AndroidAnswers

How do I fix Android speaker not working?

By the AndroidAnswers Editorial Team · Updated

About 5 minutes · Sound & calls

Illustration of a phone showing a speaker icon, with headphones on one side and a check mark on the other

Steps to check

  1. Check volume, mute, and Do Not Disturb

    Press Volume up while a video or song is playing so you adjust media volume, not only ringtone. On a call, press Volume up during the call to raise in-call volume. Turn off Do Not Disturb and any Mute all sounds accessibility option. Samsung lists Mute all sounds under Accessibility → Hearing enhancements. If media plays but calls are quiet, the earpiece (top) and loudspeaker (bottom) are different speakers, so test both.

    Samsung Settings → Sounds and vibration for volume. Settings → Notifications → Do not disturb (off). Settings → Accessibility → Hearing enhancements → Mute all sounds (off). Center Left/right sound balance if it was moved.Pixel Press Volume up, then the three dots or settings gear on the volume panel to see Media, Call, Ring, and Alarm separately. Settings → Sound & vibration → Do Not Disturb (off).

  2. Disconnect Bluetooth and headphones

    Sound often plays to earbuds, a car, or a Bluetooth speaker instead of the phone. Unplug wired headphones. Swipe down for Quick settings and turn Bluetooth off. On a call, tap the speakerphone icon once to switch between earpiece and loudspeaker. Pixel Help also suggests turning Wi-Fi off then on (or the reverse) if call audio is odd, then testing again.

    Samsung Swipe down with two fingers → tap Bluetooth to turn it off. Remove anything in the headphone jack or USB-C port.Pixel Quick settings → Bluetooth off. Unplug USB-C headphones or dongles, then play a video without any accessory attached.

  3. Clear the speaker openings and restart

    Remove the case and any film that covers the bottom speaker grille, top earpiece, or air vents. Gently wipe openings with a soft, dry cloth. Do not poke sharp objects into the holes. If the phone got wet, pat the earpiece, speaker, mic, and USB-C port dry and let it air-dry before you test. Then restart the phone and play two or three short clips from different apps.

    Samsung Samsung notes cases and films over air vents can make sound crackly or quiet. After a big pressure change, briefly opening the SIM tray can help equalize pressure. Restart from the Side button power menu or Quick settings Power icon.Pixel Remove case and screen protector to test. Restart: Pixel 6 and later, hold Power and Volume up, then Restart. Play clips from at least two apps.

  4. Update software, then try Safe mode

    Install system updates and keep apps current. Then restart into Safe mode so only built-in apps run. Play a video there. If sound works in Safe mode, a downloaded app may be interfering. Restart normally to leave Safe mode, uninstall recent apps one at a time, and retest. If sound still fails in Safe mode, skip to repair help.

    Samsung Settings → Software update → Download and install. Safe mode: open power menu, touch and hold Power off, tap Safe mode.Pixel Settings → System → System update. Safe mode: power off, hold Power at startup, then hold Volume down until Safe mode appears (or use the power-menu Safe mode path on newer Pixels).

  5. When to get repair help

    If there is still no sound from the earpiece or loudspeaker after volume checks, disconnecting accessories, cleaning openings, restart, updates, and Safe mode, contact Samsung, Google, or your carrier. Physical damage, liquid, or a failed speaker often needs service. Back up your photos before any factory reset a support agent may suggest.

Normal vs. not

Usually normal

Quieter sound with a thick case over the grille, or audio that plays in earbuds until you disconnect Bluetooth. Brief crackle after a big temperature or pressure change that improves after vents are clear.

Worth a closer look

No sound from any app with volume up, Bluetooth off, and no headphones, or silence that continues in Safe mode after a restart.

What people are saying

Common questions

Why does sound work in headphones but not the speaker?

The phone may still be routing audio to Bluetooth or a wired accessory, or the built-in speaker openings may be blocked. Turn Bluetooth off, unplug headphones, remove the case, and test again.

Earpiece vs loudspeaker: what is the difference?

The earpiece is the small speaker at the top for holding the phone to your ear. The loudspeaker (often at the bottom) is for speakerphone and media. Test both. One can fail while the other still works.

Will Safe mode fix my speaker forever?

Safe mode only helps you learn if an app is involved. If sound works there, remove the problem app after you leave Safe mode. If sound fails in Safe mode too, settings and hardware checks matter more than apps.

Sources we checked

Menu names can differ by phone brand and Android version. See our editorial policy for how we check steps.