When you can’t hear callers on your iPhone earpiece speaker, removing the case and cleaning the dust over the speaker can increase the volume. In addition, you can also ensure automatic call routing, turn off Phone Noise Cancellation, and update iOS.
Hi, I’m Devansh. A few weeks ago, I couldn’t hear calls on my iPhone unless on speaker or headphones. I cleaned the earpiece speaker at the top of my iPhone, and I could hear the calls again.
In this article, I’ll show you how to clean your iPhone earpiece speaker, implement five software fixes, and approach Apple Support. I’ll also answer some common questions.
If you can’t hear incoming and outgoing calls on your iPhone unless on speaker, keep reading for solutions!
Contents
3 Steps to Clean Earpiece Speaker on Your iPhone
As I’ve learned from experience, cleaning your iPhone earpiece speaker can help you hear calls. Besides dust and pocket lint, it’s easy for sweat to settle on the earpiece and muffle the sound. So, here are the steps to clean it.
Step 1: If you’re using a case or screen protector for your iPhone, check if it’s covering the earpiece and remove it.
Step 2: Clean the earpiece speaker using a soft-bristled brush, dry cloth, or cotton swab. Brush away and blow air on it to dislodge any dust or debris. Be gentle to avoid any damage.
Step 3: Once the earpiece speaker is clean, you can reapply the case or screen protector, but ensure it doesn’t cover the earpiece.
To test your iPhone earpiece speaker, make a test call. Alternatively, open Settings, go to Sounds & Haptics and adjust the volume slider under Ringtone and Alert Volume. If you still can’t hear any sounds on the earpiece speaker, read on for more solutions.
Software Fixes to Hear Callers on iPhone Earpiece Speaker
If you’ve cleaned the earpiece speaker on your iPhone and still can’t hear callers, there may be a software glitch or wrong software setting. Here are five fixes you should try.
Fix #1: Ensure the Phone App is Set to iPhone
Your iPhone may send call audio to a device other than the earpiece speaker, causing you not to hear the caller. So, tap the Audio icon during a call and choose iPhone.
Fix #2: Set Call Audio Routing to Automatic
Next, open Settings, go to Accessibility, Touch, Call Audio Routing, and set it to Automatic.
Fix #3: Toggle off Phone Noise Cancellation
If you own an iPhone 12 or earlier, Phone Noise Cancellation may interfere with your call audio. To turn it off, open Settings, go to Accessibility, Audio/Visual, and toggle off Phone Noise Cancellation.
If you own a newer iPhone, swipe down from the upper-right corner during a call, tap Mic Mode, and ensure you’re using Standard mode.
Fix #4: Update iOS and Restart Your iPhone
Lastly, updating iOS and restarting your iPhone can remove temporary bugs and software glitches. To do this, open Settings, General, Software Update, and tap Download and Install if an update is available.
Fix #5: Reset All Settings (Optional)
To reset all settings to default on your iPhone, open Settings, go to General, and Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Reset, select Reset All Settings, and enter your password to confirm.
What’s Next?
If you’ve tried all the solutions but still can’t hear callers on the earpiece speaker, I recommend you contact a technician. Take your iPhone to an authorized service provider or contact Apple Support for further diagnosis and repair.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the iPhone earpiece speaker.
Can You Get Your iPhone Repaired Under Warranty for Hardware Damage?
Yes. If you bought your iPhone less than one year ago, you can use the hardware repair coverage through its limited warranty. Take your iPhone to a nearby Apple Store and let them examine it. You may be eligible for a free repair or replacement. Check this support page for legal details.
Should You Clean iPhone Microphone and Charging Port?
Yes. Cleaning your iPhone’s microphone and charging port could improve the call’s audio quality. Check these articles for steps to clean your iPhone’s microphone and charging port.
Is It Safe to Clean iPhone Earpiece With Compressed Air or Isopropyl Alcohol?
Yes, but with care and moderation. Using excessive compressed air or isopropyl alcohol may damage your device. Instead, I recommend using a soft-bristled brush, dry cloth, or cotton swab to be safe.
Conclusion
You can remove the case and clean the earpiece speaker to hear callers on your iPhone again. In addition, it also helps to set Call Audio Routing to Automatic, turn off Phone Noise Cancellation, and update iOS.
Do you have further questions about the iPhone earpiece speaker? Let me know in the comments!
