How to Fix iPhone Speaker Not Working (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

If your iPhone speaker not working problem is driving you crazy, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users suddenly face issues like no sound during calls, videos playing silently, or notification sounds disappearing. The good news? In most cases, you can fix iPhone speaker problems yourself—no repair shop needed.

In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to fix iPhone speaker not working using simple, step-by-step methods. We’ll cover common causes, real-world examples, and practical solutions that work for everyday users.

Why Is My iPhone Speaker Not Working?

Before fixing the problem, it helps to understand what might be causing it. An iPhone speaker can stop working due to software glitches, incorrect settings, or hardware issues.

Common Reasons iPhone Speakers Stop Working

Volume turned down or muted
Silent Mode or Focus Mode enabled
Bluetooth connected to another device
Dust or dirt blocking the speaker grille
iOS software bugs
Water or moisture damage
Faulty speaker hardware

Real-world example:
You watch a YouTube video and see the volume bar moving, but hear nothing. Later, you realize your iPhone is still connected to your car’s Bluetooth system.

Basic Checks to Fix iPhone Speaker Not Working

Start with these simple checks. They solve many iPhone speaker problems in minutes.

1. Turn Up the Volume Properly

Press the Volume Up button on the side of your iPhone
Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics
Drag the Ringer and Alerts slider to the right

Try playing music or a video to test the speaker.

2. Disable Silent Mode

Check the Ring/Silent switch on the left side of your iPhone.

If you see an orange line, Silent Mode is ON
Flip the switch to turn it OFF

Silent Mode blocks most sounds, including notifications.

3. Turn Off Bluetooth

Your iPhone may be sending sound to another device.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth
Toggle Bluetooth OFF
Test the speaker again

This is one of the most common causes of “iPhone speaker not working.”

How to Fix iPhone Speaker Not Working Due to Settings

If basic checks don’t help, dig into iPhone settings.

4. Check Focus and Do Not Disturb Mode

Go to Settings > Focus
Turn off Do Not Disturb or other Focus modes
Make sure no sound filters are active

Focus Mode can silence calls, alerts, and notifications.

5. Check Audio Balance Settings

Open Settings > Accessibility
Tap Audio/Visual
Ensure the Balance slider is centered

If audio balance is shifted, one speaker may seem broken.

Fix iPhone Speaker Not Working During Calls

If you can’t hear people during phone calls, the issue may be with call audio settings.

6. Turn Off Phone Noise Cancellation

Go to Settings > Accessibility
Tap Audio/Visual
Turn Phone Noise Cancellation OFF

Some users report clearer call audio after disabling this feature.

7. Try Speakerphone During Calls

Make a call
Tap the Speaker button
Check if sound works through the loudspeaker

If speakerphone works but normal calls don’t, the earpiece speaker may be blocked or damaged.

Clean the Speaker to Fix Sound Problems

Dust and lint are silent sound killers.

8. Clean the iPhone Speaker Safely

Use:

A soft toothbrush
A dry cotton swab
A small brush

Do NOT use water, needles, or sharp objects.

Real-world example:
Many users fix low-volume speaker issues just by cleaning pocket lint from the speaker grille.

Fix iPhone Speaker Not Working Due to Software Issues

9. Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can fix temporary glitches.

Hold Power + Volume button
Slide to power off
Wait 30 seconds and turn it back on

This refreshes the system and clears minor bugs.

10. Update iOS to the Latest Version

Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Install any available updates

iOS updates often fix sound-related bugs.

11. Reset All Settings (Safe Option)

This won’t delete your data.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
Tap Reset
Choose Reset All Settings

This resets sound, network, and system settings only.

Check for Hardware or Water Damage

12. Check for Water Exposure

If your iPhone got wet:

Turn it OFF immediately
Let it dry for at least 24 hours
Avoid charging during this time

Water damage can affect the speaker even if the phone still works.

13. Test with Headphones

Plug in wired or wireless headphones
Play audio

If sound works through headphones but not speakers, the speaker hardware may be faulty.

When to Contact Apple Support or a Repair Shop

If none of the steps fix your iPhone speaker not working, it’s likely a hardware issue.

You should seek professional help if:

Speaker is completely silent
Sound is distorted even after cleaning
Phone was dropped or exposed to water
Speaker works intermittently

Speaker replacement is often affordable and fast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is my iPhone speaker not working but headphones work?

This usually indicates a hardware speaker problem or blocked speaker grille.

2. Why can’t I hear calls but media sound works?

Your earpiece speaker may be dirty or damaged, while the main speaker still works.

3. Can software updates cause speaker issues?

Yes. Bugs in iOS updates can affect sound, but updates often fix them too.

4. How do I know if my iPhone speaker is broken?

If no sound comes out after cleaning, resetting settings, and testing apps, it’s likely broken.

5. Is it safe to clean iPhone speakers at home?

Yes—if you use dry, soft tools and avoid liquids or sharp objects.

Conclusion: Fix iPhone Speaker Not Working the Smart Way

An iPhone speaker not working problem can be frustrating, but it’s often easy to fix. Start with simple checks like volume, Bluetooth, and Silent Mode. Clean the speaker carefully, update iOS, and reset settings if needed.

If all else fails, professional repair may be the best solution—but at least now you know you tried everything first.

Follow these steps, and you’ll likely have your iPhone speaker working again in no time.