How can I make the volume on my Android louder?
Check Volume Settings
When experiencing low maximum volume on an Android phone, the first thing to check is your device’s built-in volume settings. Android allows you to control the volume level for ringtones/notifications and media playback separately. To max out the volume:
- Open the Settings app on your Android.
- Tap Sounds & vibration (or Sound & notification on some devices).
- Under Media volume and Ring & notification volume, drag the sliders all the way to the right.
- Make sure any volume limiters are disabled.
This will set both the ringer/notification and media volumes to their absolute maximum levels. If you find the sound is still too quiet even at full volume, you may need to try some of the other solutions covered here.
Use Volume Buttons
The quickest way to increase the volume on your Android phone is to simply press the volume up button on the side of the device. This Android Central forum post explains that the volume buttons by default control the media volume. So pressing volume up will raise the volume for music, videos, games and other media. You can press this button repeatedly to continue raising the volume to the maximum allowed level.
This method provides a fast and simple solution without having to open your settings or download any apps. The volume buttons are always accessible, so you can easily adjust as needed. Just locate the physical volume buttons on the side of your Android device and push the top button to turn the volume up.
Install Volume Booster App
One way to increase the maximum volume output on your Android phone is by installing a volume booster app. There are various free and paid apps on the Google Play Store that can boost volume beyond the normal limit.
Apps like Volume Booster Pro can override max volume limit by taking over your Android system’s volume controls. These apps force volume amplification by up to 200%, allowing you to pump up in-call volume, media volume, alarm volume, and notification volume.
Other top options include Speaker Boost, Volume Booster GOODEV, and Volume On-Screen. These apps can provide volume boost between 125% to 300% higher than your phone’s default max volume. Just be aware that increasing sound beyond recommended levels can damage your hearing over time.
Before installing a volume booster app, check reviews to confirm compatibility with your Android OS version. Some may require root access. Also, be wary of apps that force ad views or have intrusive subscriptions.
Use Wired Headphones
Wired headphones can often play audio at louder volumes than your phone’s built-in speakers. This is because dedicated headphones have larger drivers designed specifically for audio playback. They also do not have the same size or space constraints as a phone’s tiny built-in speakers.
With wired headphones plugged directly into your phone’s headphone jack, the audio signal passes through dedicated amplification circuits tailored for driving headphones. The phone is able to send a stronger, louder signal through the wired connection to your headphones compared to the integrated amps used for the built-in speakers.
Additionally, wired headphones form a closed, isolated system around your ears. This creates better sound isolation and allows you to hear more detail at lower volumes. With built-in speakers, there is more ambient noise that ends up masking quieter sounds.
So if you find your Android’s maximum volume too low, try plugging in a pair of wired headphones. They should be able to play louder than your phone’s built-in speakers. Just make sure to use caution and avoid excessive volume levels that could damage your hearing over time.
Clear Debris from Speakers
Built-up debris in the speakers can cause the sound to become muffled or quieter than expected. Over time, dust, lint, and other particles can accumulate in the speaker grill and block the sound waves from projecting properly.
To clear debris from the speakers:
- Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or lint trapped in the speaker grill. Hold the can a few inches away and spray in quick bursts. The compressed air will dislodge most loose particles.
- Use a soft brush, like a clean toothbrush, to gently brush away any remaining debris. Carefully insert the brush into the speaker opening and brush in a circular motion.
- As a last resort, use adhesive tape to pull out more stubborn particles. Press the tape over the speaker hole several times to pick up debris.
Be very gentle when clearing the speakers to avoid damaging the delicate speaker components. Avoid using sharp metal tools to poke inside the speakers. After cleaning, test the volume again to see if output has improved.
Regular cleaning every few months can help maintain volume quality. However, if the issue persists even after thoroughly clearing debris, there may be an underlying hardware problem requiring repair.
