Volume not loud enough

Question

Level 1

0 points

Volume not loud enough

I swear I do NOT have a hearing problem, but I can hardly hear people talking on my iPhone. PLUS, the ring volume could be a little louder too. I have the volume up all the way, but still, it is hard to hear, especially when I am in an outside environment.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to making the iPhone louder???
Thanks
Lester

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Dec 20, 2007 11:21 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Andrew T.

Level 4

3,219 points

Dec 20, 2007 12:36 PM in response to llunceford

Hello Lester.

One of the main things you will want to ensure you have is iPhone Software Update 1.1.2 this can be obtained by Updating the iPhone with iTunes.

The second thing I would ensure. And this will sound out there. But it does happen. Ensure any and all plastic that came on the iPhone has been removed. As it can cover the areas your putting your ear up to. If this has already been done then avoid this suggestion.

The other thing I would cover. Ensure your case if your using one is not covering any of the speaker ports.

Also check your Volume settings just to ensure it is up high enough.

If your still experiencing an issue. Please if possible make an appointment and visit your Local Apple Store as a Genius can take a look and determine if this is a hardware issue.

If you are unable to get to one. Then contact 1-800-My-iPhone to report and troubleshoot this issue.

Thank you kindly.

Reply

Answer 2

Anoroc

Level 1

0 points

Dec 20, 2007 1:27 PM in response to Andrew T.

I'd like to add to this question, as I have found the iPhone to be a little on the quiet side at times [in speaker mode]. I have found that only the left speaker port on the bottom of my phone has sound coming out. Is there only one speaker on the bottom or two?

Reply

Answer 3

Andrew T.

Level 4

3,219 points

Dec 20, 2007 1:32 PM in response to Anoroc

There is only 1 speaker. The other is the Microphone. So if the left speaker is blocked the sound will be faint and muffled.

Reply

Answer 4

Veggeep

Level 1

10 points

Dec 20, 2007 9:05 PM in response to llunceford

llunceford wrote:
I swear I do NOT have a hearing problem, but I can hardly hear people talking on my iPhone. PLUS, the ring volume could be a little louder too. I have the volume up all the way, but still, it is hard to hear, especially when I am in an outside environment.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to making the iPhone louder???
Thanks
Lester

I can vouch for Lester on this one. Even after the software update that promised a "louder headset volume", the earpiece is still useless unless you're sitting in a library. It's not your hearing, believe me. I often find myself putting the phone on speaker mode and holding the data port end up to my ear!

Honestly, the only way I can hear it (at anything resembling a comfortable volume) is with the headphones inserted.

Reply

Answer 5

llunceford Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 20, 2007 10:22 PM in response to llunceford

Thank you for your response Andrew T. I know you were being sincere and helpful with the "making sure of no plastic wrap, etc" on my iPhone, but I can assure you that there is NO obstruction on the speakers of any kind. Unfortunately, I do not have an Apple store here in Alaska that carry the iPhones, but fortunately, the recent introduction of AT & T store here in Alaska does, and I will be taking this iPhone to them at my next earliest chance. Hopefully, they will exchange it for me.
Lester

Reply

Answer 6

Dec 21, 2007 2:38 AM in response to llunceford

I can't help with the call volume but try using a high pitched ringtone. The human ear is better at picking out frequencies around 1k (the frequency of a crying baby). I switch ringtones to a shrill tone like this when I'm outside or in a noisy environment.

I'm sending a feedback to apple suggesting they incorporate profiles, like some other phones have, to make doing this easier.

If your on a mac you can use garage band to create a shrill ringtone using the loops that come with iLife. Do spotlight search for "Cell Phone Ringing.aif" and give that a try.

Reply

Answer 7

Dec 21, 2007 2:39 AM in response to llunceford

I just noticed you have Leopard installed on you Mac so you have everything you need to make your ringtone.

Reply

Answer 8

Dec 21, 2007 3:02 AM in response to Veggeep

I think your Iphone and the original poster's Iphone COULD be faulty. I know some Iphones have call quality issues which go away by getting a replacement. Just like some Iphones have reception issues, some have no service at all and mine has constant 5 bars.

Reply

Answer 9

Veggeep

Level 1

10 points

Dec 21, 2007 7:20 AM in response to chazdaspaz

chazdaspaz wrote:
I think your Iphone and the original poster's Iphone COULD be faulty...

I certainly wouldn't rule it out. I guess I'll have to find someone else with one and test drive it to be sure. I have a hard time believing the device is deliberately designed to be that quiet. Ironically, the supplied earbuds are louder and clearer than any hands-free kit or bluetooth headset I've ever used. It must be a glitch.

I don't have any problem creating loud enough ringtones, either. In fact, I have a "template" built in Garage Band that crops the clip to 30 seconds, fades the end of the clip, and cuts most of the low frequencies out of it, all in one shot. That way, I can punch up the volume a tad on the source file and still get crystal clear ringtones with no distortion.

Reply

Answer 10

rajhhb

Level 1

0 points

Dec 21, 2007 7:45 AM in response to llunceford

I have the same issue. If I take a business call from the car, the speaker phone is useless. I have to use the ear buds or hold the phone to my ear. The ring tone is also not loud enough. iTunes says that my phone is up to date and I have removed the plastic. The only option is to go back to the store and have them look into it, I guess.

Reply

Answer 11

michad

Level 1

49 points

Dec 21, 2007 8:02 AM in response to llunceford

I had the same problem as the original poster. After a few weeks of struggling to get by I called support and went through all of their suggested steps, no change.

The support phone and the replacement phone are 1000% better than the original. I can hear all callers and the volume is no more than 50% on the phone.

Call support.

Reply

Answer 12

W9FIF

Level 2

315 points

Dec 21, 2007 8:24 AM in response to llunceford

I'd suggest a trip to the genius bar. I am somewhat hearing impaired and my volume is more than adequate all around.

Reply

Answer 13

Dec 21, 2007 9:52 AM in response to llunceford

This is a common problem when it comes to the iPhone. It is either because you damaged it in someway, or you haven't synced your phone in a while. See, Apple had many complaints about the sound on the iPhone, so they made an upgrade in iTunes so when you sync you phone you should have some louder volume. If not, go into settings and see if there is a lock on your maximum sound.

Reply