Why does my Samsung phone only work on speaker?
It can be frustrating when your Samsung phone only works on speakerphone and you can’t hear the call through the earpiece. The issue commonly results in calls only working when on speakerphone or using a Bluetooth headset. While there are a few potential causes, the problem often comes down to a software glitch or hardware issue with the phone’s proximity sensor or volume buttons. This article will provide an overview of the common causes and solutions to troubleshoot a Samsung phone that will only make calls using the speaker.
Potential Causes
There are a few potential causes for a Samsung phone only working on speaker:
Software Issue
Sometimes a software glitch or corrupted settings can cause audio issues on Samsung devices. An app update or system software update may inadvertently affect the audio output. Trying basic troubleshooting steps like restarting the phone or resetting app preferences can often resolve a software-related problem.
Faulty Headphone Jack
If the headphone jack on your Samsung device is damaged, it could prevent headphones from properly connecting. According to Samsung support articles, issues like a bent jack, broken part, or exposed wiring can stop audio transmission to wired headphones (Source). Visually inspecting the headphone port and plugging/unplugging the jack a few times may help clear out any debris or connection issues.
Proximity Sensor
The proximity sensor on Samsung phones disables the screen and switches audio to the speaker when you hold the phone up to your ear during a call. If this sensor is stuck or thinks the phone is close to your face, it could be triggering the audio to improperly switch to the loudspeaker.
Software Issue
Sometimes a software bug introduced in a recent operating system update can cause issues with the speakerphone functionality on Samsung devices. For example, users have reported speakerphone problems after installing Android 10 updates on some Samsung Galaxy models (Source). A buggy OS update may disrupt communication between system components, preventing the phone from routing audio properly through the speaker.
Try installing any available software updates for your Samsung device, as they may contain fixes for speakerphone bugs (Source). You can check for updates in the Settings app. If the issue persists after updating, you may need to perform a factory reset to eliminate any corrupted OS files.
– Proximity sensor
One common cause of a Samsung phone only working on speaker is an issue with the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor detects if you are holding the phone up to your ear during a call. If the sensor is dirty, damaged, or blocked, it may falsely detect that the phone is away from your ear during a call and automatically switch to the speakerphone (https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/148945/Is+this+a+proximity+sensor+issue”).
To diagnose a faulty proximity sensor, you can download a sensor testing app or dial *#0*# on the phone app to access built-in diagnostics. If the sensor shows “NEAR” even when nothing is near it, that indicates an issue. The proximity sensor may just need cleaning, or it could be damaged and require replacing the entire front glass panel or screen. Take care not to damage the delicate proximity sensor if replacing the screen yourself (https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/701687/Changed+cracked+screen+and+frame.+Proximity+sensor+doesn%27t+work”).
Volume Buttons
One potential cause for the phone only working on speaker is physical damage to the volume buttons. Over time, constant pressing on the volume buttons can lead to internal damage of the button mechanisms. Debris and liquid damage can also get into the openings for the buttons, causing them to get stuck or not make proper contact when pressed.
Try visually inspecting the volume buttons on the side of the phone. Look for any signs of external damage, like chipping or cracks around the buttons. Then try pressing the volume up and down buttons several times to see if they feel stuck or unresponsive. The mechanisms inside may need cleaning or replacement if the buttons aren’t functioning properly.
If inspecting the buttons reveals apparent damage, you may need to get the phone repaired. The Samsung self-repair program provides genuine replacement parts and guides to replace the volume buttons yourself (Samsung). Otherwise, contact Samsung Support or a repair shop to have the volume buttons fixed or replaced.
Diagnosing the Issue
One way to diagnose why your Samsung phone is only working on speaker is to thoroughly test it with different headphones. Follow these steps:
Plug in the original Samsung earbuds that came with your phone. See if you can hear audio through them normally. If so, the issue may be with your third party headphones.
Try using 2-3 different pairs of third party headphones or earbuds. Test both wired and wireless Bluetooth options. If none work, then the issue is likely with your phone rather than the headphones.
Pay attention to any on-screen prompts or error messages that pop up when headphones are plugged in. These may indicate if the phone is detecting the headphones properly.
If multiple pairs of headphones fail to work, it points to a hardware or software issue with your Samsung phone itself, rather than a problem with the individual headphones. This testing can help narrow down where the root cause lies.
Diagnosing the Issue
One of the first steps to resolve the speakerphone issue is to try a factory reset. This will erase all data and settings on the device and restore it to original factory condition, which can fix software corruption causing speakerphone problems. According to this Android Central forum post, a factory reset often resolves speakerphone issues caused by software glitches.
To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > General > Reset > Factory Data Reset. This will wipe the device and restore default software settings. After the reset completes, test the speakerphone again. If the issue persists, further hardware troubleshooting is needed. But in many cases, a factory reset removes corrupted software causing speakerphone to default to speaker mode.
Visually inspect
One way to diagnose the issue is to visually inspect the phone for any signs of damage or dirt buildup that could be causing problems with the speaker. Carefully look over the ports, buttons, speaker grills, and other external components for any debris, corrosion, cracks, or other issues. Pay particular attention to the proximity sensor above the screen, the headphone jack, and the external speaker grill. Gently clean any dirty areas with compressed air or a soft brush.
As noted in the iFixit guide on inspecting a Samsung UN55D6050TFX TV here, a visual inspection can often reveal obvious problems with components that could be causing issues.
Resolving the Issue
If diagnosing the issue reveals a hardware problem such as a faulty proximity sensor or volume buttons, resolving the issue may require cleaning or replacing the affected parts. According to Samsung’s Service Locator, you can visit an authorized Samsung service center to have a technician inspect and repair your phone.
Cleaning or replacing the faulty hardware components like the proximity sensor or volume buttons can often resolve issues with the phone only working on speaker. The Samsung repair technicians have the proper tools and parts to clean or swap out the hardware causing problems.
To find a nearby authorized Samsung service center, visit Samsung’s Find a Samsung Support Center page and enter your location. You can also request a repair through the Request Repair page on Samsung’s website.
Preventing Future Issues
One of the best ways to prevent issues with your Samsung phone in the future is through proper care and maintenance. Samsung recommends using the Device Care and Maintenance Mode features to optimize performance. According to Samsung’s website (source), you can improve speed and prevent issues by using the Auto Optimization feature in Device Care. This will automatically clean memory and restart your phone when needed. You can also use Maintenance Mode (source) to hide personal data if you need to send your phone in for repairs. By taking preventative measures like these, you can prolong the life of your Samsung phone and avoid many common software issues.