Apple

iPhone Users Complain of Low Volume on Calls

Published

2 months ago

02/23/2024

We’ve seen an uptick in complaints from iPhone users about low volume on phone calls and the issues seem to be impacting a wide range of iPhone models on various versions of iOS 17.

Those affected by the issue claim the volume suddenly becomes extremely soft when making a phone call. In some cases, users are unable to hear the person on the other end of the line.

Users claim the issue is isolated to phone calls and doesn’t impact volume anywhere else. We’ve been unable to replicate the problem on our devices, but this indicates an issue with the iPhone’s ear speaker.

We’ve seen complaints from iPhone 8, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 users which means the issue isn’t isolated to a specific model.

Furthermore, users are saying the problem appeared immediately after installing a new version of iOS 17. And that includes Apple’s most recent version of iOS 17, iOS 17.3.1.

While manual fixes have worked for some iPhone owners, some users have been told to bring their device in for a diagnostic check.

At that point, some are being told they need to replace the ear speaker which can cost quite a bit of money if the device isn’t covered under a warranty.

Before spending money on a new ear speaker, iPhone users should try and fix the issue at home. Here are a few potential fixes to try:

Use a toothpick or an old toothbrush to lightly scrub the ear speaker at the top of the iPhone
Make sure Do Not Disturb is turned off
If your iPhone has a Ring/Silent switch, move the switch forward so that orange isn’t showing
If applicable, remove the screen protector, film, or case
Update your phone to the latest iOS 17 software

We also recommend going into the Settings app. Tap Sounds/Sounds & Haptics and now drag the Ringer and Alerts slider back and forth a couple of times.

If there’s no sound coming from the iPhone, or the speaker button on the Ringer and Alerts slider is dimmed, the device may need to be serviced.

4 Reasons Not to Install iOS 17.4.1 & 12 Reasons You Should

Install iOS 17.4.1 for Better Security

1 / 16

If security is important to you, think about installing Apple's iOS 17.4.1 update right away.

The iOS 17.4.1 update includes two security patches. These patches will help keep your device and its data protected from harm. And that makes iOS 17.4.1 an important upgrade.

If you missed iOS 17.4 and older software, you'll get the security patches from updates you missed when you upgrade to iOS 17.4.1.

iOS 17.4 had four security patches on board.

The update also delivered quantum security protection for iMessage. The company says the upgrade gives iMessage "the strongest security properties of any at-scale messaging protocol in the world."

The iOS 17.3 update brought 15 new security patches to iPhone. The software also added Stolen Device Protection to iPhone.

It increases the security of your iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID to gain access to passwords, make purchases in Safari, and more. This is useful if someone gets access to your iPhone and its passcode.

iOS 17.2 delivered 10 new security patches to iPhone. If you wish to find out more, you can head on over to Apple's security site for the details.

iOS 17.2 also included iMessage Contact Key Verification which improves the security of iMessage. The company also fixed an exploit that let the Flipper Zero multi-tool lock up iPhones.

iOS 17.1.2 had two security patches on board. Both were related to WebKit. If you want to learn more, you can do so right here.

iOS 17.1 brought 18 security fixes to iPhone. It addressed issues within Weather, Status Bar, WebKit, and more.

iOS 17.0.3 brought two patches for two security issues Apple identified within the software. If you want to read about the patches, head here.

iOS 17.0.1 delivered three important patches to iPhone. If you're interested in the exact nature of these improvements, you can read about them over on Apple's security website.

As for iOS 17 itself, it brought 40+ new security patches with it. A staggering number to say the least. If you want to learn more about them, head over to Apple.

In addition to those patches, iOS 17 brings some additional enhancements to privacy and security including improvements to Communication Safety beyond Messages.

It now includes content sent by AirDrop, Contact Posters in the Phone app, FaceTime, and the systemwide photo picker. You now have an option to blur out sensitive photos and videos before you choose to view them.

There's also an expanded Lockdown Mode which will help protect you against cyber attacks.

Apple's also improved sharing permissions and you now have more control over what you share with the apps on your device.

The company also notes that starting in iOS 17, Voice Memos encrypts the titles of recordings stored in iCloud, in addition to the recordings themselves.

If you skipped older versions of iOS, you'll get the security patches from those updates with your iOS 17.4.1 update as well.