Why is the volume low on my Apple Watch Series 10?

I have Apple Watch 10. The speaker is low when on calls. It sound blown when people talk. I had 4 watches and never had a problem until Apple 10. Something needs to be done about this. Apple suggestion is to send it off. It’s a brand new watch. Why am I experiencing these issues. Fix it. It’s probably the update.

I have had an Apple Watch for YEARS and have had NO problems. Then I got a new Apple Watch Series 10 in November 2024 and by December the sound was so low you couldn’t hear it when it was on full volume. I turned it in on a warranty and they sent me a new one - then the new one started doing it too! Sounds like when a speaker is blown! Full volume and I can’t hear it! Took it to the Apple Store yesterday and they are sending it out for repair!!! I’m about to try finding an older used Apple Watch so I don’t have to deal with this seemingly constant problem! Apple-please fix this problem with your watches!

I have the same issue with the Ultra 2. Just bought it 4 days ago, and barely hear anything. The volume is on maximum, but you cannot even hear the siren, only when you put it to your ear. It happens with every app, voice messages, calls, siren, notifications. Running watchOS11.2 and literally 4 days old. Is it a bug or should I return it? We need a fix ASAP

Same problem: My new Apple Watch 10 at maximum volume is nearly inaudible. It's disheartening to read here how many of you are experiencing the same fault ...especially those of you experiencing the same fault with your exchanged replacement device(s). Apple must be aware of the problem. It would appear replacing a few hundred (or a few thousand) watches is far less costly than admitting their product is faulty and issuing a recall. ****** shame really.

I'm having the same problem with my Apple Watch 10. It is my 4th apple watch and I never had a volume problem with the others. After a bout with tech support they sent me a replacement. The volume was fine for the 1st month then went low with full volume in everything again. I can't believe it!

Same here. Speaker is low playing back voice memos, too. I have the volume cranked. It’s insane how I can’t hear it at that setting.

I had the same problem with the speaker and I was going to visit apple store . I wore my watch in the shower and then pressed the button 💧 . I did it twice and now the speaker sounds really good .

I have had 3!!! Replacements from this same issue. Works for a month when newly set up then back to the same!! I cannot even use the watch for what I bought it for. So do we know if they’re gonna recall them or do an update for it?

I have an Apple Watch 7, and an Apple Watch 10. Until I saw an article about the bad speaker possibility on the 10 I never would have noticed I had something wrong, but it appears I do! I recorded voice memos on both watches at the same time and playing them back, the 7 is loud and clear at max volume, while the 10 (also set to max volume) is quiet and sounds like it has a blown speaker. Looks like I need to take a trip to the Apple Store.

Both watches on the latest software as of February 11th, 2025. Apple Watch 10 was bought in November of '24.

Same issue on two different Apple Watch series 10. One black and one titanium. Even with volume cranked to full, as the previous poster reported, the speaker sounds blown. Worked great originally. Callers can hear me when I say “Hold on let me get my phone”. Can only hear it with my wrist to my face. 🤬

Same issue: I purchased my brand new series 10 (46mm+ cellular) Apple Watch in December 2024. The very first phone call that came in was so distorted that I thought I had somehow blown my speaker already.

Everybody having this issue should let Apple know directly about it by using the Feedback link, as this is the only way to reach them.

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

Did the exact same thing and the problem is solved. The solution is to activate the 💧 eject with water in it

[Edited by Moderator]

So, here's an update...I left the Apple store, having left my watch with them, feeling like they were just going to tell me it was not repairable. Pretty crappy feeling. Several days later, I got it back in the mail and it worked again! The sound was great and no problems with it whatsoever. Also, no explanation of what they did or what was wrong. While my watch was with Apple, I did some digging on the internet. It seems a whole lot of people are having the same trouble with their Apple watch 10's. Here is what I gleaned from this whole ordeal: Take your watch off if you are washing your hands with soap, or putting on lotion, or those kinds of things where things can get in those tiny little holes along the side of your watch. The Apple watch 10 is thinner that the watches ever have been and the speaker is right behind those little holes. Anything clogging those tiny holes effects the speaker. When the Apple folks were grilling me about how I use my watch, they continually asked me about water and this puzzled me because it is supposed to be waterproof. This was my first clue. They are definitely having trouble-not with water, but other things getting in the little holes.

Since I got my watch back, I am super careful not to get anything on it. I take it off when I am doing dishes, washing my hands, putting on lotion, etc... I recommend doing this so you don't encounter the problems that I have had. I wish you all the best of luck with your 10's.

We had to swish my watch 10 in lukewarm water and very lightly tap the speaker side on a paper towel with the water protection on and then turn water protection back off around 20-30 times and it is back to normal sounding. mine was barely vibrating and not making the water clear out sound and now it is. ridiculous