iPhone 12 works Only on Speakerphone

Hey Splinter123,

Since the receiver of your iPhone appears to no longer be working, we recommend having your iPhone serviced.

You can locate the nearest Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) using this link: Find Locations

You can also contact Apple Support directly to arrange the repair as well: Get Support

You can see how much it may cost to repair your iPhone using this link: iPhone Repair & Service - Apple Support. Just scroll down to "How much will it cost?” and fill in the fields.

Before you bring in or send in your iPhone, here’s how to get it ready for service: Get your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch ready for service - Apple Support

All the best.

Hi Splinter123,

Since you can only hear callers when you put them on speaker, we recommend that you try the steps here: If you hear no sound or distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch speaker - Apple Support

To perform the recommended troubleshooting steps via the link above, complete the steps in the section below.

Follow these steps

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. Open Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and make sure that Do Not Disturb is off.

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.

We recommend the steps above because they will show you what to do if you can't hear a person's voice clearly, hear crackling, hear static, or have issues with sound quality.

If you’re still experiencing the same issue, then we recommend that you contact Apple Support directly so that they can work with you to find a solution. You can reach them by clicking here: Apple Support or calling the most local number in your region: Contact Apple for support and service. Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities. Cheers!

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I had been having the same problem with my iPhone 11 Prop Max for months. One of the online help sites said it was a hardware problem and i had to talk to Apple. AT&T gave me an iPhone 12 Pro max because I had insurance on the phone. Everything from the old phone was transferred to the new phone. After two phone calls, I started having the same problem. I cannot hear well unless I am using speaker phone. It has to be software problem.

I have seen from postings that this problem goes back years and no solution.

When I updated my IPhone 12 to IOS 18.1.1, I no longer could hear whomever I was speaking to on the phone. I also was unable to hear my messages. The only way I could hear was to put the speaker option on. This only started after the update. I tried all the suggested fixes, including sliding the sound bar, restarting my phone, making sure the speaker was free of any dirt on my phone, and making sure the do not disturb function was off on my phone. Any suggestions?

I went to the local T Mobil store to see if they could solve the issue. Just so happens their promotion was a new I phone 16E buying my 12, I only pay $5.00 more a month now. It’s their problem now! Thanks be to God!

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