iPhone Problems

[Super Guide] iPhone Ear Speaker Not Working? Quick Fix!

by Sophie Green   Updated on 2024-06-27 / Update for  iPhone Fix

If your iPhone ear speaker not working, you can no longer hear people through your earpiece during phone calls. We have the best solution for you, so continue reading and find out how.

Way 1: Reboot Your iPhone

Rebooting your iPhone refreshes the running software and effectively solves unexpected software-related issues. It could be a glitch or bug affecting the ear speaker or stopping it from functioning. To reboot any iPhone model, follow these steps:

  • Press and start holding the power button until the power off slider appears in iPhone 6,7,8 or SE generation.
  • Hold down the volume and the side buttons until the power-off slider appears on an iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, and later models.
  • Drag the slider that you have on the screen to turn off your device.

    restart iphone

Way 2: Turn off Phone Noise Cancellation

The iPhone ear speaker not working can also be because of the Noise Cancellation feature that effectively reduces the ambient noise during calls. However, it may also cause issues with the sound output and result in a poor experience. To resolve this, turn off the feature by following these simple steps.

  • Find the “Settings” app from your main screen or find from the spotlight search.
  • Go to "General" and then "Accessibility."
  • Scroll down from the “Settings” menu and head on to the “Audio/Visual” section.
  • Find the setting option for "Phone Noise Cancellation" and tap the “Toggle off” switch to turn it off.

    phone noise cancellation

Way 3: Easiest Fix on iPhone Ear Speaker Not Working Caused by Program

If none of the other solutions mentioned has resolved the issue with the iPhone ear speaker not working, plus you are not sure that it is broken, consider using Tenorshare ReiBoot. It is a third-party IOS system recovery program that can effectively resolve various iOS issues. To use ReiBoot to fix the issue with the iPhone ear speaker not working, follow these steps:

  • Download and install the specified program on your computer. Start ReiBoot and connect the iPhone using a USB cable. Click Start button to the next step.

    launch reiboot
  • Once the program recognizes the iPhone, click "Fix Now" and then "Start Standard Repair" to begin the process.

    fix now
  • Tap “Download” to obtain the firmware package required for fixing the device.

    download firmware
  • After downloading, click “Start Standard Repair” to initiate the repair process.

    start standard repair
    repair successfully
    After the repair is done, your iOS device will automatically reboot and all your data will not be deleted.

Way 4: Turn on Hearing Aid Compatiblity

If the "Hearing Aid Compatibility" mode is disabled on your iPhone, the audio ear speaker may not be optimized for individuals with hearing aids, which could cause the ear speaker not to work. To resolve this iPhone earpiece not working issue, try turning on the Hearing Aid Compatibility mode, which should help optimize the sound for those with hearing aids and make the ear speaker work again.

1. Find the “Settings” app from your main screen or find from the spotlight search.

2. After you are in the “Settings” menu, look for "General".

3. Once you are in “General” scroll down or find the "Accessibility."

4. Within Accessibility" menu, find the “Hearing” section which you can do by scrolling down.

5. Here you can turn the “Hearing Aid Mode” switch off.

hearing aid compatibility

Way 5: Clean the Ear Speaker

The ear speaker grill accumulates dirt and debris over time, especially with frequent phone usage. If the iPhone is not cleaned for more than a week, the accumulation of dirt can become noticeable and potentially impact call quality. If your iPhone ear speaker is not working, follow the following steps to clean the ear speaker:

Step 1:Gently remove any visible dirt, sweat, or oil from the ear speaker grill with a soft-bristled toothbrush, anti-static brush, or Q-tip.

Step 2: Do not use liquids, such as rubbing alcohol, to clean the ear speaker as it can cause permanent damage.

Step 3:After cleaning the ear speaker grill, gently dry it with a lint-free cloth.

Step 4:Repeat the cleaning process as needed to maintain optimal audio quality.

Way 6: Exit Headphone Mode

Sometimes users frequently use earphones or wired headphones with their iPhones. It's common for audio to remain in headphone mode even after removing the headset, which is why the iPhone ear speaker not working. If you want to resolve that issue, follow the below steps.

  • Insert and then smoothly remove your headphones from your iPhone.
  • Clean the lightning connector or headphone jack with compressed air.
  • Avoid inserting the nozzle because it can damage internal components.
  • You can use an interdental brush to remove any debris or lint.

Way 7: Reset Your iPhone

The iPhone ear speaker not working can be caused by changes in the audio settings. If these settings are altered accidentally, the ear speaker's audio may not function correctly. Follow the steps guide below to resolve the following issue:

  • Open the app "Setting." Click on the "General."
  • At the bottom you will see the "Reset" option, click on it.
  • You will see 3 options, but you need to choose and tap "Reset All Settings."
  • Enter your passcode. Confirm your selection for this fix by tapping "Reset All Settings" again.
  • The process of resetting will be complete, and your iPhone will restart.

    reset all settings

Way 8: Update iOS System

Updating the operating system of your iPhone can fix software problems and helps to fix glitches or bugs that may arise, which are the prime reason sometimes for the iPhone earpiece not working. To update the IOS system on an iPhone, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to "Settings". Tap on "General."

Step 2: Tap on "Software Update."

Step 3: If an update is available, a notification will appear, download and install it.

Step 4: Your iPhone will restart automatically after installing the update.

download and install ios 16

Way 9: Check Your Case and Scratch Cover

Bulky cases and screen protectors can obstruct the phone's earpiece and make it seem like the iPhone ear speaker not working. To troubleshoot, follow these steps that can fix your iPhone issue:

1. Verify that a screen protector or a case does not cover the ear speaker grill.

2. Check any visible cracks or scratches on the ear speaker grill that may block sound.

3. Remove the screen protector and case, then check if the ear speaker is working correctly.

Conclusion

If the iPhone ear speaker not working, it can be due to various factors such as software glitches, dirt, or hardware malfunctions. Some simple steps can fix the issues, such as cleaning the speaker grill, turning off phone noise cancellation, and checking the scratch cover and case.

Tenorshare ReiBoot can be a helpful solution as a third party if these other methods do not work. To use ReiBoot to solve these issues, download and install the program on your computer and follow the steps to fix the iPhone ear speaker not working.

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