Can’t Hear Phone Calls Unless on Speakerphone on iPhone? Let’s Fix That!

Yes, you absolutely can fix the issue of not being able to hear phone calls on your iPhone unless you’re using the speakerphone. This is a frustrating problem, but often resolvable with a bit of troubleshooting. This article will walk you through the most common culprits and their solutions, ensuring you can once again enjoy private and clear phone conversations.

Understanding the Culprits: Why Can’t I Hear?

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why this happens. The most frequent causes fall into a few categories:

• Hardware Problems: This includes issues with the ear speaker itself, which could be damaged, blocked by debris, or malfunctioning.
• Software Glitches: Temporary software bugs or conflicts can sometimes reroute audio unexpectedly.
• Connectivity Issues: In rare cases, cellular or Wi-Fi calling malfunctions might affect audio pathways.
• Settings Confusion: Accidental changes to audio settings can redirect sound output in unexpected ways.

Troubleshooting Steps: Getting Your Audio Back

Here’s a systematic approach to getting your iPhone’s audio working correctly during calls:

1. Check the Obvious: Volume and Mute

This might seem rudimentary, but it’s the easiest to overlook. Ensure your volume is turned up during a call. Sometimes, the volume can be set independently for different functions (like calls versus music), so even if music is loud, call volume might be low. Also, make sure you haven’t accidentally muted the call.

2. Clean the Earpiece Speaker

Dust, lint, and debris can accumulate in the earpiece speaker, significantly reducing audio quality.

• Use a soft, dry brush: A small brush (like a toothbrush with soft bristles, or an anti-static brush specifically for electronics) can dislodge loose particles.
• Compressed air (cautiously): Use short bursts of compressed air to blow out debris. Hold the can at an angle and at least a few inches away to avoid damaging the speaker. Do not use excessive force or hold the can too close!
• Microfiber cloth: Gently wipe the speaker grill with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

3. Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can resolve many temporary software glitches. Here’s how:

• iPhones with Face ID: Press and quickly release the volume up button, then press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the side button.
• iPhones with a Home Button: Press and hold the side (or top) button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone. After a few seconds, press and hold the side (or top) button again until you see the Apple logo.

4. Check Audio Routing Settings

Your iPhone might be unintentionally routing audio to an external device. Here’s how to check:

• During a Call: While on a call, look for the audio source icon on the call screen (it might look like a speaker or Bluetooth icon). Tap it to see available audio output options. Ensure “iPhone” or “Speaker” is selected, not a connected Bluetooth device or AirPlay destination.
• Bluetooth Settings: Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Ensure no unwanted devices are automatically connecting during calls. Turn off Bluetooth entirely to test if a connected device is causing the problem.

5. Disable Noise Cancellation

While intended to improve call quality, noise cancellation can sometimes distort audio or create unexpected issues. To disable it:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual.
• Toggle Phone Noise Cancellation off.

6. Update to the Latest iOS Version

Outdated software can contain bugs that affect audio functionality. Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• If an update is available, download and install it.

7. Reset All Settings (Use with Caution!)

This is a more drastic step, but it can resolve deeply embedded software conflicts. This will reset all your settings to their defaults, including Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and notification settings.

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
• Select Reset All Settings.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

8. Check for Water Damage

If your iPhone has been exposed to water, even seemingly minor exposure, it could have damaged the earpiece speaker or other internal components. Look for these signs:

• Visible water droplets: Check around the speaker grills and charging port.
• Corrosion: Examine the charging port and SIM card tray for signs of corrosion.
• Unusual behavior: Other strange issues alongside the audio problem.

If you suspect water damage, it’s best to consult a professional repair service.

9. Try a Different SIM Card

While less likely, a faulty SIM card can sometimes cause audio problems. If possible, try using a different SIM card in your iPhone to see if the issue persists.

10. Test With Headphones

Plug in a pair of headphones and make a call. If you can hear the call clearly through the headphones, it further isolates the problem to the iPhone’s earpiece speaker.

