iPhone ear speaker not working after update

Try playing your music, while playing place on pause. Them turn phone completely off for 30 seconds then turn back on.

Hello Tiffee143,

We see that you're having and issue with the speaker on your iPhone. We also understand that you've done quite a bit of troubleshooting to help to resolve this issue. Just to make sure we've checked everything, we'd like to have you go through the steps in the resource below that can help with this issue you're experiencing:

1. "If your device has a Ring/Silent switch, move the switch forward—toward the device's display—so that orange isn't showing. If you're using an iPad, you can also swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center and make sure that Silent Mode is off. 
2. 
3. Open Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and make sure that Do Not Disturb is off.

Contact Apple Support

If you checked the sound settings and your device still has sound issues, contact Apple Support to discuss service options.

If you want to try more steps on your own

If you prefer, here are some more steps you can try on your own. After following these steps, you might still need to contact Apple Support to discuss service options.

1. Remove all screen protectors, films, or cases from your device. 
2. Check the speaker opening to see if it's blocked or dirty. On iPhone only, make sure that the receiver isn't blocked or dirty. 
3. If necessary, clean the speaker or receiver opening with a small, soft-bristled brush. Make sure that the brush is clean and dry.
4. Go to Settings > Sounds (or Settings > Sounds & Haptics), and drag the Ringer and Alerts slider back and forth a few times. If you don't hear any sound, or if your speaker button on the Ringer and Alerts slider is dimmed, your speaker might need service.
5. If you hear sound, try making a call with your iPhone and turn on speakerphone. On iPad or iPod touch, make a FaceTime call. If you still can't hear, or hear static or crackling, then your network or reception could be the issue. Try to call again later, or from a different location."

If you hear no sound or distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch speaker - Apple Support

If the issue persists, you'll want to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance with this issue.

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Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

It still happens on IOS 16.2. But I found that the problem is with "black screen mode". When you put it close to your ear, the screen goes black and the sound button is disabled.

I have a similar issue. I have an iPhone 12 Pro and since 16.1.1 I have been unable to listen to any kind of audio message on ear. Yes, I’ve tried to raise the volume during the voice message but the buttons don’t work at all but they are completely fine during voice calls. I have also tried to force restart the iphone but of course it did not work at all. Also, I’ve tried to update to iOS 16.1.2 but it did not fix the issue at all. I am wondering what to do next, because I’ve tried to contact Apple Support by phone but the operator unfortunately could not do much apart from suggesting to reset all settings. I am quite frustrated so I’d appreciate if anybody could share some opinions or suggestions!

I can't adjust the volume of an earpiece speaker during calls, also while listening voice messages on WhatsApp etc. It is only about the earpiece speaker, not the main speaker and sounds. I contacted Apple support and tried factory reset and diagnostics, but it doesn't work. How can iPhone users have this issue, my phone is very new. Even with cheap android I never had such issues. But the most expensive phone has it. It is just super annoying.

Just a brief update to all those that posted comments about the same issue I had: the muted audio in voice messages while player on ear fixed itself out of nowhere and for no apparent reason. I listened a voice message by mistake on ear and it played as it used to. I think that it’s a bug of some sort that perhaps will be fixed permanently in future iOS updates. I wish you all that it will be solved as mine did!

SAME HERE APPLE

I have gone through every step. I have changed nothing. Everything works perfectly fine except for the internal ear speaker. I can still hear calls but I have to be in a quiet place. I work in a woodshop so this is not always easy. I usually have to step out or use my wireless headphones. PLEASE UPDATE THE SOFTWARE

After this most recent update my ear speaker has stopped getting sound thur it and I cannot hear phone calls unless I put it on speaker pls fix this I know my phone is not missed up because when I put on the hearing aid thing I hear sound coming out of it but it is really low pls fix the bug as soon as possible

I had exactly the same. Took my phone to the genius bar who admitted it was a known fault and had run a repair scheme for it but of course, didn't tell anyone so now I'm out of the 3 year window to repair it. I've been told to go back to my network provider.

More poor service from Apple

Even I have same issue after OS update. I am not sure apple os forcing to change the handset by passing bug. My cousin said the same issue with him happened few years back. Hmmm strategy ???

IOS 16.2 issue is still there

Any fixes for this yet? Mine is still not working

I am facing the same problem on iPhone 12 Pro after iOS 16.4.1 update

Feeling frustrated and scammed after going through the troubleshooting steps and still not having the receiver work after an update.

It's unfortunate that the representative from Apple informed there was nothing they could do besides sending the phone in for repairs, on my own dime. it's important that Apple provides transparent and honest information to their customers about their options for resolving the issue.

It's also understandable that we all feel it's unfair to have to go through the hassle of sending in your phone, pay for the repair, especially since the issue was caused by an Apple update.

Did you recently pay off your phone? I just paid mine off recently and now all of a sudden the ear speaker isn’t working after update. Apple does this and has done it before to get people to buy new phones. Just like the battery virus they got caught at I believe they did this to my phone. No doubt.