What does Android system volume control?
The Android operating system allows users to control the volume of various audio streams through the system volume controls. The main volume slider found in the Quick Settings panel or device settings adjusts the volume for multiple audio sources including media playback, ringtones and notifications, alarms, and in-call audio 1. Android provides granular control over different audio streams to allow users to customize volumes based on their needs and preferences.
Media Volume
The media volume in Android controls the volume level for music, videos, games, and other media played through your device’s speakers or headphones. When you press the physical volume buttons on an Android phone, by default it adjusts the media volume rather than the ringer volume.
You can control the media volume from several places in Android:
- Pressing the physical volume buttons on the side of your phone while music or video is playing.
- Using the onscreen slider in the notification drawer when media is playing.
- Going to Settings > Sound and dragging the ‘Media volume’ slider.
- Using volume buttons in individual media apps like YouTube or Spotify.
Some Android skins like Samsung’s One UI also include a toggle in quick settings to choose whether volume buttons control ringtone or media volume by default. There are also third party apps on the Play Store that provide more advanced control over volume if needed.
Call Volume
The volume of phone calls on Android devices can be controlled separately from media and notification volumes. This allows users to set the call volume to their preferred level without affecting other audio levels.
The call volume can be adjusted using the volume buttons on the side of the phone during an active call. Pressing the buttons up or down will raise or lower the in-call volume incrementally. Many Android devices also show an on-screen volume slider when on a call, allowing users to quickly adjust the volume with a touch.
In the Settings app under Sound & vibration, there is a section specifically for Call volume where a default volume level can be set. This becomes the starting point for call volume each time a new call is made or answered. Users can still override it with the volume buttons during a call, but it will return to the preset level at the start of the next call.
Some Android skins like Samsung’s One UI also include advanced options to sync call volume with media volume, or make calls louder overall by enabling Extra volume. These additional software features allow users to customize call volumes to best suit their needs.
Overall, the separation of call volume from other audio sources provides easy control over this crucial audio component on Android phones. Users can optimize call volumes for their environment while keeping media and alerts at different levels as desired.
Notification Volume
Notification volume controls the volume level for notifications, alerts, and other prompt sounds on your Android device. This allows you to set notification sounds to be louder or quieter independently from your device’s media or call volumes.
To adjust notification volume on Android, open the Settings app and go to Sound & vibration > Volumes. Here you will find a slider specifically for “Notification volume” that you can drag up or down to your desired level.[1] The notification volume slider is separate from the “Media volume”, “Call volume”, and other volume sliders.
Lowering notification volume could be useful if you find notification sounds too disruptive or loud. You may want to turn it down at night, for example, so alerts don’t wake you up. Raising the volume can help ensure you never miss an important notification during the day.
Some key points about managing notification volume on Android:
- It controls volume for all apps’ notifications, not just specific apps.
- Changing media or call volume does not affect notification volume.
- You can mute notification sounds entirely by dragging the slider all the way down.
- Some Android launchers and manufacturers may provide extra controls and settings.
Overall, the notification volume slider is a quick and easy way to adjust the loudness of alerts across your Android device without affecting your music, videos, calls or other sounds.
Alarm Volume
The alarm volume on Android devices controls the volume level of alarm sounds. This allows you to set the alarm volume independently from the media or ringtone volume. For example, you may want your morning alarm to be loud even if your media volume is set low.
By default, the alarm volume is tied to the media volume on Android. To adjust it independently, you need to go into the Clock app settings and toggle “Volume buttons set” to “Alarm volume” [1]. This will make the physical volume buttons control the alarm volume when in the Clock app.
You can also go into the Clock app settings and drag the “Alarm volume” slider to your desired level. This will set the maximum volume for all alarms. Some Android skins like Samsung’s OneUI also have a separate “Alarm volume” slider in the main Settings app under Sounds and Vibration [2].
If your alarm volume is still low despite adjusting these settings, check that “Vibrate for alarms” is disabled in the Clock app settings. The vibration can make the alarm sound quieter [3].
In-Call Volume
The in-call volume controls the volume level during phone calls on Android devices. This allows you to increase or decrease the volume specifically for calls, separate from the system media or notification volumes.
During a phone call, the in-call volume can be adjusted using the volume keys on the side of your Android device. This will temporarily override the system volume levels just for the duration of the call. Many Android devices also have an extra volume boost option in the phone app settings or quick toggles to further increase the maximum in-call volume if needed.
Some Android skins like Samsung’s One UI have additional in-call volume controls and options. For example, Samsung devices running One UI 4.0 or later have a dedicated “Extra volume” option when on a call to boost the volume higher than the normal maximum earpiece volume (Sources[1]).
Adjusting in-call volume is useful for increasing audibility during calls, especially in noisy environments. The ability to separately control in-call volume gives users more granular control over sound levels on their Android device.
Accessibility Volume
Android has a separate volume control specifically for accessibility features like screen readers and spoken feedback. The accessibility volume allows users to turn up or down the volume for just accessibility features without changing the volume of media and alarms. (Source).
The accessibility volume works hand in hand with features like TalkBack and spoken feedback. Users who rely on those features can customize that volume separately from the device’s main volume levels (Source). This allows for more customization and improves the accessiblility experience.
Volume Limits
Android allows users to set a maximum volume limit for media playback from apps and services. This can prevent excessively loud audio that could potentially damage hearing over time.
To enable volume limiting in Android settings, open the Settings app and go to Sound & vibration > Volume. Tap the 3-dot menu in the upper right and select Media volume limit. Toggle on the switch for Limit media volume and drag the volume limit slider to your desired maximum level [1].
This volume limit caps the maximum media volume – things like music, videos, games, and other media apps. However, it does not limit call volume, alarm volume, or accessibility volume like screen readers. The volume limit persists across headphones and speakers as well [2].
Setting a safe volume limit can prevent hearing damage over time while still allowing flexible volume control up to the limit. It’s a useful setting for Android users who want to be proactive about hearing health.
Per App Volume
Per app volume allows users to control the volume levels of individual apps on their Android device. This can be useful for setting different volume levels for music apps, game apps, etc. By default, Android controls system-wide volume that applies to all apps.
Some apps like media players and voice call apps have built-in volume controls that only change that app’s volume. For example, in a music app like Spotify, you can adjust the volume within the app itself without affecting your device’s system volume. However, not all apps have this capability.
Third party apps like Individual App Volume Control allow you to set custom volume levels on a per app basis for any app on your Android device, giving you more granular control.
Conclusion
Android phones have a variety of built-in volume controls that allow users to customize different audio outputs. The system volume slider adjusts the overall volume levels for ringtones, media, notifications, system sounds, and in-call audio. Users can further fine tune volumes for media, calls, notifications, alarms and accessibility features in the device settings. There are also options to set volume limits and control audio on a per-app basis. Overall, Android offers granular control over all audio outputs so users can tailor the experience to their needs and preferences.