iPhone: Sound muffled or low from the speaker or when speaking into the mic

Products Affected

iPhone

Symptoms

When I play music or listen to a call through the speaker phone, the sound may appear low or muffled, or the person I'm talking to claims that I sound muffled or not loud enough. 

Resolution

Check the following:

  1. Check the volume setting on your iPhone. You can adjust the volume by pressing the volume up and down buttons on the left side of the iPhone.
  2. If you are using a third-party iPhone case, make sure it is not covering the speaker, microphone, or top microphone. Try making some calls without the case to see if a caller can now hear you more clearly or play music to see if the speaker's volume is better.
  3. If you have not removed the plastic display film used for protection during shipment, either ensure that the microphone and speaker are not covered or remove the film completely.
  4. Check that the speaker, microphone mesh covers, and top microphone hole are not clogged with lint or other debris.
  5. If the speaker, microphone mesh, or top microphone (iPhone 4 only) appear clogged, please use a clean, small, dry, soft-bristled brush to clean them. To do this follow these instructions:
    • Use the brush to carefully and gently brush the speaker and microphone mesh.
    • Brush away from the 30-pin dock connector to avoid getting any debris into the dock connector.

If the issue persists, go to: apple.com/support/iphone/service/faq/ for information on service.

For other support issues, see this article.

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