poor reception. Just be aware that boosters require professional installation.

Switching carriers is a last resort if you find one network provides better coverage in your frequently used locations. But reception can vary in different buildings, so check with others in your area before changing providers.