iPhone 12 and later: Sound Issues

Troubleshooting speaker, ringer sound, or microphone issues

Identify issues

  • No sound, or low or distorted sound from bottom speaker

  • No sound, or low or distorted sound from top speaker

  • No ringer sound, or low or distorted ringer sound

  • You can't be heard on calls through phone or FaceTime

  • You can’t hear a person’s voice clearly, or you hear crackling or static on calls through phone or FaceTime

  • No sound, or low or distorted sound during calls through phone or FaceTime, in video recordings, or in apps that use the microphones

Try quick troubleshooting steps

  1. Press the volume buttons to check the volume level.

  2. On an iPhone with a Ring/Silent switch, move the switch toward the iPhone display so the orange indicator isn’t showing — the Ring position. On iPhone 15 Pro models, ensure that the device is set to Ring with the Action button or Control Center.

  3. Remove any screen protector, film, or case.

  4. Check the iPhone speaker and microphone openings for debris. Gently clean these areas using a small, non-metallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Gently brush the cover mesh in the receiver opening to remove debris. Use extreme care to avoid damaging the microphone embedded within the receiver opening. Don't use large sweeping motions across the glass that could scratch it. Gently brush debris away from the cover openings of the speaker and microphone. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris.

    • Important: Unplug all cables and turn off the iPhone first. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge the iPhone in any cleaning agents. Don't use compressed air.

Run manual and diagnostic tests

  1. Run the Mobile Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.

  2. Run the appropriate Audio diagnostic suite for the iPhone being serviced.

  3. Use another phone to call the iPhone that you're testing. Answer the call and turn on the speaker. Talk in a normal voice and listen to verify that the bottom microphones have clear sound quality.

Open and inspect the iPhone

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostics tests, refer to the iPhone repair manual to open and inspect the iPhone. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

Replace the part

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the bottom speaker for bottom speaker issues. Replace the top speaker in iPhone 13 and later models for top speaker issues. Replace the display for top microphone issues. In iPhone 15 models, replace the main microphone for bottom microphone issues. For other models and other speaker or microphone issues, you can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

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