Symptoms
- Caller hears you fine but you hear nothing or very faint sound
- Switching to speakerphone restores sound
- Problem started after connecting to Bluetooth
- Sound cuts in and out on your end only
Likely causes
- CommonAudio routed to a disconnected or out-of-range Bluetooth deviceThe phone may be sending your call audio to a paired device you're not near or wearing.
- CommonDebris blocking the earpiece speakerA blocked earpiece silences incoming audio for you while your mic (used for sending) is unaffected.
- PossibleVolume turned down or muted for calls specificallyIn-call volume can be lowered separately from other sound settings.
- PossibleStuck audio session from a previous call or appA glitch can leave the phone expecting audio output somewhere other than the active speaker.
- Less commonSpeaker hardware failureA failed earpiece speaker would explain one-way silence on your end.
What to do
- Check the volume level during the call and turn it up.
- Switch to speakerphone to see if sound returns, confirming the earpiece specifically is affected.
- Turn off Bluetooth to rule out audio being sent to a paired device.
- Check the earpiece speaker grille for debris and clean gently with a dry brush.
- End the call and call back to establish a fresh audio session.
- Restart the phone to clear any stuck audio routing.
- Test with a different app, like a video calling app, to see if the issue is app-specific.
- If you still can't hear callers after these steps in every app, have the earpiece speaker checked.
Tools and parts
- Soft-bristled brush
Replacement earpiece speakerSearch: “phone earpiece speaker replacement”
When to call a pro
If you still can't hear any caller across apps after checking Bluetooth, volume, and cleaning, a repair shop should test the earpiece speaker.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.