Volume on Bluetooth headphones and earphones too loud

Question

Volume on Bluetooth headphones and earphones too loud

I have JBL tune500bt headphones and when listening to music with my iPhone 12 (ios16.1.2) the volume is too loud even when I set it as low as possible on the phone. I have also tested Apple EarPods and the issue persists. I also tested normal 3.5mm jack earphones, where the volume can be regulated properly.

To be more specific, I added the “hearing” button to control center, which shows the current dB of media playing. Therefore, I can objectively quantify that any Bluetooth headphone or earphone cannot be regulated below about 40-45dB, it immediately drops to 0dB from the first “non zero” increment. This issue or bug is longstanding as I can see questions from 3 years ago where 1000+ people have clicked “me too”.

I have tested with Android and the headphones work perfectly, so the problem is with iPhone/ios, not the earphones.

I have limited max volume, however that doesn’t do anything when the lowest possible is too loud.

I have also limited volume within apps where possible (eg Spotify) that only modified about 5-6 dB on average.

Please finally fix this. It is uncomfortable and painful over time, I have resorted to stuffing the headphones to muffle volume.

iPhone 12, 16

Posted on Jan 21, 2023 6:49 AM

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Answer 1

Sheree_P

Community Specialist

Jan 23, 2023 4:12 PM in response to trying-to-help

Hi trying-to-help,

Since software updates include fixes, we recommend updating to iOS 16.3. To do so, follow the steps below or in this article: Update your iPhone or iPad.

"Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.
Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.
Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.
Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do."

Take care.

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Answer 2

karina184

Community Specialist

Feb 2, 2023 7:07 AM in response to trying-to-help

Hey trying-to-help,

At this point, we would recommend reaching out to Apple Support. They will have the necessary tools to investigate into this matter more with you: Get Support.

Have a great day.

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Answer 3

Jan 25, 2023 8:49 AM in response to trying-to-help

Hello trying-to-help,

Thank you for trying that. Let's go ahead and see if the audio level features on your iPhone help: Use headphone audio level features on iPhone - Apple Support

This may help reduce the sound.

Cheers!

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Answer 4

Feb 2, 2023 1:11 AM in response to merlinapple

Hello, I’ve tried all of these, unfortunately it does not help. I have limited maximum volume too, but the main problem is the other end of the scale. The minimum volume is too loud and the first non zero (ie not silent) increment seems to be around 40-50dB. With 3.5mm jack earphones (using a lightning adapter) I can easily regulate the volume from 0-10-20-30dB etc. upwards. next step?

thanks,

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Answer 5

Jan 25, 2023 2:13 AM in response to Sheree_P

Hello, I have and the issue persists. (none of the software updates in the past few years have solved this so it was a long shot that this was going to be a fix)

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Volume on Bluetooth headphones and earphones too loud

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