How to increase the volume of Android phone without root?
Check Volume Settings
The first step is to locate the volume rocker on the side of your Android phone. This is usually on the left side above the power button. Press the top volume button to raise the volume and the bottom button to lower it.
You can also go into your phone’s Settings app and select Sound and haptics (this may be called Sound & vibration or Audio on some devices). Here you will see sliders for media volume and call volume. Make sure both of these are turned up to the maximum level you find comfortable.
According to Wired, many smartphones can reach volume levels up to 100 decibels or higher[1]. The Hearing Health Foundation recommends a safe level of 50-60% of maximum volume to protect hearing[2]. Keeping Android volume below 80 decibels is ideal for long-term listening.
Use Volume Boosting Apps
One way to increase the maximum volume output on your Android phone is by using third party volume boosting apps like Volume Booster GOODEV or Volume Booster – Sound Booster. These apps allow you to boost the volume beyond your phone’s normal maximum level.
To use these apps, simply download and install them from the Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and enable the volume boosting feature. You’ll usually see a slider or settings to control the volume boost amount. Be careful not to crank it all the way up, as it can potentially distort the audio at very high levels.
The advantage of volume boosting apps is that they can make audio louder than what your phone normally allows. However, take care not to overdo it as too much gain may degrade the sound quality or damage speakers at max volumes.
Change Audio Output
One way to increase the maximum volume output on your Android phone is by changing the audio output device. The built-in speakers on smartphones have limited power and volume capabilities. Connecting your phone to an external speaker system or headphones can provide louder and higher quality sound.
Try plugging in wired headphones, as they will bypass the built-in speakers and route all audio through the headphone jack. Most wired headphones require less power to drive than speakers and can play at higher volumes. According to the Hearing Health Foundation, headphones can reach volumes as high as 100 dB or more, so be sure to keep volume at safe levels. Studies show 85 dB for less than 8 hours is considered safe.
You can also connect your Android phone to a Bluetooth speaker or other external speaker system to boost the maximum volume. External speakers are designed to amplify and project sound in a way that the tiny built-in phone speakers cannot. Just make sure your phone’s Bluetooth or audio output connection is enabled to route sound to the external speakers.
Update Software
Installing the latest Android operating system and headphone driver updates can help increase maximum volume output. Google and Android manufacturers regularly release software updates that include improvements to audio and volume controls.
For example, Android 13 expanded the number of volume steps and allows adjusting call volume separately from media volume (Google, 2023). Installing new versions of Android as they become available can unlock the latest volume options.
Additionally, updating audio drivers, especially headphone and headset drivers, may improve volume control and quality. Driver updates are often included in Android OS updates. You can also try updating drivers manually through your device manufacturer or headphone brand’s website.
After installing any new software or driver updates, test if volume has increased to the desired level. If volume is still low after updates, further troubleshooting may be necessary.
Adjust App Volumes
One way to increase the volume on Android without root is to adjust the volume levels within individual apps. Each app has its own volume settings that can be configured separately from the system volume. Here are some tips for adjusting app volumes:
Open the Settings app and go to Apps & Notifications > App Info. Tap on the app you want to adjust volume for. In the app info screen, look for a section called App Volume and adjust the slider as needed. Setting this higher can help increase volume in apps that seem too quiet.
Try uninstalling and reinstalling any apps that have abnormal volume issues. Sometimes corrupt app installs can cause volume glitches. Deleting the app data and cache before reinstalling may also help.
Use an app like Volume Control to manage volumes of individual apps separately. This gives more granular control without adjusting system volume.
Check audio and volume settings within apps themselves. Some apps have internal volume sliders or audio options to tweak.
Swapping to a different media app like VLC or MX Player can potentially give a volume boost for videos/music.
Ultimately, adjusting volume inside problematic apps directly is often the best solution for boosting app sound without affecting overall system volume.
Clean Headphone Jack
One common cause of low volume on Android phones is a dirty or obstructed headphone jack. Dust, lint, and debris can build up inside the headphone port over time, interfering with the connection between your headphones and the phone.
