IPhone 6s Can't Hear Unless On Speaker? Fix This, Now!

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Ever since I upgraded from my trusty iPhone 6, I’ve had nothing but problems with my 6s. One of the most annoying issues is that my iPhone 6s can’t hear unless on speaker. I mean, it’s a phone; not being able to hear is kind of a deal-breaker, right?

It was a constant source of frustration. At first, I thought it was just me. But then I started asking around. Turns out, I wasn’t alone. Many people have had this same issue, and it’s almost always a combination of simple problems.

I wasted hours, and a few dollars, on things I found online. Let’s just say, most of the advice out there is garbage. I finally managed to get to the bottom of it, and I’m going to share the actual solutions that worked.

The Dreaded iPhone 6s Speakerphone Problem

Honestly, it’s infuriating. There you are, trying to make a call, and all you hear is silence. Or, even worse, the other person sounds like they are trapped in a tunnel. That’s if they can hear you at all. It’s not a great look when you’re on a call and have to switch to speakerphone just to be understood.

The problem isn’t always hardware, believe it or not. I know, I know — we all assume the worst. But more often than not, it’s something simple. The speakerphone on the iPhone 6s is actually pretty decent. It’s often the mic, or something clogging it up, that causes the issues.

Here’s the kicker: I spent nearly $60 on a new microphone thinking the old one was shot. Complete waste of money, as it turned out. I had a small piece of dust in the ear piece.

Is It Hardware, Software, or Just Gunk?

The first thing to do is to determine the cause. Is it the hardware? Is it a software glitch? Or, is it just plain old dirt and grime?

The easiest way to check is to try a simple test. Make a phone call and see if you can hear the other person, and if they can hear you clearly. If you can hear them but they can’t hear you, then the problem is almost certainly with your microphone. If neither of you can hear each other, then the problem could be with the speaker, or the microphone.

Then, try the speakerphone. If the speakerphone works perfectly, then the issue is likely with the earpiece. The earpiece is the small speaker at the top of the iPhone that you use to listen to calls. If the speakerphone doesn’t work, then you have a bigger issue that might require a visit to the Apple Store.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but trust me, people often overlook the most obvious solutions. I did, the first time. It cost me 30 minutes and a whole lot of head scratching.

Cleaning Your iPhone 6s: The First Step

Before you start panicking and running to the Apple Store, grab a can of compressed air. Seriously. It’s a game-changer. I’ve saved myself countless repair bills just by being thorough with a can of air.

Make sure you switch off your phone. Then, give the speaker, microphone, and charging port a good blast. Don’t go crazy with it, and try to keep the can upright. You don’t want to spray any liquid in there.

You’ll be surprised how much gunk comes out. It’s like cleaning out the lint trap in your dryer, but for your phone. The crud that accumulates in those tiny openings is unreal. It’s a mix of pocket lint, dust, and who knows what else. It’s a health hazard! (See Also: Cant Find Hidden Photos On Iphone Ios 15 )

Wipe down your phone with a microfiber cloth. Check that the charging port is clear, too. Sometimes, that can affect the microphone or speaker.

Now, try making a call. If that fixes it, fantastic! If not, don’t worry, there are other fixes.

Software Glitches: The Annoying Culprit

Sometimes, the issue isn’t hardware. Sometimes, it’s just a software glitch. It’s like the phone gets a bit confused and forgets how to use its own speakers and microphones.

Restart your iPhone. Hold down the power button until the shutdown slider appears. Then, slide to turn it off. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. This simple step fixes a surprising number of problems.

Next, check for software updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If there’s an update available, install it. Apple often releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance.

I’ve found that updating has fixed the speaker problem after a few restarts. The phone would work perfectly, then randomly the speaker issues would return. A software update and restart seemed to fix it every time.

You can also try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase your Wi-Fi passwords and other network settings, but it can sometimes fix connectivity issues that might be interfering with your calls.

Be warned, you will have to re-enter all your Wi-Fi passwords again. It’s a small price to pay to get your phone working properly.

Troubleshooting Specific iPhone 6s Audio Problems

Let’s get specific. If you’re still having trouble, here’s a more targeted approach.

Problem: Can’t hear the other person, but they can hear you.

This points to an issue with your earpiece speaker. The earpiece speaker is the small speaker at the top of your iPhone that you hold up to your ear during calls. Try cleaning it out with compressed air first. If that doesn’t work, there might be a hardware problem, or you may need to restart the phone.

Problem: The other person can’t hear you, but you can hear them. (See Also: Why Wont My Apple Watch Ping My Iphone )

The problem is likely with your microphone. Again, start with cleaning. Then, try making a voice memo to see if your microphone is picking up sound. This can help you isolate the problem. The microphone is at the bottom of the phone.

