How to Fix Sound Issues on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team
1. Introduction
Audio on your iOS device(s) can be played back by using the built-in speakers, a multitude of Bluetooth audio devices, or by physically connecting a pair of headphones to it. This guide will help you troubleshoot sound issues on any of your iOS devices.
This guide is compatible with all iOS 12 devices. If your device is not using iOS 12, some functions may appear differently.
Tools You'll Need:
If your iOS device does not have a headphone jack, you may need a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter in order to physically connect your headphones.
2. Troubleshooting Speaker Audio
During this process, test things often. Any of the proposed solutions may solve your audio issues.
Check Volume Levels
Press the volume buttons to make sure your device is not muted.
Some devices have a silence/vibrate switch. Makes sure you do not have your device silenced.
Temporarily Disable Bluetooth
When you are connected to a Bluetooth device, audio will be routed through your Bluetooth device. We will temporarily disable Bluetooth to make sure you're not connected to a Bluetooth device.
Open the Control Center.
On iPhone X or later, or iPad with iOS 12 or later
Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen.
 
On iPhone 8 or earlier, iPad with iOS 11 or earlier, or iPod Touch
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
If the Bluetooth icon is blue, tap on it to disable it. This will disconnect any currently connected Bluetooth devices.
Bluetooth will be temporarily disabled until the following day. You can turn Bluetooth back on at any time by tapping the button again.
3. What's next?
4. Troubleshooting Bluetooth Audio
Ensure your Bluetooth device is nearby, charged, and powered on.
During this process, test things often. Any of the proposed solutions may solve your audio issues.
Check Volume Levels
Press the volume buttons to make sure your device is not muted.
Some devices have a silence/vibrate switch. Makes sure you do not have your device silenced.
Check Audio Source
Tap Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Make sure is toggled On.
Verify your Bluetooth device shows in the list and says Connected next to it.
If you need help getting Bluetooth devices paired with your iOS device, the following guides may be of use.
During this process, test things often. Any of the proposed solutions may solve your audio issues.
Check Volume Levels
Press the volume buttons to make sure your device is not muted.
Some devices have a silence/vibrate switch. Makes sure you do not have your device silenced.
Temporarily Disable Bluetooth
When you are connected to a Bluetooth device, audio will be routed through your Bluetooth device. We will temporarily disable Bluetooth to make sure you're not connected to a Bluetooth device.
Open the Control Center.
On iPhone X or later, or iPad with iOS 12 or later
Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen.
 
On iPhone 8 or earlier, iPad with iOS 11 or earlier, or iPod Touch
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
If the Bluetooth icon is blue, tap on it to disable it. This will disconnect any currently connected Bluetooth devices.
Bluetooth will be temporarily disabled until the following day. You can turn Bluetooth back on at any time by tapping the button again.
Check Headphone Cabling
Make sure your headphone cables are securely pushed into the headphone jack.
If your device does not have a headphone jack, and you are using an adapter, make sure both the headphones are fully inserted to the headphone jack and that the adapter is seated all the way into the lightning port.
If possible, test your headphones using another device to make sure your headphones are working correctly.
If your headphones do not work in another device then you may have defective/malfunctioning headphones.