Phone Speaker or Microphone Not Working? How to Fix It

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

If callers can't hear you, or you can barely hear them, calls become impossible. Speaker and microphone problems are often caused by dirt, settings or Bluetooth, not broken hardware.

Which part is the problem?

You can't hear callers: earpiece speaker (top of the phone).
Music and ringtones are quiet: loudspeaker (bottom).
Callers can't hear you: microphone (bottom, near the charging port).

1. Turn off Bluetooth

Your phone may be sending audio to connected earbuds or a car. Turn off Bluetooth and test again.

2. Check volume during a call

Press volume up during a call; call volume is separate from media volume.

3. Clean the speaker and mic holes

Dust and lint block the tiny openings. Gently brush them with a soft, dry toothbrush. Don't push pins into the holes or use water.

4. Remove the case and screen protector

Poorly fitting cases can cover microphones, and screen protectors can cover the earpiece.

5. Test the microphone

Record a voice note with the Voice Recorder app or a video with the camera, then play it back.

Recording sounds fine but calls don't: likely a network or app issue.
Recording is silent or muffled: likely blocked or damaged microphone.

6. Check app permissions

If WhatsApp or other apps can't use the microphone, go to Settings → Apps → [app] → Permissions → Microphone and allow it. On Android 12+, also check the microphone access toggle in Quick Settings isn't turned off.

7. Turn off noise features

Features like "Noise reduction" or "Voice focus" can sometimes cause problems with certain networks. Test with them on and off in call settings.

8. Try Safe Mode

A third-party app, such as a call recorder, may be interfering. Test in Safe Mode.

9. Water in the speaker

If your phone got wet and sounds muffled, let it dry for a day. iPhones and some Android phones are water-resistant but speakers can sound muffled until water drains out.

10. Try Wi-Fi calling or VoLTE settings

In areas with weak signal, turning on VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling (if your network supports it) improves call quality.

When to visit a service centre

If recordings are silent after cleaning, or speakers crackle at all volumes, the part may need replacing.

When the problem is only in WhatsApp or other call apps

If normal phone calls work but WhatsApp, Meet or Zoom calls don't, the issue is usually app permissions, settings or the internet connection:

Check the app's microphone permission and allow it.
Make sure the app isn't battery-restricted, which can interrupt calls in the background.
Test your internet speed; weak connections cause robotic or cut-off audio. See improving call quality.
Clear the app's cache or reinstall it.
Check that another app, like a voice recorder or screen recorder, isn't using the microphone at the same time.

Voice notes sound quiet or muffled

Hold the phone so the bottom microphone is near your mouth, not covered by your hand. Some cases block microphone holes; check for alignment. Record in quiet rooms, as noise suppression can make voices sound muffled when there's a lot of background noise.

Hearing callers clearly

Turn on features like Call audio enhancement, Adapt Sound (Samsung) or Phone Noise Cancellation where available.
For people with hearing difficulties, many phones support hearing aid compatibility and Live Caption or Live Transcribe for calls.
Use earphones in noisy places for much clearer calls.

Speaker protection

Avoid spraying liquids near speaker grilles, and don't blow hard into microphone holes, which can push moisture in. Gentle brushing is safest.

Frequently asked questions

Why do people hear an echo when I use speakerphone?

The microphone picks up the speaker. Lower the volume or use earphones.

Can a software update fix audio?

Sometimes. Updates fix audio bugs, so check for updates.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.