iPhone speaker not working or no sound? 7 fixes to try

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Turn off Silent mode and Do Not Disturb, then open Settings, Sounds & Haptics and drag the Ringtone and Alerts slider back and forth. If you hear nothing, or the speaker symbol on the slider is dimmed, the speaker may need a repair.

No sound, quiet sound or crackling from an iPhone speaker is usually down to a setting, a connected Bluetooth device, or dirt in the speaker opening. These checks follow the order Apple recommends.

Step by step

  1. Turn off Silent mode

    On an iPhone with a Ring/Silent switch, push the switch towards the screen so no orange shows. On a model with an Action button, open Control Centre by swiping down from the top-right corner and turn off Silent mode there, or press the Action button if it is set to Silent mode.

  2. Turn off Do Not Disturb

    Open Settings, Focus, Do Not Disturb and make sure it is off.

  3. Disconnect Bluetooth

    The sound may be playing through headphones, a speaker or the car. Open Settings, Bluetooth and switch it off as a test.

  4. Remove the case and screen protector

    Take off any case, film or screen protector that could cover the speaker at the bottom edge or the receiver at the top of the screen.

  5. Clean the speaker openings

    Look at the speaker opening and the receiver for fluff or dirt. Brush them gently with a small, soft-bristled brush that is clean and dry.

  6. Test with the volume slider

    Open Settings, Sounds & Haptics and drag the Ringtone and Alerts slider back and forth a few times. You should hear the ringtone. If there is no sound, or the speaker symbol on the slider is dimmed, the speaker may need service.

  7. Make a test call on speaker

    If the slider test made a sound, call someone and tap the speaker button. If you still cannot hear them clearly, try again later or from another place, because the network or the other phone may be the cause.

Good to know

Do not push pins or other sharp objects into the speaker openings, and do not use compressed air. Both can damage the speaker.

On some older versions of iOS the menu is called Sounds instead of Sounds & Haptics.

If none of this restores the sound, contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorised Service Provider about a repair.

In short: Silent mode off, Do Not Disturb off, clean the speaker, then test with the Ringtone and Alerts slider.

Sources
  • Apple Support: If you hear no sound or distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch speaker

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