During a call:

• Press the Volume Up button
• Make sure the volume bar increases

Important: Volume buttons adjust different levels depending on what you’re doing. You must adjust it during a call.

2. Check If Bluetooth Is Connected

Your call audio may be going to:

• Wireless earbuds
• Car audio system
• Bluetooth speaker

To check:
Settings → Bluetooth → Turn it off

Then test another call.

3. Clean the Earpiece Speaker

Dust or dirt can block sound.

What to do:

• Use a soft brush
• Gently clean the top speaker grille
• Avoid sharp objects

Even small dust buildup can reduce sound clarity.

4. Turn Off Phone Noise Cancellation

Go to:

Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual

Turn off Phone Noise Cancellation (if available).

Sometimes this setting causes call audio issues.

5. Restart Your iPhone

A restart can fix temporary audio glitches.

For iPhone 8 and later:

1. Press Volume Up
2. Press Volume Down
3. Hold Side button
4. Release at Apple logo

Many minor sound problems are solved this way.

6. Check Audio Output During Call

During a call:

• Tap the Audio button
• Make sure it’s set to iPhone and not another device

Sometimes audio routes incorrectly.

7. Update iOS

Software bugs can affect call audio.

Go to:

Settings → General → Software Update

Install the latest stable version if available.

8. Reset All Settings

If the problem started after changing settings:

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings

This will not delete personal data but resets system settings.

9. When to Consider Hardware Damage

If:

• You dropped your phone
• The phone got wet
• No sound even on speaker mode
• The microphone also has issues

There may be hardware damage to the earpiece speaker.

In this case, professional repair may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I hear music but not calls?

The earpiece speaker (top speaker) may be blocked or damaged.

Does resetting erase my data?

No. Reset All Settings does not delete photos or apps.

Can water damage cause speaker problems?

Yes. Even small moisture exposure can affect internal components.

Final Thoughts

If your iPhone speaker is not working during calls, start with simple checks like volume level, Bluetooth, and cleaning the speaker grille.

Most call audio problems are caused by minor settings or software issues — not hardware failure.

If the issue continues after trying all steps, consider professional inspection.