For further tips, see this helpful video on cleaning Android phone speakers: How To Clean Android Phone Speakers
Update Software
Software updates for Android phones occasionally increase the maximum volume level that can be output from the phone’s speakers. When a major Android OS update is released, like upgrading from Android 12 to Android 13, changes to the audio system code can allow louder volumes than were previously possible.
Check if any system software updates are available for your Android phone by going to Settings > System > System update. Install the latest updates, as they may contain tweaks to enable louder speaker volumes. It’s a good idea to stay current with system updates anyway to get the latest features and security fixes.
According to users on Reddit [1], after upgrading Sony Xperia phones to Android 13, the minimum volume was noticeably louder than on the previous Android version. So system updates can definitely change the volume output levels.
Updating your Android version and installing the latest software updates from your phone manufacturer may allow you to increase the maximum volume limit and get louder sound from the speakers.
Toggle Sound Enhancements
Many Android devices come with built-in sound enhancements and audio effects that optimize the listening experience. However, these enhancements can sometimes limit the maximum perceivable volume. Disabling some of these effects may allow you to increase the overall volume output of your device’s speakers.
To disable audio effects on your Android device:
- Open the Settings app and go to the Sound section
- Look for options like “Sound effects”, “Audio effects”, or “Dolby Atmos”
- Toggle these enhancements off and test if the volume increases without them enabled
Turning off certain sound effects essentially removes any limits being applied to the volume output. This allows your speakers to utilize their full hardware potential for maximum loudness. Just be careful not to damage your hearing when turning the volume up louder than usual.
Adjust EQ Settings
Equalization, or EQ, refers to adjusting the balance between frequency ranges in audio output. Although changing EQ settings will not actually increase the peak volume, boosting certain frequencies can make the audio seem louder by bringing out elements the ear perceives more intensely. On many Android phones, adjusting the EQ requires downloading a third-party music or audio app. Common equalizer presets include “Dance,” “Pop,” or “Rock,” which emphasize bass, mids, and highs respectively in the total mix. Other apps like Equalizer FX and Equalizer+ allow manually sliding frequency sliders.
To make your Android’s volume seem louder, try boosting the treble range (high frequencies). Boosting treble can increase the perceived volume because our ears are most sensitive to these high pitched sounds. However, too much treble boost can cause audio distortion or tinniness. Find the optimal treble range for your specific phone and preferences. Bass and mid boosts can also add fullness, just avoid muddiness.
Use a Volume Amplifier Accessory
If the built-in speakers on your Android still aren’t loud enough even after adjusting all the software settings, consider using a portable volume amplifier accessory.
There are small, battery-powered amplifiers designed to boost the audio output from smartphones, tablets, and other devices. These accessory amplifiers connect via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio cable and provide additional power to drive your device’s speakers.
Small amplifiers ranging from pocket-sized up to a couple inches long can drastically increase the maximum volume from your Android. They essentially act as an external add-on speaker that works in unison with the built-in speakers.
Look for amplifiers that advertise at least double the output volume or higher. Quality options from reputable brands deliver a loud, clear amplified signal without distortion or loss of sound quality.
Volume amplifiers are battery powered so you don’t have to drain your Android’s battery faster. Just connect the amplifier when you need a volume boost for music, videos, games or calls. It’s a simple accessory that can make a big difference if the default volume output is insufficient.
Consider Hardware Modification
While technically possible, modifying the internal hardware of your Android phone to increase the volume is not recommended. Replacing the built-in speakers or audio chips risks permanently damaging your device and voids the warranty. Only attempt hardware modifications if you are an experienced technician.
Upgrading speakers might provide louder audio, but also requires soldering work that could easily go wrong. The components must be carefully matched to avoid overloading and blowing out the audio circuitry. Audio chips could potentially be swapped for versions with higher power output, but this is an extremely delicate process on modern smartphones. Even the slightest mistake during disassembly or installation could destroy the motherboard.
Instead of risky hardware mods, try more practical and reversible software-based solutions to increase Android volume first. Hardware modifications should only be pursued as a last resort by those with the proper technical skill and equipment. For most users, the potential downsides outweigh the small volume gains.