What is the app that makes the volume louder on Android?
Many Android users have experienced issues with low maximum volume on their devices, especially when using headphones or external speakers. This can be frustrating, as it prevents users from setting the audio to a comfortably loud level for their environment.
There are a few key reasons why some Android phones have lower maximum volumes:
- Volume Limits – Many manufacturers set a default maximum volume limit in the software. This aims to protect hearing but reduces loudness.
- Hardware Limitations – The internal amplifiers and DACs in some models may not be capable of reaching high decibel levels.
- Regional Regulations – Some regions limit allowable volume levels on devices sold there due to health concerns.
While the low maximum volume may be intended to prevent hearing damage, it can be inconvenient and restrict usability. Luckily, there are ways to increase the volume cap on most Android devices, which we’ll explore in this article.
Default Volume Limit
Android smartphones automatically have a default volume limit enabled to help protect users’ hearing. This volume limit restricts the maximum volume level of media playback from apps, videos, music, etc. According to The Verge, the default limit is usually around 80% of the device’s full volume capacity. Manufacturers like Samsung set this limit to comply with regional regulations and health guidance around safe audio exposure.
The default volume limit aims to prevent damage from excessive noise exposure. Listening to audio at high volumes, especially over long periods, can negatively impact hearing over time. Android’s default cap reduces the risk of unsafe listening habits that could lead to issues like early hearing loss or tinnitus.
Media Volume vs Ringtone Volume
By default on Android, the volume buttons control the ringtone volume rather than the media volume. This means when you press the volume buttons, it changes the volume for ringtones, alerts, and notifications, but does not affect the volume of music, videos, games, and other media.
To change this behavior and have the volume buttons control media volume instead, you need to change a setting in your Android device:
On Android 9 and newer:
– Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Volume
– Turn on “Use volume keys for media”
On Android 8 and older:
– Go to Settings > Sound & notification
– Turn on “Use volume keys for media”
Enabling this will make your phone’s volume buttons control the media volume rather than ringtone volume. You can then adjust the media volume for music, videos, games etc. separately from your ringtone volume.
Some users prefer having separate control over media vs ringtone volume. If you listen to music or watch videos often, it can be useful to have the volume buttons change the media volume by default.
Increase Media Volume
The easiest way to boost the media volume on Android is to use the physical Volume Up button on the side of your device. Pressing this button when music or videos are playing will raise the media volume incrementally. You can tap Volume Up multiple times to continue increasing the volume until you reach the maximum allowed level.
You can also adjust the media volume more precisely in the Settings menu. Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Volume and drag the “Media volume” slider to the right to increase the maximum volume limit. Be aware that the system may prevent increasing the volume above a certain safe level to protect hearing.
Some third-party apps like Volume Booster Pro claim to boost volume beyond system limits. However, results vary and some users report audio distortion at maximum volumes. Proceed with caution when using unofficial volume boosting apps, as they may impact battery life or audio quality [1].
Adjust Individual App Volumes
One option to increase the volume further than the default media volume limit is to adjust the volume levels for individual apps using a third party app. Apps like Sound Assistant developed by Samsung allow you to control the volume of each app separately.
With Sound Assistant, you can access an “Individual app volumes” menu where you can add any app installed on your device. For each app, you can then change the volume to be louder or quieter than the system volume. This lets you customize the volume level on a per app basis.
Other apps like Volume Master provide similar functionality. These types of apps provide granular control over volume so you can make apps like music streaming louder without affecting ringtone or alarm volumes.
Disable Volume Limit
There are a few ways to disable the volume limit on Android devices:
One method is to delete a file called audio_policy_configuration.xml which contains the volume limit settings. This file is usually located at /system/etc/ or /system/vendor/etc/. Using a root file explorer or ADB commands, you can delete this file to remove volume restrictions. However, the file may be recreated after future system updates so this is only a temporary solution [1].
There are also third party apps like Volume Booster GOODEV and Volume Boost+ that can override the default volume limit by utilizing accessibility services. These apps essentially hijack the volume controls to maximum levels. However, constantly running these accessibility services can impact battery life and performance.
Using ADB commands is another option – you can execute adb shell settings put global audio_safe_volume_state 0 to disable the limit. But again this may get reset after rebooting or software updates.
Alternative Solutions
There are various alternatives if you find you need to boost the volume further than the default Android settings allow. Here are some of the top options:
External amplifiers or amps can provide additional volume beyond the built-in speakers on your Android device. These attach via the headphone jack or USB-C port and amplify the audio signal before it reaches your headphones or external speakers. Quality amps like the Fiio E6 and Fiio A3 provide cleaner audio with boosted volume levels.
Equalizer and volume booster apps like Louder Volume Booster and Equalizer & Booster can customize the sound profile on your Android device to increase certain frequencies and provide an overall volume boost. These don’t require external hardware.
Connecting to external Bluetooth speakers can provide louder and higher quality sound compared to your built-in smartphone or tablet speakers. Portable speakers like the Anker Soundcore allow you to boost the volume significantly.
Impact on Battery
Increasing the media volume on your Android device can lead to faster battery drain. When you turn the volume up, the speakers or headphones have to work harder to produce louder sound waves. This requires more electricity and battery power [1]. The higher the volume, the more rapidly your battery will be depleted.
Several factors contribute to battery drain at high volumes. The speakers or headphones draw more current at louder volumes. The audio processing also requires more processing power from the device CPU and amplifiers. Additionally, energy is lost as heat dissipation from the strain on the speakers or headphones. Combined, these effects can noticeably impact battery life if high volume is used for prolonged periods [1].
Hearing Health
Listening to audio at excessive volumes, especially over headphones or earbuds, poses risks for hearing health. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. According to the CDC, an estimated 17% of adults aged 20-69 years have noise-induced hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is permanent and cannot be reversed.
The World Health Organization recommends listening to personal audio devices at 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 1 hour a day. At volumes above 85 decibels, damage can occur after just 8 hours of exposure. Listening at high volumes pushes the limits of safe audio levels and increases the risk of developing tinnitus or permanent hearing loss over time.
To protect hearing health when using headphones or earbuds, keep the volume at moderate levels and avoid cranking it to the maximum. Take short listening breaks and be aware of exposure duration. Consider using volume limiting options if available. With some caution, it’s possible to enjoy audio from a smartphone without damaging hearing in the process.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few different ways to increase the maximum volume output on Android phones. The easiest method is to go into Settings > Sound and disable the default volume limit. This will allow media volumes to be turned up louder. Alternatively, users can adjust the individual app volumes under App Settings to override the limit for specific apps. The Media Volume specifically controls music, videos, games, and other media, while the Ringtone Volume adjusts call and notification volumes.
When increasing volume levels, it’s important to be mindful of potential hearing damage from prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Try to avoid maxing out the volume regularly and take breaks from loud media. Battery life may also be impacted by higher volumes. Overall, Android provides customizable options to suit different user needs and preferences for volume limits. Just be thoughtful when adjusting louder than default settings.