11. Cellular and Wi-Fi Calling Settings

Navigate to Settings > Phone.

• Wi-Fi Calling: Toggle off Wi-Fi Calling. Some users have reported this setting interferes with regular cellular calls.
• Cellular Data Options: Tap Voice & Data to ensure that it is set to LTE or 5G. Sometimes switching to 3G can help.

12. Contact Apple Support or a Repair Professional

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still can’t hear calls without speakerphone, it’s likely a hardware issue requiring professional attention. Contact Apple Support or a reputable third-party repair service for diagnosis and repair options. They can properly assess the earpiece speaker and other internal components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can people hear me, but I can’t hear them?

This often points to a problem specifically with the earpiece speaker. While your microphone is working, the earpiece speaker responsible for delivering sound to you is malfunctioning, blocked, or has its volume set very low. Follow the troubleshooting steps outlined above, especially cleaning the earpiece and checking audio routing.

2. Is it possible the proximity sensor is causing the problem?

Yes, a malfunctioning proximity sensor could dim the screen during a call, or even mute the audio, even when the phone isn’t close to your ear. The sensor’s purpose is to prevent accidental touches when the phone is held to your face. Try cleaning the area near the front-facing camera and sensor. Restarting your iPhone can also help recalibrate the sensor.

3. Can a specific app be causing this?

While less common, it’s possible. An app with microphone or audio permissions could be conflicting with the phone’s audio routing. Try uninstalling recently installed apps to see if the problem resolves. Also, check app permissions in Settings > Privacy > Microphone and disable microphone access for apps you suspect might be causing issues.

4. How do I know if it’s a hardware or software problem?

If basic troubleshooting steps like cleaning the speaker, restarting, and updating iOS don’t work, it’s more likely a hardware problem. If the issue started after a software update or installing a specific app, a software glitch is more likely. Testing with headphones can help differentiate. If headphones work, the earpiece speaker is likely the culprit.

5. Does Apple offer free repairs for earpiece speaker issues?

Potentially. If your iPhone is under warranty (AppleCare or limited warranty) and the earpiece speaker malfunction is not caused by accidental damage, Apple may repair it for free. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to check your warranty status and explore repair options.

6. How much does it cost to repair an iPhone earpiece speaker?

The cost varies depending on your iPhone model, your location, and whether you use Apple’s official repair service or a third-party repair shop. An out-of-warranty earpiece speaker replacement can range from $79 to $200 or more. Get quotes from multiple sources before committing to a repair.

7. Can I replace the earpiece speaker myself?

While DIY repairs are possible, replacing the earpiece speaker is not recommended unless you have significant experience repairing electronics. iPhones are complex devices, and improper handling can cause further damage. There are plenty of “DIY guides” available, but proceed with caution.

8. Why does the speakerphone sound echo-y?

Echoing on speakerphone is usually caused by the microphone picking up the audio from the speaker and replaying it. This creates a feedback loop. Try reducing the speakerphone volume, moving to a quieter environment, or using headphones.

9. Will a screen protector affect the earpiece speaker?

A poorly installed or thick screen protector could potentially cover or partially block the earpiece speaker, reducing audio volume. Make sure your screen protector is properly aligned and doesn’t obstruct the speaker grill.

10. What if my iPhone is stuck in headphone mode?

Sometimes, iPhones mistakenly detect headphones even when none are plugged in, routing audio to a non-existent device. Try repeatedly plugging and unplugging headphones, cleaning the headphone jack (if applicable), and restarting your iPhone.

11. Can a weak cellular signal affect call audio?

Yes, a weak or unstable cellular signal can significantly impact call quality, making it difficult to hear the other person. Move to an area with better signal strength or connect to Wi-Fi for Wi-Fi calling (if enabled).

12. Is it possible that a VPN is interfering with calls?

In some rare cases, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can interfere with call audio, especially if it’s improperly configured or the VPN server is located far away. Try disabling your VPN temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.