How to Fix the Issue: Can’t Hear Phone Calls on iPhone

July 24, 2026

If your iPhone is causing audio issues during calls, communication can become cumbersome. Whether it’s a minor setting adjustment or a more technical problem, these solutions will help you resolve the challenge of muffled or inaudible calls.

Introduction

Audio troubles on your iPhone during calls can disrupt both professional and personal interactions. Whether catching up with a friend or on an important business call, having clear audio is imperative. This guide navigates you through practical solutions and troubleshooting steps to enhance your call clarity on an iPhone.

can't hear phone calls on iphone

Check Basic iPhone Settings

Start with basic settings—simple adjustments might be all it takes to restore call audio.

Adjust Call Volume: If you can’t hear during calls, ensure the call volume isn’t low. Press the volume-up button during a call to set it at a desired level.
Verify Do Not Disturb Mode: The Do Not Disturb feature can silence calls. Open Control Center by swiping down from the upper right on newer models or up from the bottom on older ones. If the moon icon is highlighted, tap it to deactivate.
Confirm Bluetooth and Airplane Mode Status: Audio might be routed to a Bluetooth device. Disable Bluetooth via Settings > Bluetooth and ensure Airplane Mode is off to maintain normal call functions.

Once you’ve verified these basic settings, see if your call audio has improved. If not, let’s delve into hardware checks.

Perform Hardware Inspections

Physical obstructions can cause audio disturbances on calls. Hardware checks can diagnose these issues.

Clean the iPhone Speaker: Dust or lint could block the speaker. Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to gently clean the speaker grille without damaging it.
Inspect for Physical Damage: Examine your device for cracks or other damages that might be affecting sound quality. If damage is found, professional evaluation and repair might be needed.

Completing a hardware inspection can identify if physical issues are contributing to the problem. If call audio remains poor, software might be the culprit.

Address Software-Related Issues

Software glitches or outdated systems can lead to audio problems. Address these issues with the following actions:

Restart Your iPhone: A simple restart can clear temporary glitches. Hold the power button with the volume-down button (or just the power button on older models) until the slider appears, then slide to power off and restart.
Update iOS and Apps: Outdated software may introduce bugs. Check for iOS updates under Settings > General > Software Update and update your apps in the App Store.
Reset Network Settings: Incorrect network settings can disrupt call audio. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to refresh your connections. Be aware that Wi-Fi passwords will need to be re-entered after resetting.

If software adjustments don’t rectify the issue, more advanced solutions could be required.

Explore Advanced Solutions

When basic measures fail, exploring deeper system settings may be necessary. Proceed with these advanced fixes:

Reset All iPhone Settings: This action resets system settings without deleting data. Navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Perform a Device Restore: A restore could be a last resort. Backup your iPhone via iCloud or iTunes, then restore it through iTunes or Finder on a computer. This process erases everything, so ensure your data is backed up.

When these steps don’t resolve the audio dilemma, professional insight might be warranted.

Seek Professional Assistance

If issues persist, it’s advisable to contact an expert to prevent further damage.

When to Visit Apple Support: Professional diagnostics at an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider can precisely pinpoint and rectify issues beyond basic troubleshooting.
Consider Third-Party Repairs: Licensed technicians may offer competitive solutions for hardware issues. Ensure they are certified to handle iPhone repairs to preserve your device’s warranty.

Seeking help from professionals assures thorough problem-solving and protects your device from further harm.

Conclusion

Clear and effective communication relies on dependable hardware and up-to-date software. By following this guide, you can tackle and often resolve the problem of inaudible calls on your iPhone. Stay proactive with regular maintenance to avoid future issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I hear phone calls on my iPhone after updating to a new iOS version?

New iOS updates can introduce conflicts affecting audio. Restart your device, check audio settings, and update all apps. If the issue persists, await an Apple fix.

Will resetting my iPhone delete all my data?

Resetting your iPhone settings won’t delete data, only configurations. To ensure data integrity before a full restore, backup your iPhone to iCloud or a computer.

Can a damaged iPhone case affect call audio quality?

Yes, a poor-fitting or damaged case can obstruct speakers. Remove the case to see if audio improves during calls and consider buying a new, well-fitted case.