Problem: You can’t hear the other person, and they can’t hear you.

This is the trickiest situation, and the hardest to diagnose remotely. This could be a problem with either the speaker, microphone, or both. It could also be a software glitch, or a problem with your cellular service. Try the steps above, and if that doesn’t work, you might have a hardware problem.

Problem: Calls sound muffled or distorted.

This can be caused by a dirty speaker or microphone, or by a software issue. Try cleaning your iPhone and restarting it. If that doesn’t work, there may be a hardware problem.

Hardware Issues: When to Call for Help

Sometimes, the problem isn’t something you can fix at home. If you’ve tried all of the steps above and your iPhone 6s still can’t hear unless on speaker, you might have a hardware problem.

Cracked screens or water damage are obvious signs of trouble. But even without those visible issues, there might be damage to the speaker, microphone, or the internal components of your iPhone.

Replacing the earpiece speaker on an iPhone 6s isn’t too difficult, but requires patience. The mic replacement is more complex. I watched a few tutorials, bought the tools, and started to take the phone apart, but quickly realized I was out of my depth. I’d recommend taking it to a professional.

If you’re not comfortable opening up your phone, or if you’re unsure about the source of the problem, it’s best to take it to a qualified repair technician. There are many independent repair shops that specialize in iPhones, as well as the Apple Store. According to a study by the Consumer Reports, using an authorized Apple repair service is often the best option for complex repairs.

Be aware that the cost of repair can vary depending on the problem and the repair shop. Get a quote before you commit to anything.

Preventative Measures: Keep Your iPhone Healthy

Prevention is better than cure. There are a few things you can do to keep your iPhone 6s from developing audio problems in the first place.

First, protect your phone from the elements. Don’t expose your iPhone to extreme temperatures or humidity. Moisture can cause damage to the internal components. Consider a waterproof case if you’re worried about water damage. (See Also: Why Cant I Send Images On Iphone )

Second, keep your iPhone clean. Regularly clean the speaker, microphone, and charging port with compressed air. Make it a habit. This is like brushing your teeth, except for your phone. Every day.

Third, use a screen protector and a case. A screen protector can help protect your screen from scratches and cracks. A case can protect your phone from bumps and drops. These simple steps can extend the life of your iPhone, and reduce the chance of hardware problems.

Finally, avoid using your iPhone in dusty or dirty environments. Dust and dirt can clog the speaker and microphone, and can cause other problems. Think about construction sites, dusty warehouses, or even the beach. Sand is a real killer!

Comparison Table: Solutions and Verdicts

Problem	Solution	Verdict
Can’t hear, others can’t hear	Clean speaker/mic, restart, update software	Try this first; often fixes the problem
Others can’t hear	Clean mic, test with voice memo	Usually solves the issue
Can’t hear	Clean speaker, test with music	May work, but could be hardware
Muffled or distorted sound	Clean speaker and mic, restart	Try this first
Hardware problem	Professional repair	Best for more serious issues

Faq: Answering Your Burning iPhone 6s Audio Questions

Why Is My iPhone 6s Speaker So Quiet?

Your iPhone 6s speaker might be quiet because of a few things. First, check the volume. Make sure it’s turned up. Second, the speaker could be blocked by dust or debris. Third, there could be a software glitch. Try restarting your phone and updating your software.

How Do I Test the Microphone on My iPhone 6s?

The easiest way to test your iPhone 6s microphone is to record a voice memo. Open the Voice Memos app, tap the record button, and speak into the microphone. Then, play back the recording. If you can’t hear your voice clearly, there might be a problem with your microphone. You can also try making a call and speaking to someone on speakerphone.

How Do I Reset My iPhone 6s Audio Settings?

You can reset your iPhone 6s audio settings by going to Settings > Sounds and Haptics and adjusting the volume, ringer, and alert settings. You can also reset your network settings, which can sometimes fix audio problems. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Why Does My iPhone 6s Sound Muffled During Calls?

A muffled sound during calls on your iPhone 6s is likely due to a dirty or blocked speaker or microphone. Try cleaning the speaker and microphone with compressed air. Restarting your iPhone can also help. A software issue can cause this problem, or it could indicate an underlying hardware issue.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the iPhone 6s can’t hear unless on speaker issue can be fixed with a few simple steps. Start with the easiest solutions, like cleaning and restarting your phone. If that doesn’t work, dig a little deeper. If all else fails, consider taking your iPhone to a professional repair service.

Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. Don’t overthink it, and don’t assume the worst. Try the basic troubleshooting steps first, and save yourself some time, money, and frustration.

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Hopefully, this article has provided you with the information you need to resolve the audio issues on your iPhone 6s. You’ll be back to making clear calls in no time.

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