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User profile for user: evansonoda
evansonoda Author
User level: Level 1
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iPhone 3GS silent switch is not working properly

For some reason my silent switch is not working properly. It works fine when it is switched off (sound on) but does not always work when I flip it to silent mode. It seems like the switch is not moving far enough to trigger the "silent mode" even though the switch is totally flipped. And depending upon the orientation of my iphone (upright, on a side, upside down, etc) the phone will toggle between sound and silent mode. I have cleaned the area and still have this problem. Is this a issue that can be fixed or is it under a warranty. I have not damaged or dropped this phone in any way and have had it for a little less than eight months. Thanks in advance.

iphone 3gs 16gb, iOS 4

Posted on Sep 22, 2010 4:03 PM

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16 replies
User profile for user: E2C7
E2C7
User level: Level 1
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Dec 18, 2010 8:47 PM in response to evansonoda

I have the same problem! It's driving me crazy and has been going on for a few weeks now. I thought for awhile it might have been my case, but I got a new one and that didn't work. I never dropped it either, nor where there any other traumatizing events done to the phone before this started happening. Have either of you noticed that by simply touching the back or sides of your phone it will toggle back and forth between "silent" and the sound on? I went to an ATT store because I don't have an apple store in my area and they told me to purchase applecare if I didn't already have it and then call Apple to see what they can do. With applecare they can replace the phone immediately, and without applecare it can take up to 21 days (or so the rep said,) for apple to get your phone back to you. I'm planning on calling apple tomorrow to see what I can do. But if you guys found another solution let me know!
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User profile for user: Pieter VB
Pieter VB
User level: Level 1
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Apr 13, 2011 11:17 AM in response to evansonoda

I've got a similar problem. My silent switch completely stopped functioning today. The odd thing about it is, when it's switched to 'silent' and I apply some pressure to the top of the iPhone by squeezing on the front and the back right underneath the ear speaker, silent mode is switched on. But when I release my squeeze, silent mode is switched off again. My best guess is a faulty electrical connection somewhere.

The frustrating thing is that I just 'celebrated' my iPhone's first birthday, so I'm afraid it's not under warranty. These things always happen after one year 😟
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User profile for user: judi55
judi55
User level: Level 1
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Apr 13, 2011 11:53 AM in response to evansonoda

if ya'll are talking about what i think you are, try this... plug your iphone to your computer amd sync with i tunes. first it will update everything because you cant do much with it if its not updated. there is a place in i tunes while you are still connected you can re-set the phone to the default settings and that should do it. However you will lose a few things like your outgoing message and a few other things. i dont think you lose contacts but you just might have to re-set a few things. also in the "settings" you can set it there as well. i went to settings and made it so i cannot adjust the ring volume from the side button, i have to do it under the "settings". that way i dont accidentally turn it off or up or whatever . i hope this helps!
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User profile for user: tedmoseby123
tedmoseby123
User level: Level 1
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Jun 2, 2012 8:31 AM in response to evansonoda

hi there,

for anyone who's iphone buttons (hardware) are not working, there is something you could try w/out taking your phone apart.

go to settings --> general--> accessibility-->turn on assistive touch

this results in a small on screen touch activated version of your home button popping up on your screen - press it to see options such as : home. if you press it then select device, you will see further options such as mute. hope this helps.. would love to know how you go...

good luck!

tedmoseby123

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User profile for user: bettylynn
bettylynn
User level: Level 1
4 points

Jul 4, 2012 2:31 PM in response to tedmoseby123

I've been having the broken silent switch with toggling problem for several months. Since my phone is out of warranty by a several months (I'm waiting for the 5 to come out), I replaced the switch. It was really the cover and I have since discovered it is the actual switch that is the problem. The price is very little ($5 or so), I am not willing to spend more time or money or time on the issue, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this tip (using the Accessibility setting). Works like a charm!

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User profile for user: TahliaJade99
TahliaJade99
User level: Level 1
0 points

Mar 15, 2013 4:31 PM in response to evansonoda

The reason the switch isnt working may be that you have selected in the general settings to use that switch as lock and unlock screen rotation, to put it back on the use of silent take these steps:

Go to settings

Go to general

In General there should be something that says

use side switch to:

Select mute :)


Hope this was the problem if not sorry i cant help

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User profile for user: GabrielleEato
GabrielleEato
User level: Level 1
0 points

Jun 25, 2013 8:51 AM in response to evansonoda

I have found a solution for the problem. This worked for me when this happened. If you press down the top part of your phone to the left where that speaker is an. Hold the switch down and up it seems to work. This is probably because it is popped out a bit and that is causing the problem. When I pushed the upper part by my speaker to the left it worked for me but u might have to hold the whole top part and do it. I think there is something connecting and causing it to do that.

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iPhone 3GS silent switch is not working properly

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