iPhone Speaker Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Did You Know?

Quick answer: iPhone speaker issues are usually caused by software glitches, blocked speaker grilles, or hardware damage. Try cleaning the speakers, checking sound settings, and restarting before seeking repair.

When your iPhone speaker stops working, it can affect calls, music, videos, and notifications. Before assuming the worst, there are several troubleshooting steps that resolve most speaker problems without needing professional repair.

Common Causes of iPhone Speaker Problems

iPhone speaker issues fall into two categories: software-related and hardware-related. Understanding which you're dealing with helps determine the right fix.

Software Causes

• iOS glitches — Temporary bugs affecting audio output
• App conflicts — Third-party apps interfering with sound
• Sound settings — Accidentally muted or volume turned down
• Do Not Disturb — Silencing notifications and calls
• Bluetooth connected — Audio routing to wireless device

Hardware Causes

• Blocked speaker grilles — Dust, lint, or debris accumulation
• Water damage — Moisture affecting speaker components
• Physical damage — Drop impact damaging speaker unit
• Loose connections — Internal cables disconnected
• Worn speaker — Component degradation over time

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check the Basics

Start with the obvious checks that are often overlooked:

• Ensure the Ring/Silent switch isn't set to silent (orange visible = silent)
• Press Volume Up to increase speaker volume
• Check Control Centre — tap the bell icon if Do Not Disturb is active
• Go to Settings → Sounds & Haptics → ensure Ringer volume is up

Step 2: Check Bluetooth and Audio Routing

Your iPhone might be sending audio elsewhere:

• Open Control Centre and check if Bluetooth is connected to another device
• During calls, tap the speaker icon to ensure audio isn't routed to earpiece only
• Check if AirPlay is sending audio to another device
• Remove any connected headphones or audio accessories

Step 3: Clean the Speaker Grilles

Blocked speakers are extremely common. Your iPhone has speakers at the bottom (next to the charging port) and in the earpiece at the top.

• Use a soft-bristled brush (clean, dry toothbrush works well)
• Gently brush across the speaker grilles to remove debris
• Use compressed air from a safe distance (don't spray directly into ports)
• Avoid using sharp objects that could push debris further in
• Never use liquids to clean speakers

Step 4: Restart Your iPhone

A restart clears temporary software issues:

• iPhone X and later: Hold Side + Volume Down until slider appears
• iPhone 8 and earlier: Hold Side/Top button until slider appears
• Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn back on

Step 5: Update iOS

Apple regularly releases updates that fix audio bugs. Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install any available updates.

Step 6: Test in Different Apps

Determine if the issue is app-specific or system-wide:

• Play music in the Music app
• Play a video in Safari
• Make a phone call and test both earpiece and speakerphone
• Play a voice memo recording

If sound works in some apps but not others, the problem is likely software-related.

Step 7: Reset All Settings

If software issues persist, reset settings without losing data: Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings. This resets sound, network, and display settings to defaults.

Earpiece vs Loudspeaker Problems

Your iPhone has two speaker systems that can fail independently:

Water Damage and Speakers

If your iPhone was recently exposed to water and speakers aren't working properly, the speaker membranes may be wet. Apple's water resistance helps but isn't waterproof. See our complete iPhone water damage guide for all immediate steps.

What to Do

• Don't try to charge the phone — let it dry completely first
• Place the phone speaker-down on a lint-free cloth
• Leave in a warm, dry area (not in rice — this can cause more damage)
• Wait at least 24-48 hours before testing speakers
• Use the Water Eject feature in Shortcuts app once dry

Warning

Warning: If speakers remain muffled after drying, water may have damaged the speaker components. Professional inspection is recommended to prevent further corrosion damage.

UK Speaker Repair Costs

Speaker repairs typically take 30-60 minutes. Prices include quality replacement parts and our 27-month warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does only one speaker work on my iPhone?

If only the bottom speaker works, the earpiece may be damaged or blocked. If only the top works, the loudspeaker needs attention. Note that during normal media playback, only the bottom speaker produces most of the sound — this is normal behaviour, not a fault.

Can I fix iPhone speakers myself?

Cleaning speaker grilles and troubleshooting software issues can be done at home. However, replacing speaker components requires special tools and risks damaging your phone if done incorrectly. Professional repair is recommended for hardware issues.

Why does my iPhone speaker sound muffled?

Muffled sound usually indicates debris blocking the speaker grille, water damage affecting the speaker membrane, or a worn speaker component. Start by cleaning the grilles thoroughly. If you also have microphone issues, both components may be affected.

Will Apple replace my speaker under warranty?

Speaker defects are covered under Apple's warranty if no physical or water damage is present. If your iPhone is out of warranty, Apple charges £169-£239 for speaker-related repairs, while independent repair shops offer more affordable options.