How do I disable or change the mute switch on iPhone 7 plus?

I wonder the same, this is totally frustrating, the "funny" thing is that people recommends to use a metal case to prevent it, in that way that switch will be more difficult to turn off/on, it is frustrating to have that switch without a metal case and would be frustrating to whose that use metal case when they really want to switch the ringer off because the button gets less accessible, so the question is...why did Apple engineers put that button? it makes no sense, that option should have been done by software not by hardware, it looks I have a 90's mobile phone. Apple should revise that big mistake made, I previously had a Samsung and never got that problem, they should "learn" from their rival too.

I, like you, have FREQUENTLY inadvertently silenced my iPhone7. I think it's because the 7's on/off sleep/wake button is now on the side, instead of where it used to be — on the top. Thus, when you want to push the on/off button, you hold the phone by placing your thumb on the opposite side (where the silencing button is) and inadvertently move it to the silent position.

Apple probably wouldn't approved my method, but after a month of missing alerts and phone calls because of a silenced phone, I "fixed" it. Using a sharp Exacto knife, I cut a very small strip (approximately 1/32" x 3/16") of rubber from a rubber band. I then, using just my fingernail, stuffed that piece into the small space on the side of the silencing button (obviously when the button was NOT in the "silent" position.) This soft rubber piece has successfully stopped my inadvertent moving of the button for a month now.

The obvious downside is that you lose the use of this button. I'm ok with that. I'd rather lose that function than miss calls or audio alerts. When I want the phone silent, I turn it off. If you change your mind, the piece is easily removed with a toothpick.

An update to my post of September 14, 2017:

It’s now been almost 5 months since I installed my “fix”, and I am happy to report that I have missed NO calls and NO alerts since then. Some may think my solution a bit crude, but since Apple hasn’t provided a better one, I’m happy with mine.

I’ve got this problem as well and I’m sick of it. I’m going to put some superglue in it to lock it in place. I’m missing just about all of my calls because it to easily, through every day use, switches to silent without my knowledge.

Ugh, this is driving me so nuts. I have my phone in a Ghostek, and even with their knob you have to turn the freaken thing switches on its own. I’ve been missing some really really important calls because of this even with vibration when mute. There has to be something added to the settings to stop this. I don’t spend a ton on an iPhone 7 Plus to miss all my calls.

I also miss 90% of my calls because of this **** button.

This is honestly one of the worst 'features' I have ever come across - AND one of the biggest reasons not to choose an iPhone. Want to receive incoming calls ? - choose another phone

I got a detention in school because the button rubbed on my pants/pocket and turned on. I then got an ESPN alert and my phone went off in class. Anyway to turn this off? I have an IPhone 7 by the way.

If you would like to submit feedback or a feature request to Apple, then you can do so here:

Feedback - iPhone - Apple

(You are not talking to Apple here - this is a user-based technical support community).

Gabrielirlanda wrote:

Same question .. You should revise that big mistake you made, I previously had a Samsung and never got that problem, you should "learn" from your rival too.

Same question means the same answer: if you would like to submit feedback or a feature request to Apple, then you can do so here:

Feedback - iPhone - Apple

(You are not talking to Apple here - this is a user-based technical support community).

Hi Ralph, Apparently it used to be possible to set the side switch to lock screen orientation instead but this was removed sometime during iOS9. Setting mute to vibrate might alert you to accidental selection. Settings>Sounds>Vibrate on Silent

(I hope it's the same on the iPhone 7, I've got an SE )

Good luck

I have the same problem with my 7plus. I added a case but the problem still exists. I taped over the opening in the case but no help. There has to be a way to disable the stinking switch! I miss calls all the time and I am ready to go back to my 5s. Never had a problem with the silent switch or any other for that matter.

I agree Apple needs to add the ability to disable the mute switch back to iOS. $1000 iPhone 7 Plus, and I miss 90% of my phone calls. I have only had it for a few months now, and I already want my money back, just because of the missed calls. The other bells, whistles, and features are nice, but they are not worth missing all the important phone calls. I shouldn't be forced to buy a case, or damage the phone with superglue, to get back to what I had before I upgraded!

Totally agree. I have missed important calls because this was changed and no replacement feature.

Once again Apple changing things without asking us if we want it changed or even caring that we have lost features we wanted, enjoyed and needed.

Apple you are definitely loosing support for you products (the battery scandal) and software, such as this.

Come on. Get your act together. Because it’s very difficult to get a fan base back once you loose them.

Same here. The button always gets turned on by accident. I have a case with a wallet, but I still get this problem — a lot. Please make an option to disable it in the OS (or to switch functionality to something else)!

I hope that I'm assuming correctly that some contributers to this forum are actually owners of iPhone X. If so you, too, know the joys of the wandering mute switch. I recently upgraded to an iPhone X that is, if possible, even more annoying than the 7. Otterbox has recently fielded the "PURSUIT". Currently, it only fits the X. (I'm sure they could be persuaded to offer it for other models) The beauty of the new case is that the switch is completely covered and replaced by a rotary switch that is part of the case. The good news is that the rotary switch NEVER moves on its own. The bad news is that the case runs around $70 although buying directly from Otterbox will get you a discount which, as of this writing, amounts to 25%. This new case is no picnic to install but well worth the effort. Good luck to all. D