iPhone Call Volume is Low – Troubleshooting and Fixes (2024)

If you’ve ever found yourself straining to hear the person on the other end of an iPhone call, you’re not alone. Low call volume on iPhones is a common issue that can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an important conversation. Whether you’re using an older iPhone like the iPhone 11 or the latest iPhone 15, the issue can arise for various reasons, ranging from software glitches to hardware problems. In this guide, we’ll dive into the common causes of low call volume on iPhones and walk you through practical solutions to fix the problem for all iPhone models, including newer ones like the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. We’ll also cover both software and hardware-related fixes so you can finally hear your calls clearly again.

Why is My iPhone Call Volume So Low? (Top Reasons Explained)

1. iOS System Issues

Software bugs or recent iOS updates can sometimes interfere with the call volume on your iPhone. If you’ve noticed the issue after updating your iPhone’s software, it’s possible that a system glitch has affected the call settings or audio output.

2. Hardware Problems

If your iPhone’s speaker, microphone, or receiver is damaged or malfunctioning, it could result in low or distorted call volume. This can happen if you’ve dropped your phone or if the speaker is clogged with dust or debris.

3. Bluetooth or Audio Routing

Another common culprit is Bluetooth interference. If your iPhone is connected to a Bluetooth device, such as headphones or a car stereo, it may be routing the audio through that device instead of the phone’s receiver, lowering the call volume.

4. External Interference

Your phone’s case, screen protector, or even dirt and dust blocking the speaker can muffle the sound. It’s easy to overlook this, but something as simple as a blocked speaker can make a world of difference in the sound quality of your calls.

How to Fix Low Call Volume on iPhone (General Solutions)

1. Adjust the Call Volume

This may sound simple, but sometimes the volume just needs to be turned up. During a call, press the volume up button on the side of your iPhone to increase the volume until you can hear clearly.

2. Turn off Phone Noise Cancellation

iPhones come with a noise-cancellation feature designed to reduce background noise during calls. However, this can sometimes lower the call volume. To turn it off:

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility
2. Scroll down to Audio/Visual
3. Toggle off Phone Noise Cancellation

3. Clean Your iPhone’s Speaker and Receiver

Dust and dirt can accumulate in your iPhone’s speaker and ear receiver, causing muffled sound. Use a soft brush or a microfiber cloth to gently clean these areas. Avoid using sharp objects that could damage the speaker.

4. Turn Bluetooth On and Off

Bluetooth can sometimes route audio away from your iPhone’s receiver. To troubleshoot:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth
2. Turn Bluetooth off
3. Make a call again to see if the issue is resolved.

5. Use Speaker Mode

If the volume remains too low during regular calls, try switching to speakerphone. While this isn’t a permanent fix, it can be a useful workaround until you solve the underlying problem.

iPhone Model-Specific Solutions: Call Volume Fixes by iPhone Version

iPhone 11 Call Volume Low

The iPhone 11 might experience low call volume due to either hardware issues like a blocked speaker grill or software glitches. Here’s what you can do:

• Clean the speaker grill: The iPhone 11’s speaker grill is particularly prone to dust buildup.
• Update iOS: If the issue appeared after an update, check for new iOS patches that may fix this bug.

iPhone 12 Volume Low on Calls

Some users report low call volume issues following an iOS update. If your iPhone 12 suddenly experiences this problem:

• Try restarting your iPhone: A simple reboot can fix many software-related issues.
• Check audio routing: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing and make sure Mono Audio and Phone Noise Cancellation are correctly set.

iPhone 13 Volume Too Low

For iPhone 13 users, low call volume might stem from issues with the microphone or speaker.

• Test your microphone: Record a voice memo and play it back to see if the microphone is working properly.
• Clean the earpiece: Dust can easily block the earpiece, so make sure it’s clean.

iPhone 14 & 15 Call Volume Too Low

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 are the newest models, and while they’re generally more reliable, they can still suffer from low call volume due to software bugs or hardware quirks.

• Check iOS updates: Ensure you’re running the latest iOS version.
• Test speaker output: Play music or a video to see if the speaker works properly in other scenarios.

Fix Low iPhone Call Volume Without Losing Data

For those who want to avoid the hassle of a factory reset, there are options to fix low call volume without losing any data.

1. Reset All Settings

This will return all settings to their default values without deleting your personal data:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset
2. Tap Reset All Settings

2. Update iOS to the Latest Version

Sometimes, simply updating to the latest iOS version can fix call volume issues, as Apple often releases bug fixes for these types of problems.

3. Use iOS System Recovery

If the problem persists, you can use a third-party tool like iMyFone or TunesKit for iOS system recovery. These tools can fix system glitches without losing any data.

Advanced Solutions for Persistent Call Volume Issues

If none of the basic solutions work, you may need to dive deeper.

1. Reinstall iOS via Recovery Mode

This involves reinstalling the iOS operating system through Recovery Mode. It’s a more advanced solution that can resolve underlying software corruption that’s affecting your call volume.

2. System Recovery Tools

For persistent issues, third-party tools like iMyFone Fixppo or Tenorshare ReiBoot can help you restore your iPhone to normal without data loss.

3. Visit Apple Support

If you’ve tried everything and the issue still persists, it may be time to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized repair shop. It could be a hardware problem that requires professional attention.

FAQs About iPhone Call Volume Low

Why is my iPhone call volume so low even after updates?

Sometimes, an iOS update can introduce bugs that interfere with the call volume. It’s also possible that the issue is related to hardware or an external factor like Bluetooth or case interference.

Can a software update cause call volume issues on iPhone?

Yes, software updates can sometimes cause glitches that affect the call volume. If the issue arose after an update, make sure to check for newer updates that might fix the bug.

How do I stop Bluetooth from affecting my iPhone call volume?

If Bluetooth is causing low call volume, simply turn it off in Settings > Bluetooth. You can also check if audio is routing to another device under Settings > Accessibility.

Is there a volume limit on iPhones?

Yes, iPhones have a volume limit setting under Settings > Music > Volume Limit. If this is set too low, it can limit call volume, so be sure to check it.

Why is my iPhone 15 call volume lower than my iPhone 11?

Newer iPhones like the iPhone 15 may have different hardware or software quirks that affect call volume. Check for software updates and test the speaker performance in different apps to rule out hardware issues.

Additional Tips for Boosting iPhone Call Volume

• Use External Speakers or Headphones: If the internal volume just isn’t enough, consider using Bluetooth headphones or an external speaker for clearer calls.
• Check for Obstructions: Cases and screen protectors can muffle sound. Try removing them to see if the volume improves.
• Optimize Your Audio Settings: Adjust the audio balance and enable Sound and Haptics under Settings to improve call quality.

Final Thoughts: Ensuring Consistent iPhone Call Volume

Low call volume on your iPhone can be annoying, but thankfully, most issues can be solved with a little troubleshooting. Whether it’s adjusting settings, cleaning your device, or updating software, there are plenty of ways to get your iPhone’s call volume back to normal. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

What about you? Have you experienced low call volume on your iPhone? Drop a comment below and let us know which fix worked for you!