My IPhone 6s Can't Hear Calls: Troubleshooting & Frustrations

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Ever feel like you’re shouting into a void? That’s what it felt like when my iPhone 6s wouldn’t let me hear calls. I was stuck staring at the tiny screen, assuming the issue was a dead carrier signal or maybe a faulty SIM card. Turns out, it was something far more annoying and, frankly, embarrassing.

It started with a crucial work call. I was walking down a busy street, and the person on the other end kept cutting out. I tried again, and again, each time struggling to hear. I was mortified and had to run back to the office to finally make the call work. This whole experience made me want to throw the phone away.

The issue of an iPhone 6s can’t hear calls is a lot more complex than it first appears. It’s a mix of hardware quirks, software glitches, and sometimes, user error. Figuring out what’s causing the problem can be a real headache, but there are a few things to try before you give up hope. It’s frustrating, I know.

Let’s dive into some of the most common culprits and what you can do about them.

The Dreaded Speakerphone: Your First Suspect

Okay, let’s start with the basics. The most obvious, and often overlooked, reason why your iPhone 6s can’t hear calls is a simple setting. Speakerphone. It’s a setting that is so easily toggled, and often activated by mistake. Have you accidentally activated it? It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times it’s the culprit.

You see that little speaker icon during a call? Tap it. Does it light up? If it does, then it means speakerphone is active. But even if it isn’t, the speaker itself could still be the problem. It’s the first thing to check because it’s the easiest fix. Pressing the volume up or down buttons while on a call should show you the volume level. Are you at zero? Crank it up and see if you can hear the caller.

And if you’re using a headset, make sure it’s properly connected. I once spent a frustrating hour trying to diagnose a problem only to realize the headphone jack was slightly loose. It was like I was back in the Stone Age!

The Muffled Microphone: A Sound of Silence

Now, let’s talk about the microphone. If the speaker isn’t the problem, the microphone is the next likely suspect. Your iPhone 6s actually has multiple microphones, each designed for different tasks. One is at the bottom for calls, another near the earpiece for noise cancellation during calls, and a third for video recording. Any of them could be the problem.

The most common culprit? Dirt. Pocket lint, dust, and general grime can easily clog the tiny microphone openings. It happened to me after a particularly dusty hike. I could hear everyone else perfectly, but my voice was a garbled whisper. Cleaning those openings isn’t rocket science, but it requires a bit of finesse.

First, *never* use anything sharp or metal. Toothpicks and needles are a bad idea. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, or a can of compressed air. Gently brush or blow out the microphone openings at the bottom and the top of the phone, being careful not to push anything further in.

Sometimes, a simple restart can do the trick. A restart clears out temporary files and software glitches that could be interfering with the microphone’s function. It’s the digital equivalent of a good night’s sleep. But what if that doesn’t work? If all else fails, you may need a professional. Trying to fix water damage yourself is a recipe for disaster. One repair shop told me they see dozens of phones ruined by DIY attempts every month. (See Also: Cant Find Hidden Photos On Iphone Ios 15 )

This reminds me of a time I tried to fix a leaky faucet. I watched a YouTube video, bought all the parts, and spent the entire afternoon wrestling with it. In the end, I had to call a plumber anyway. He fixed the whole thing in 20 minutes and charged me a small fortune. I learned my lesson. Sometimes, it’s worth admitting defeat.

Software Shenanigans: Glitches and Updates

Sometimes, the problem isn’t hardware at all. It’s the software. iOS, like any operating system, can have bugs. Software glitches can cause all sorts of audio issues, including calls that are hard to hear. One time, after an update, my phone’s sound went completely haywire. Everything sounded like it was coming from inside a tin can. It was maddening.

A simple restart, as mentioned earlier, can often solve these temporary glitches. If that doesn’t work, make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Apple regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve performance. To check for updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If there’s an update available, download and install it. It’s like giving your phone a tune-up.

Another common software issue? Audio settings. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Ensure the volume slider is up and that the ‘Change with Buttons’ option is enabled. Then, check the ‘Headphone Safety’ settings to ensure the volume limit isn’t set too low. Sometimes, the simplest settings are the ones we overlook.

Speaking of settings, a full reset to factory settings is a more drastic measure. This erases everything on your phone, so back up your data first. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. It’s like starting from scratch. Be prepared to reinstall all your apps and settings. As Apple Support says, this can fix many software-related audio problems.

The next thing to try is the accessibility features. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual. Make sure your mono audio setting is not enabled. Also, check the phone noise cancellation switch.

The Sim Card Shuffle: A Connection Check

You may not immediately think of your SIM card when your iPhone 6s can’t hear calls, but it’s a critical component. If the SIM card is not properly connected or is damaged, you could experience a variety of call issues. This is because the SIM card is what connects your phone to your cellular network.

First, try removing and reinserting your SIM card. Turn off your iPhone, and use the SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to remove the SIM card tray. Carefully take out the SIM card, give it a gentle cleaning with a soft cloth, and reinsert it. Make sure it clicks into place. Then, turn your phone back on and see if the audio problem is resolved. I’ve had success with this fix several times after my phone had been bouncing around in my bag.

