Low Headset volume after IOS 14 update

There are new features in iOS 14 to prevent hearing damage and this affects headphones and Bluetooth peripherals (possibly phone speaker as well).

Go to Settings > Sounds and Haptics > Headphone Safety

You can adjust the maximum volume or disable he protection entirely. Be aware, this may lead to hearing loss over time, which is why the feature was introduced.

Hi

Have the same problem. Found that if i Use Apple music on Lock screen, regulate sound level, bluetooth headset volume works at normal level again (sometimes i have to play back music on lock screen and regulate volume). So Apple, please fix this, this needs bugfix from You! Think problem showed up with introduction Apple Music, but not sure (was that introduced in 14.x?). So maybe Apple Music App/iOS team has to look into this.

Forgot: Using Plantronics Voyager UC BT Headset.

KR

Kim

Hi kaitnurse,

We understand that you're having sound issues on your iPhone updating to iOS 14. Have you updated to iOS 14.0.1? If not, let's go ahead and do that now: Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

This support article may help: If you hear no sound or distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch speaker

Have a great day!

Hi kaitnurse,

Thanks for confirming that the software is updated. Are you able to adjust the volume while on an active call? Does this seem to effect all callers? If so, let's check for carrier settings update by tapping on Settings > General > About. If an update is available, you'll see an option to update your carrier settings. Additional details can be found here: Update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad

All the best!

Did you remove the case and also verify that no plastic file, pocket lint or other obstructions are covering the speakers, then test again with the bare phone? Have you verified that the setting I noted previously is disabled? Does this occur with headphones as well? Did you have a previous iPhone that had adequate speakerphone volume, prior to your 12? Is it only too quiet on phone calls on speaker, or is it also too quiet for music and video playback on speaker? I have a 12 Pro I can verify it is significantly louder on speaker than my 7 Plus. Do you know anyone else with an iPhone 12 so you can compare their speakerphone output to your own? I would also do a complete erase and set it up as new (don’t restore a backup), then test to see if the issue persists.

If the issue persists through all of those checks and iPhones are typically loud enough for you on speaker, then I would contact Apple support as they will likely replace either the device or the speaker under the warranty. You may have a defective unit, or there may be an obstruction over the speakers.

I spoke to support this morning about my volume reducing when I’ve changed all the settings for it, she told me some people have shut off Face ID attention in accessibility & that solved the issue. Sounds ridiculous & it didn’t do a thing on my phone

I’ve got the same issue with AirPods or other Bluetooth options too.

Every other sound coming through such as key taps etc are so loud they’re above the max audio volume.

I’ve checked my audio and even had the Apple store check too, this is definitely an issue since iOS 14 in the 11 Pro.

I’ve been having the same issue with low quality music especially in the car so I went to music in settings and turned my equalizer off. It helped immediately. As a matter fact it worked so well it scared the crap out of me in the car because my volume just blasted so. I hope this helps because I tried every other fix myself love it but love music more so I’m glad it worked

With all due respect the network provider doesn’t control the volume in iOS you know this.

On that basis how can you blame the carrier for an issue with audio that’s affecting multiple users on multiple networks?

I have the same problem and same feeling. Over the years the speaker has been getting weaker with the updates (same goes for the speakers of the iPads that we have at home), and now the headset volume is stupidly low as well. This ruins not only calls, but the whole brand experience. My iPhone is a business phone that will not be replaced just because Apple wants to force me with this regular sneaky downgrades. It seems like another strategy of programmed obsolescence. I honestly feel deceived and the last move of removing the chargers USB-c in the name of sustainability when most people has UBS-a is, in my opinion, extremely cynical.

Found a host of other folks who had the same problem (only with the Plus?) My wife has the 7SE and the volume is A-OK. I have scrapped my 7 Plus and went back to my 5SE. Just for info. Cleaning the screen did not help. Both the ear spkr and the lower spkr phone are low. Paid $30 to have diagnostic of phone. Found nothing.

Hello kaitnurse,

Understood. Since all callers are not affected, this may be isolated to a specific contact or a specific carrier. Have you noticed any trends as to when the issue occurs?

All the best.

This still doesn’t solve the issue of not being able to hear anyone on my phone or when I use the speaker. I just purchased the iPhone 12 hoping it would solve the issue but it’s the same.

Is there a way to fix this or do I need to buy a different brand phone, the phone is unusable for me with this volume issue

The ear piece and speaker are not obstructed, I have the latest update and the volume of both are still very low. I’ve read that Apple lowered the volume so as not to harm people’s hearing. Is there a way to bypass that?

I’m worried about updating my phone at the moment due to this issue. I have an iPhone X and use bone conducting headphones to allow me to still hear what is happening on the roads around me...this means that my overall volume level is already significantly lower. I live in Britain which was in the EU until very recently. If I update, will the volume be reduced even further? If so, I won’t be able to hear it at all on my headphones...I already struggle when traffic goes past! That would be a real pain given that I’m out and listening to music for roughly 30km a day. Can someone from Apple confirm whether this would be the case, and if so, explain why they do not have alternative solutions in place?