Try using compressed air to thoroughly clean out the headphone jack. First, turn off your phone and disconnect any cables. Then use short bursts of compressed air to blow out any dust or lint trapped in the port. Avoid tilting the can or holding it at an angle, as this can push debris further inside. Keep blasting air until no more particles come out.
Inspect the jack afterward to check for any remaining obstructions. Look for bent connector pins inside the port, as these can prevent a secure connection. If pins appear damaged, try gently straightening them with tweezers. Take care not to break them off entirely.
Cleaning the headphone jack can help restore sound contacts for improved volume and connection. Just be sure to blow air into the port gently to avoid damaging delicate internal components. With a little maintenance, your headphone jack can work like new again.
Toggle Sound Enhancements
One way to increase the maximum volume output on your Android phone is to disable any audio effects or enhancements. Many Android phones come with features like Dolby Atmos, equalizers, or virtual surround sound effects enabled by default. While these effects can improve sound quality, they can also limit the maximum volume output.
To disable audio effects, go to your phone’s Settings app and look for options like “Sound quality and effects” or “Audio profiles.” Here you can toggle off any enhancements like Dolby Atmos or virtual surround. You may also find Equalizer settings here to adjust or turn off completely.
According to a 2021 study published in ScienceDirect, audio effects like equalizers can alter user perception of volume on mobile apps (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0148296320308870). Turning these off could help remove any limiting on your phone’s maximum volume capabilities.
Disabling sound enhancements allows your phone to output audio at full, unprocessed volume levels. Just be careful of listening at excessive volumes, as health experts warn against hearing damage from loud music over prolonged periods.
Avoid Obstructions
One common reason your Android phone’s volume may seem low is due to obstructions blocking the speakers or headphone jack. Here are some tips to check for and remove obstructions:
Remove any thick or bulky phone case covering the speaker. Phone cases, especially thicker protective cases, can partially cover the speaker and reduce the volume. Try removing your case and see if the volume increases. If so, you may want to switch to a slimmer case that doesn’t obstruct the speakers. According to a Quora discussion, phone cases can reduce volume by covering speaker ports. [1]
Clear out any debris blocking the headphone jack. Dust, pocket lint, and dirt can build up in the headphone jack over time. Use a toothpick or soft brush to gently clean out the jack. Make sure the jack is completely clear so that headphones or aux cords can insert fully for louder and clearer sound. As noted on Croma’s tech blog, built up grime in an old phone case can interfere with the headphone jack and speakers. [2]
Factory Reset
Doing a factory reset will restore your phone back to its default manufacturer settings by erasing all data and installed apps. Before resetting, it is critical to backup any important data like photos, files, contacts etc. A factory reset should only be done as a last resort when other troubleshooting steps have failed to resolve the issue. To factory reset:
1. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset)
2. Tap Reset phone and then Erase everything
After the reset is complete, test if the low volume issue still persists. If the volume is back to normal levels after the reset, then some app or software glitch was likely the culprit. You can then slowly reinstall apps while testing the volume intermittently to try and isolate the problematic app if the issue recurs. However, if the volume is still low even after a factory reset, then there is likely a hardware issue that needs professional repair.
Get Repaired
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps above and your Android phone’s volume is still low, the issue may be due to a hardware problem that requires professional repair.
Some common hardware issues that can cause low volume in Android phones include:
- Damaged or faulty speakers
- Faulty headphone jack/port
- Broken volume buttons or volume control
- Issues with the phone’s audio IC chip
To properly diagnose and resolve a hardware-related low volume issue, it’s best to visit a phone repair technician. Repair shops can run diagnostic tests, inspect the phone’s hardware, and determine exactly what component needs to be repaired or replaced.
Replacing a damaged speaker or audio jack is usually an affordable repair. More complex issues like a faulty audio IC may require soldering and a mainboard replacement, which can be more expensive. But for severe volume problems, a hardware repair may be the only solution.
Before getting a repair, try cleaning the headphone jack with compressed air to rule out a simple obstruction. You can also backup data and perform a factory reset in case software is contributing to the low volume. But if neither of those options resolves it, take your Android phone to a repair technician to get the volume back to normal levels.
Sources:
[1] https://www.uubyte.com/blog/why-is-my-android-phone-volume-so-low/