If removing and reinserting the SIM card doesn’t work, try a different SIM card if you have one available. This will help you determine if the problem is with your SIM card or with your phone. Contact your carrier and ask for a replacement SIM card, especially if you are experiencing frequent signal loss or call drops. Your mobile network provider may offer further assistance.

A faulty SIM card can also trigger other problems, like difficulty connecting to the internet and text messaging issues, as pointed out by the FCC. (See Also: Why Wont My Apple Watch Ping My Iphone )

External Factors: The World Around You

Sometimes, the issue isn’t your phone at all. It’s the environment around you. The iPhone 6s, like all phones, uses radio waves to transmit and receive calls. These waves can be disrupted by a variety of external factors. Interference can cause poor audio quality, dropped calls, or complete silence.

One common culprit is your location. Are you in an area with poor cell reception? Basements, elevators, and areas surrounded by concrete or metal can block radio waves. Also, being too far from a cell tower can cause similar problems. Try moving to a different location and see if the audio quality improves. I often have to walk outside to make calls at home.

Other sources of interference include other electronic devices. Microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and even other smartphones can interfere with your phone’s signal. Try turning off these devices or moving away from them to see if it helps. If you are near a Bluetooth device, try turning it off.

Finally, consider the weather. Heavy rain, snow, and even thick fog can sometimes interfere with cell signals, although this is less common with modern cellular technology. If the weather is particularly bad, try making calls indoors or waiting until the weather improves.

The point is, the best phone in the world won’t work if the signal isn’t there.

Hardware Woes: When Things Get Serious

Sometimes, the problem is more than just a software glitch or a dirty microphone. Hardware issues can also cause your iPhone 6s can’t hear calls. These problems can be more difficult to diagnose and fix, often requiring professional help.

One of the most common hardware problems is a damaged speaker. If the speaker is blown or damaged, you won’t be able to hear anything. This can happen from dropping your phone, or from excessive volume levels.

The earpiece itself is also susceptible to damage. This is the small speaker located at the top of the phone that you hold to your ear during calls. If the earpiece is damaged, you will have trouble hearing the other person. Replacing it is a delicate procedure that requires special tools and expertise.

Another potential issue is damage to the logic board. The logic board is the ‘brain’ of your iPhone, and it controls all of the phone’s functions. A damaged logic board can cause a wide range of problems, including audio issues. Repairing the logic board can be very expensive, and in some cases, it may not be feasible. Consumer Reports has tested these and other hardware problems that can affect audio.

If you suspect a hardware problem, the best course of action is to take your phone to a qualified repair technician. Trying to fix hardware problems yourself is not recommended, unless you have experience in phone repair. I once tried to replace the battery in an old iPhone. After disassembling the phone, I realized I was in over my head. I ended up with a pile of useless components and had to buy a new phone. Don’t be like me. (See Also: Why Cant I Send Images On Iphone )

Making the Call: Troubleshooting Checklist

So, you’re still having trouble hearing calls on your iPhone 6s? Don’t panic. Let’s recap with a troubleshooting checklist.

Check the basics: Make sure the speakerphone isn’t on and the volume is turned up.
Clean the microphone: Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris.
Restart your phone: A simple restart can fix many software glitches.
Update iOS: Ensure you have the latest version of the operating system.
Inspect the SIM card: Remove and reinsert your SIM card, or try a different one.
Consider external factors: Move to a different location and avoid interference from other devices.
Seek professional help: If the problem persists, take your phone to a qualified repair technician.

This is a starting point, and you can always go online to see if you can troubleshoot yourself. But if it feels like too much, go seek help.

Hearing Clearly: The Verdict

Dealing with an iPhone 6s can’t hear calls is a frustrating experience. But with the right approach, you can often diagnose and fix the problem. Remember, start with the simple checks: speakerphone, volume, and a quick cleaning of the microphone. Then, move on to software updates and restarts. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Don’t let a bad phone call ruin your day. With a bit of patience and persistence, you can get your iPhone 6s back to working order and keep the lines of communication open. You will have to try the various steps one by one and keep at it.

I have done this so many times and I can tell you that the frustration is part of the process. I hope this helps you get back to clear phone calls!

Verdict

Hopefully, this guide has given you some solid steps to troubleshoot your iPhone 6s. Remembering how to get your phone working again can be a real pain. The next time your iPhone 6s can’t hear calls, take a deep breath, go through the checklist, and be patient. The solution is usually simpler than you think.

Also, consider the age of your phone. Sometimes, the best solution is an upgrade. The iPhone 6s is a few years old now, and the battery and other components might be nearing the end of their lifespan. This is not always the case, but it’s something to think about.

🔥 Read More:

In the end, you’ve got options. If it gets to the point where it’s beyond repair, think about upgrading to a newer model. If you are someone who likes to buy refurbished phones, then you can go on eBay and find a newer model.

Recommended Products

Bestseller No. 1

Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protector for iPhone...

Bestseller No. 2

Ailun Screen Protector for iPhone 16 / iPhone...

Bestseller No. 3

Ailun Screen Protector for iPhone 17e / iPhone 16e...