Why can’t I hear my iPhone calls unless it’s on speaker?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

There could be several reasons why you are unable to hear your iPhone calls unless it’s on speaker. Here are some possible solutions to try:

1. Check your audio settings: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Call Audio Routing and ensure that your call audio routing is set to “Automatic.” This setting should automatically switch the audio output to the appropriate source (earpiece or speaker) based on your phone’s proximity sensor.

2. Restart your iPhone: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches that may be causing audio issues. Press and hold the power button (or side button) until the “slide to power off” slider appears. Slide it to power off your iPhone, then wait for a few seconds before turning it back on by pressing the power button again.

3. Update your iPhone software: It’s always a good idea to keep your iPhone up to date with the latest software. New updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address audio-related issues. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check if there are any available updates. If yes, follow the on-screen instructions to install them.

4. Check for physical obstructions: Ensure that there are no physical obstructions, such as dirt or debris, blocking the earpiece or speaker on your iPhone. Gently clean the earpiece and speaker using a soft, lint-free cloth or a toothbrush.

5. Try using headphones: Plug in a pair of headphones or earphones and check if you can hear the call audio through them. If you can hear the audio fine with headphones, it may indicate a problem with the earpiece or speaker on your iPhone. Consider contacting Apple Support or visiting an authorized service center for further assistance.

6. Reset all settings: If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will revert all settings back to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm your choice. Note that you will need to reconfigure your personalized settings after the reset.

If the issue still persists after trying these solutions, it is recommended to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further diagnosis and assistance. They will be able to provide more specific guidance based on your iPhone model and any potential hardware or software issues.