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

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.

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.

Same problem, my new Apple 10 series volume was working great with it being a good volume and then one day I could not hear anything. All my calls, notifications and music were so low you could barely hear anything. I ran water on the watch like I was taking a shower it so it got good and wet. I clicked on the water drop icon to have the watch vibrate and remove all the water from the speaker and was surprised and relieved that it solved the problem. The watch is back to normal with the speaker being good and loud enough to enjoy using its features and calls. Anyone having a problem with their watches volume being too low just run some water over it and then use the vibration mode to rid the water because as it doing that it's also removing anything that is obstructing the tiny speaker grill. This teardrop water icon works great to rectify the problem.

I too was having issue with watch 10 being nearly inaudible, even at full volume. In this thread I noted that several had run it under water then used the water eject function, so I tried it. After running it under some water I utilized the eject function but one time did nothing. I then turned the watch 90 degrees so the speaker was facing down and it did a dozen or so more times until I saw no moisture dangling from the speaker. Further the eject sounds were prominent (they didn't even play at first). The sound is now back to normal.

Same issue with Series 10 watch. Zero help from the folks at the Apple Store. Super low sound. Tried the water lock trick multiple times with no luck. Then, with the watch in water lock mode, ran water over the speaker holes and gently used my Sonicare toothbrush for about 10 seconds on the speaker holes and the sound is fully restored. I’m thinking that even salt from sweating can block these tiny holes. I hope this is helpful to others.

Another person suggested using a soft toothbrush gently against the speakers. With the water lock on, I swiped the speakers several times with a wet soft toothbrush. Then dried the speakers and turned off the water lock. It worked! I heard the sound of the water lock makes when turned off and Siri’s voice loud and clear. I will be more aware of keeping the speakers clean from now on.

After reviewing this thread, I broke the problem down to settings, device failure, or physical obstruction of the speaker apparatus. I’d already ensured that the settings were for high volume, so I thought the speaker could be blocked in some way.

After washing the watch and my Sonicare toothbrush with soap and water, and setting the watch to waterproof, I brushed soapy, warm water over the speaker several times, cycling the waterproof mode on and off repeatedly. Problem solved.

Not sure what was blocking the tiny little holes over the speaker, but it’s working fine now. (I washed the toothbrush again, afterwards).

I had this problem too. After several cycles of water and using the water function to eject water and then also some canned air to clean electronics, it’s back to normal. It seems like this is likely a design flaw. Must be something catches in the speaker with the small holes. Try the cleaning instructions and see if it fixes it!

Push the side button then in the resulting screen tap the water droplet. This will turn on water protection. I ran mine under a gentle stream of water after doing this. Then to use the eject function, push and hold the Digital Crown. Since I'd run mine under water, I turned the watch 90 degrees so the speaker was down and crown was up. Then Held the digital crown. I repeated this process several times before the volume returned to normal.

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

I have had 4 Apple Watch 10 series replaced since 11/24!! The volume works for about 6 weeks then suddenly becomes almost absent.

Unfortunately, I am 5 hours away from an Apple Store, so they keep overnighting me new watches. I am beyond frustrated and agree something needs to be done. I am paying for extra “line” on my cell phone bill for the watch when I couldn’t utilize the watch for that purpose due to the volume!

I have to call AGAIN regarding the last watch they sent me 6 weeks ago. One tech told me Apple may have to do a service recall on the Series 10 due to all the issues with the volume.

I also had the same problem. The volume lowered over time. But i solved, i used a baby’s toothbrush gently on the speaker grill en cleaned out some dust particles. And than use the water droplet function. And now it sounds like a new watch!!

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 had the same problem, but I suspected it was something to do with the speaker being clogged. I submerged my Watch in water let it soak, pulled it out and then hit the button to eject the water and that seem to free up the speaker in my case. I haven’t had a problem since. Good loud audio

I get this issue for pphone calls.

The watch (series 10 44mm) worked well until the first update and since then the phone calls are distored and very low volume despite rotating the crown to highest volume.

I read somewhere to go into Settings, the sounds and haptics, make sure the volume is up full.

Then go to accessiblity and scroll to to mono an toggle to on.

It's a poor workaround, as if I listen to music the stereo effect is lost.

Apple offer this: If the microphone or speaker isn’t working as expected on your Apple Watch – Apple Support (AU)

I have to do this after every update!!!

AND. Not what I paid for.

Apple needs to get their act together regarding this ongoing phone call audio issue on the Apple watch. I'm about to lodge an Australian consumer affairs formal complaint, and I susgggggest everyone on this forums with the same issue does the same with whatever their Government body for their country is regarding "not fit for purchase as advertised' issues