How do I get my sound back on my phone?
Check Your Phone’s Volume Settings
One of the most common reasons for lack of sound on a smartphone is that the volume is turned down or muted. Here’s how to check the volume settings on your phone:
Open your phone’s Settings app and go to the Sound or Audio section. Look for options like Media Volume, Call Volume, Ring Volume, and Alarm Volume. Make sure none of these are muted or turned all the way down. Try turning them up to see if sound returns.
You can also use the physical volume buttons on the side of your phone to control the volume. When on a call, these buttons adjust call volume. When listening to music or watching videos, they adjust media volume. Try pressing the buttons to turn the volume up.
Finally, check to see if your phone’s sound profile is set to silent or vibrate mode. On Android phones, toggle the ring/silent switch. On iPhones, flip the switch on the side from silent to ring mode. You may have accidentally muted your phone.
Check for Blocked Speakers
One common reason your phone’s speakers may stop working is due to lint, dust, or other debris blocking the speakers. Over time, pocket lint and other particles can accumulate in the speaker grilles and prevent sound from coming through properly.
Carefully inspect your phone’s external speaker grilles using a flashlight. Look for any visible obstructions in the holes of the grille. You can try using a can of compressed air to gently blow out any lint or debris that may be trapped.
Additionally, check the headphone jack for any blockages. Pocket lint can accumulate in the headphone jack which can prevent proper audio transmission to wired headphones or connected devices. Use a toothpick to gently scrape out any visible debris. Just be very careful not to damage the delicate contacts inside the headphone port.
After removing any lint or debris blocking the speakers or headphone jack, test your phone’s audio again. Often, simply clearing out built-up pocket lint is enough to restore sound from previously blocked speakers or ports. If the issue persists, try some of the other troubleshooting steps.
Update Your Phone Software
One common cause of sound issues is a bug in the phone’s operating system. Software updates contain bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve audio problems.
According to research from Kaspersky, 33% of users view “fixing known bugs” as a key reason to install an update. Updates enhance device security and stability. However, 10% still believe updates intentionally slow down devices, per the research.
To check for a software update on an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. The latest iOS version will show if an update is available. Tap “Download and Install” to update. On Android, go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update to check for the newest OS version.
Updating to the latest OS is recommended to fix bugs causing sound loss. Just be sure to back up your phone first in case of issues. Install updates over WiFi to avoid cellular data overages. The update process will restart your phone and may take 10-60 minutes depending on file size.
While infrequent, some users report speaker issues after an OS update. If problems persist after updating, try resetting all settings on your phone. Avoid delaying critical security updates, but holding off on smaller bug fix updates for a few days can allow time for potential bugs to surface.
Reset Your Phone
Resetting your phone to its factory settings can often resolve audio issues, especially if they are being caused by a software problem. There are a couple ways to reset your phone:
First, you can try power cycling your phone by turning it off completely, waiting 30 seconds, and then turning it back on. This resets the phone’s memory and can clear up minor software glitches affecting your audio. Simply press and hold the power button until the “Power off” option appears. Wait half a minute with the phone powered down before pressing the power button again to restart it.
If power cycling does not restore your audio, you may need to do a full factory reset. This will erase all data and settings on the phone and revert it to its original out-of-the-box state. According to Google’s Android help site, you can factory reset through your phone’s Settings app in most cases. The steps vary by device, but look for “Backup and reset” or “General management” in Settings, then select “Factory data reset” and follow the prompts to fully wipe your phone.
Performing a factory reset will delete everything on your phone, so be sure to backup any data and files you want to keep before proceeding. Resetting your phone can be inconvenient, but is often the best way to troubleshoot persistent audio problems stemming from bugs or corrupt software.
Check Connected Devices
If you are using Bluetooth headphones or an auxiliary cable connected to the headphone jack, issues with these devices can prevent sound from coming through your phone’s speakers properly.
Bluetooth connectivity problems are common with wireless headphones and speakers. Despite the prevalence of Bluetooth technology, it is still unreliable at times. As one source explains, “Bluetooth often seems frustratingly unreliable. It has a short range and you might encounter problems with devices pairing or staying connected.”
Interference, obstacles, distance, and software bugs can all disrupt the Bluetooth connection between your phone and headphones. This may result in choppy audio, sudden disconnections, or a complete lack of sound.
