iphone 4 volume buttons not working

My iphone 4s volume button stopped working for me about three months ago. I have tried everything to fix it without luck. I stopped at my local wireless carrier, also an apple store, looked it up on you tube, and searched the whole web . I have had no luck with the problem. I decided to buy an antidust plug for the charger usb port. It came with a plug for the headphone also. I put the headphone plug in and instantly the volume control worked. Wish I tried this before all the updates and the resetting the phone factory resettings. Worth the 0.99 on ebay I spent. Hopefully this works for others.

i've just encountered the same concerned with my iphones 4s and it was fix by plugged and unplugged of headphones, thanks for the info.

I have an Iphone 4 that had intermittent sound and tried all the above. I heard that using alcohol on a toothpick in ihe charging port worked for some people so I tried it. It worked for awhile but started acting up again but at least I now knew where the problem lied. Being totally frustrated with apple techs telling me it can't be fixed and I have to buy a new phone I decided to take matters into my own hands. I took the phone apart (got the #00 pentaum screwdriver from radio shack) and followed an online tutorial on how too remove the charging port. I took it out and soaked it in alcohol for several hours shaking the container ocasionally.. I put it back togeather after making sure it was completely dry. And now it works perfectly. I know this isn.t for everyone but if you feel adventurous and have your back to the wall give it a shot.

I just got my 4S to work by simply cleaning both ends of the charger cords with a disinfectant wipe.

Try cleaning the phone first before you go to settings.

good fix, i can confirm exact issue as op, rectified by replacing charge dock assy ✅