Silent switch randomly turns on - iPhone 12 Pro Max

Glad I found this discussion. I think the problem comes from using your back pants pocket to keep your phone. When you sit down it flexes the case and turns mute switch to on (red). Think about how you carry your phone. Does it create pressure?

Yes it could be the back pocket but I only keep my phone in my side pocket and it's pretty loose, not tight. And it happens when handling the phone. Thing is, I don't think we should have to be careful how we handle the case because we're the only ones of the millions of iphone users who have to deal with this. It's the case, not the pocket, not the user.

after 2 unhelpful calls with Apple on the phone, lI brought it into the Apple store and they stonewalled me too. Said "We can't replicate it here" and i said "Are you willing to place it on a table in a secure location in the back and then we'll check on it at the end of the day?" and they said no. I said I want a new phone and they said you can only do that within the first 2 weeks after you bought it. I said I had called Apple before the first 2 weeks were up but they were unmoved.

I just posted a video I made of the case turning the phone off with a slight movement of my thumb. Apple just sent me an email telling me they removed it because it was 'speculative'. It took all of 2 minutes for them to read it and delete it. They're following this and are hearing about it from people. Heck I called them awhile a back. Don't expect any support from them. Too bad. They're trying to manage the issue.

I have figured it out.

Using IPhone 12 and IPhone 12 mini.

I switched between different cases and found out, with at most certainty, that when using Apple’s original (MagSafe cases) cases (leather or silicon - I have them both) silent switch turns off. However, when using cases of brands other than Apple (Toiko) - switch stays firm.

I noticed that the new Apple cases are not firmly tight at the top and bottom edges so when the phone is in my pocket, body movements causes the edge of the case to slightly move - just enough to cause the switch to move.

It never happens with other cases other than Apple’s.

Yes, those are the two options. ditch the case or live with it. Thing is this $50 case is an issue... $50! A third option is to alter the small rubber strip above the switch. Anyone dare to do that and want to post what you did and how it went?

What's to dare? It's my case and Apple won't replace it anyway. Yes - 3 months ago I cut the little strip of silicon off and the phone has not switched itself off since. Problem totally gone. The case still works just the same. Nobody has even noticed that it has a bit missing.

I was just asking to find out if the case still stayed on after altering it before I cut into mine. I'm glad it does. Asking that question gave me the answer that let me know my case would still work after doing it and I wouldn't have to toss it. Thnx.

I solved this problem on my soft case by cutting a notch with a razor blade by the switch, a small 1/4” notch is enough to stop the case from moving the switch to silent mode, and it is hardly noticeable.

Hey Cathie! I have the same exact issue with my iPhone 11, the silent switch goes on off without be touching it. Don’t understand what is causing it, did you find a solution to this? Thanks, just a bit concerned about it

benedetta208 wrote:

Hey Cathie! I have the same exact issue with my iPhone 11, the silent switch goes on off without be touching it. Don’t understand what is causing it, did you find a solution to this? Thanks, just a bit concerned about it

That is impossible. There is no solenoid in the phone that can move the switch. If it changes its position the only way that can happen is if some external force moves it. It may be the case, or, if you carry your phone in a back pocket (a very, very bad idea, BTW, the worst possible way to carry a delicate $1,000 device) it could simply be brushing against your clothing.

Read back away's. it's not the switch that is turning itself off. It's the Apple case. Push the corner of the case back and the thin plastic part on the front side of the switch will flip it off. It happens sometimes when handling it and if the case gets pushed back while the phone is in your pocket. For me it happens all the time. I cut the thin bar off and the case still stays on good and doesn't turn off the ringer any longer.

Thanks so much folks at age 57 and in outside sales this has been the number one issue I have had with cell phones over 39 years. I battle the Apple silent switch issue almost daily and at least it makes me feel better it’s not just me.

Hello Poi,

I have the same issue. Were you able to solve this? I went to apple partner store, they were saying its not possible. I tried to reason with them but of no use.

It seems to be issue with lot of iphone 12. I warranty expires in few months, so want to rectify it asap.

It’s a physical switch. It’s like a light switch on your wall; the only way it can change its position is if something external moves it. That could be a case that is too close to it, or it could brush against your hand or your clothes if you keep it in your pocket.