If you are using an auxiliary cable plugged into your phone’s headphone jack, the cable itself could be damaged or improperly connected. Try unplugging the cable and plugging it back in firmly on both ends to ensure a proper connection. If the issue persists, replace the auxiliary cable with a new one to see if that fixes the problem.
Test in Safe Mode
Booting your phone into safe mode isolates any software issues that could be preventing sound from working properly. Safe mode loads only the bare essential apps and services, allowing you to determine if a third party app is causing problems with your phone’s audio.
To boot into safe mode on Android, press and hold the power button and then tap and hold “Power off.” You’ll see a “Reboot to safe mode” option appear. Tap that option to restart your device in safe mode.
On an iPhone, you need to first turn your phone off. Then, turn it back on while holding down the Volume Up button until you see the Lock screen. This will boot your iPhone into safe mode. The words “Safe Mode” will appear in the bottom left to confirm you are in safe mode.
With your phone in safe mode, check if sound has been restored. If the problem goes away in safe mode, it likely stems from a problematic third party app. You can then begin troubleshooting to identify and remove the problematic app.
To exit safe mode, simply restart your phone as normal. If sound issues persist even in safe mode, it points to a deeper hardware or software issue.
Check for Water Damage
Moisture inside your phone can cause corrosion and damage to internal components like the speakers. According to a 2019 study published in Forensic Science International, water exposure is one of the most common causes of damage in smartphones.
Look for signs of water damage like moisture in the ports, fogging or condensation under the screen, rust around screws, speakers not working properly, muffled sound, crackling noises, etc. Water corrosion creates an impediment for the electric signals that make the speakers work, leading to no sound issues.
If there are indications of water damage, you may need to replace damaged parts or repair internal components. Avoid charging or using a water damaged device, as that can cause further issues. Contact a repair technician to properly inspect and fix any corrosion.
Replace Damaged Parts
If your phone’s speaker is completely nonfunctional due to physical damage like being dropped in water, the hardware may need to be replaced. According to The Cell Phone Hospital, speaker repair costs can range from $30 to $100 for Android devices. The exact cost depends on factors like your phone model, repair shop rates, and part availability.
Before paying for speaker replacement, consider whether it’s more cost-effective to simply purchase a new phone. According to the Swappa Phone Repair Calculator, the average cost to replace a smartphone speaker ranges from $50 to $90. If your phone is several years old, the repair cost may exceed your phone’s current resale value on the used market. Purchasing a new phone may ultimately be the better investment.
You can get a quote from a local repair shop to evaluate the speaker replacement cost for your specific device. Compare this to the cost of buying a new or refurbished phone of the same model. This will help you decide if replacement is worthwhile, or if it’s time to upgrade your phone.
Contact Carrier Support
If troubleshooting on your own does not restore sound, contacting your carrier’s customer support can help identify any network-related issues causing sound problems. They can walk through troubleshooting steps specific to their service.
Most major carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint have a dedicated technical support line you can call. When you call, explain the sound issues you’re experiencing and steps you’ve already tried. They may have you reset network settings, re-register the phone on their network, or swap out your SIM card.
If they determine hardware issues with your phone are causing the problem, carriers that offer insurance may be able to overnight a replacement phone if you have coverage. Be aware that you may need to pay a deductible fee to get a replacement through carrier insurance. Always back up your data before sending your original phone back.
Consider Upgrading Your Phone
If you have tried all of the steps listed above and the issue persists, it may be time to consider upgrading your phone. The latest models often come with improved audio components and software that can deliver better sound quality. For example, newer phones may have dual or quad speakers, larger drivers, and support for more advanced codecs like aptX for higher fidelity Bluetooth audio.
Many carriers and device manufacturers offer trade-in deals or discounts for upgrading your phone. According to Statista, the average smartphone replacement cycle is around 3 years. However, around 12% upgrade annually to get the latest features. Upgrading can renew your warranty and technical support access as well.
Before upgrading, make sure to back up your data and settings using your old phone’s software tools or your cloud account. Transferring data to a new device is typically quick and seamless, especially if staying within the same OS ecosystem like iOS or Android.
With the rapid pace of technological advancement in mobile devices, a newer model phone is likely to have improved hardware and software that can deliver a better audio experience overall. Just be sure to compare prices and features to find the right upgrade option for your needs and budget.