Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Earpiece Volume too low?

Sorry if this topic has been addressed before, the only discussions I could find on the matter are about the 2G or 3G iPhone, and most of the time they predated the 1.1.1 volume fix.

My girlfriend and I each got a 3GS this week and we're having a hard time hearing other people during calls. The sound quality is just okay - not great, but about what we expected in our area on AT&T. The real problem is that the volume is simply too low.

We have our volume maxed out (yes, tried the 'volume up' button on the side of the phone while on the call), but it still isn't loud enough. We both have good hearing, and sound through the earbuds is just fine.

Are there any hidden settings or apps that can adjust the volume? Any help would be appreciated. If you're having the same problem, please, feel free to reply in order to corroborate the issue.

Message was edited by: affix

iPhone 3GS, iPhone OS 3.0

Posted on Jun 29, 2009 1:25 PM

Reply
15 replies

Jul 4, 2009 8:17 AM in response to affix

The 3GS is my first iPhone and I have to agree that the volume is quite often much too low for my liking. I have noticed that it's not always, just more often than not. This goes for both the earpiece and the speakerphone. Volume through bluetooth is fine. My hearing is good.

After speaking to a couple of friends who just got the 3GS they all say the same thing, making me think that the volume is where it's supposed to be, but it's just too low for what I'd like it to be. For example, it's fine if I'm in a quite area (volume maxed out), but if there's any sort of background noise it becomes very difficult to hear the other person.

Unfortunately, I don't have any fixes, but if anybody else does, it would be much appreciated here as well!!

Jul 4, 2009 9:22 AM in response to affix

I broke down and made an appointment at the Genius Bar for Monday night. I've been back and forth about going for a while (because of this and I'm on the fence about my battery as well...) just because it's such a hassel to get out to an Apple Store (45 minute drive each way). I'll post afterwards to let you know how I made out.

Jul 4, 2009 8:55 PM in response to chrispo86

I'm going to make a Genius appointment for tomorrow as well and will likewise post afterward.

Something else I noticed ... when I use the headset I hear better, but the other person I'm talking to ALWAYS hears an echo. My husband discovered that the echo disappears if you cover the receiver on the phone. Anyone else notice this?

Thanks.

Aug 6, 2009 9:47 PM in response to affix

yep, mine's way too quiet too. maxed in a quiet room to hear someone, but if there's any background noise, i can barely make out any words. usually if i'm at starbucks with a normal phone, they can't hear me cause of too much noise in MY background, but with the iphone, i can't hear them (cause iphone is too quiet), and they can't hear me (cause the microphone is overly sensitive it seems.. which is better than not sensitive enough i suppose). quietest phone i've ever had.

thinking about returning mine for that along with a list of issues.

Aug 6, 2009 11:36 PM in response to affix

Today I "upgraded" from the 3G to 3GS and the main difference I found was that the earpiece and speaker volume on the 3GS were definitely diminished and harder to hear even when set to "11". The sound quality seems inferior and even the standard "Marimba" ringtone sounds thinner with less bass and body. I waited over an hour in an AT&T store to get my new white 16gig iphone and the last thing I really want to do is schlep to a genius bar now and wait again. Please tell me this is normal or will be soon corrected with a software update.

Sep 7, 2009 4:20 PM in response to affix

I just purchased an iPhone 3GS a couple of weeks ago and am having the same problems described above -- i.e., earpiece volume is too low on calls. I cannot hear people on the other end of the call if there is any background noise, which has completely ruled out talking while in my car. Any updates regarding a solution to this problem? Is taking the phone to an Apple Store for receiver replacement, as mentioned previously by another poster, the only "non-tampering" fix we have thus far?

Sep 7, 2009 5:09 PM in response to affix

One would assume that all IPs are assembled with the same parts and therefore all IPs would put out the same range of sound. I spent 40 years in a noisy work environment (aviation) and I definitely have suffered a hearing loss (especially higher pitches).

However, I haven't had any trouble hearing my IP (both my 3g and now my 3gs) as long as I keep the volume up almost at the maximum level (may one to 2 bars off max). This applies to both using the headset and just using the ear phone speaker.

This volume problem for me applies to all my Apple equipment (MB, Nano iPod and 3g s). I'm wondering if some of the complaints here are because of hearing loss? Also wondering if its possible for Apple to up the sound output via software? Strangely, there was a thread here recently where the complaint was that the sound output was too high even at minimum settings! Now that's what I would call a SET OF EARS.

Earpiece Volume too low?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.