9 Quick Fixes to iPhone Sound not Working

Your iPhone is not just a communication device; it's your source of entertainment, productivity, and connectivity. So, when the sound on your iPhone stops working, it can be quite frustrating. Whether you're experiencing issues with calls, notifications, or media playback, this guide is here to help.

In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the common reasons why iPhone sound not working and provide you with 9 quick fixes to get it back to its audio glory.

Why is my sound not working on my iPhone?

Before diving into solutions, let's understand why your iPhone sound might be malfunctioning:

❌ Volume Settings: Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the most accurate. Check your device's volume settings to ensure it's not muted or set to a very low volume.
❌ Silent Mode: Your iPhone has a silent mode switch on the side. If it's set to silent, you won't hear any sounds except for alarms and timers.
❌ Bluetooth Connectivity: If your iPhone is connected to a Bluetooth device (like headphones or speakers), the sound may be routed there instead of the iPhone's speakers.
❌ Headphone Jack Issues: If you recently used headphones or an audio accessory, your iPhone might still think they're connected, disabling sound through the speakers.
❌ Software Glitches: Like any technology, iPhones can experience software glitches that affect sound output. These glitches can occur after software updates or other changes to your device.
❌ App Specific Problems: Sometimes, the issue may be isolated to a specific app. If you're only experiencing sound problems in one app, it might be due to that app's settings or a bug.
❌ Water Damage or Physical Damage: If your iPhone has been exposed to water or sustained physical damage, it can affect the device's internal components, including the speakers.

9 fixes to iPhone sound not working

Now, let's move on to the solutions to get your iPhone sound back up and running. You can try the 9 fixes in this part one after another until your issue gets fixed.

1# Check the silent switch and adjust volume

Let’s start with the basics. You may need to check the Ring/Silent switch on your iPhone. If you've accidentally activated silent mode and forgotten to switch it off, this can result in the issue you're facing. To address this, follow these steps:

• Ensure your iPhone is not in silent mode by moving the switch forward, toward the device's display, until the orange indicator is no longer visible.

• Once the Silent switch is turned off, you can adjust the volume using either the volume buttons or the slider in the Control Center. If you find your iPhone keeps switching to silent, you can check the steps on this link to fix it.

2# Disable Do Not Disturb feature

If you've noticed a small moon icon in the top-right corner of your iPhone's status bar and sound is not working on iPhone, it means that the Do Not Disturb mode is active. To resolve this issue, ensure that Do Not Disturb is turned off.

To check and disable Do Not Disturb, in your iPhone Settings > Scroll down and tap Do Not Disturb > Toggle off the switch next to Do Not Disturb.

3# Disconnect Bluetooth devices

There's a possibility that your Bluetooth headphones or speakers got connected to your iPhone, which mislead you think your iPhone sound not working. To address this issue, you can disable Bluetooth directly from the Control Center.

By doing this, you'll disconnect your iPhone from the external Bluetooth device, allowing the sound to be played on iPhone. After disabling Bluetooth, try again to see if the problem is resolved.

4# Check for physical damage

It's essential to closely inspect your iPhone for any physical damage that could affect the speaker's performance. Look for indications of water damage, cracks, or debris that might obstruct the speaker's functionality.

5# Check the iPhone speaker

If you're unable to hear any sound from your iPhone, it's important to check if the iPhone speaker is functioning properly. You can do this by following these steps: 

Go to Settings > Navigate to Sounds & Haptics > Drag the Ringer and Alerts slider back and forth a few times. This action can help identify and potentially resolve issues with the iPhone speaker.

If you hear a sound when adjusting the "Ringer and Alerts" slider, it indicates that your iPhone speaker is functioning correctly. However, if you still can't hear any sound, and the speaker button on the slider is dimmed, it's likely that your device requires hardware repair. In such cases, it's advisable to get in touch with Apple Support for further assistance with your iPhone.

6# Check the notifications settings

If you're experiencing a lack of sound in specific apps or some apps on your iPhone, the issue may be related to your Notification settings. To address this problem, ensure that you have enabled both "Allow Notifications" and "Sounds" for the affected apps in your Notification settings.

You can check by going to Settings > Notifications and choosing the app. On the next screen, make sure both the Allow Notifications and Sounds switch are toggled on.

7# Update to the latest iOS

It's worth noting that each iOS system update typically includes fixes for minor bugs, including sound-related issues. Therefore, it's a good practice to check for system software updates and ensure that you have the latest iOS version installed on your device.

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Software Update. If there is a new iOS version, download and install it.

8# Force restart iPhone

On occasion, a straightforward restart can resolve software glitches that may be causing sound not working on iPhone. Depending on your iPhone model, you can perform a force restart by following the steps below:

iPhone 8 and later: Press and quickly release the Volume + button > Perform the same operation on the Volume - button > Press and hold the Side button and release when you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold both the Volume - button and the Power button > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.
iPhone 6s or earlier: Press both the Power button and the Home button for seconds > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

9# Reset all settings

If none of the previously mentioned solutions have resolved the issue, you can try to fix it by performing a reset of all settings on your iPhone. It's important to note that this action will restore your device's customized settings to their default configurations but won't result in any data loss. To do this:

Head to iPhone Settings > Choose General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Tap Reset > Choose Reset All Settings. Enter your passcode to confirm your operation.

Conclusion

When your iPhone sound not working, it can be an inconvenience, affecting your calls, notifications, and multimedia experience. However, by following the quick fixes outlined in this guide, you can likely resolve the issue and restore your iPhone's audio functionality. Enjoy your iPhone's audio capabilities once again!