Symptoms
- Screen shows call is connected but you hear nothing
- Other person says they can't hear you either
- Sound works fine outside of calls
- Sound returns if you switch to speakerphone
Likely causes
- CommonPhone is connected to a Bluetooth deviceAudio can be silently routed to a paired headset, car, or speaker that's out of range or off.
- CommonDebris blocking the earpiece speakerLint or dust in the top speaker grille muffles or blocks sound entirely.
- PossibleSoftware glitch in the call appA temporary crash in the audio routing process can cut sound mid-call.
- PossibleWater in speaker from recent exposureMoisture can dampen or block the speaker until it fully dries.
- Less commonHardware speaker failureA damaged earpiece speaker won't produce sound even after software fixes.
What to do
- During a call, tap the audio source button and confirm it's set to iPhone, not a Bluetooth device.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it off temporarily to force audio back to the phone speaker.
- Check the top earpiece speaker grille for visible lint or dust and gently brush it with a dry, soft-bristled brush.
- Try speakerphone during a call to see if sound returns, which points to the earpiece specifically.
- Restart the iPhone, since this clears temporary audio routing glitches.
- Test with a phone call to a friend and with a voice memo recording to isolate whether it's calls only or all audio.
- If the phone was recently near water, place it upright in a dry area for a few hours before testing again.
- If none of this helps, back up your phone and check with a repair professional for a speaker issue.
Tools and parts
- Soft-bristled brush
- Flashlight
Replacement earpiece speakerSearch: “iphone earpiece speaker replacement”
When to call a pro
If sound never returns on any audio source and the phone hasn't been near water, see a repair professional to check the speaker hardware.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.