Can't hear calls? Why your phone's speaker or mic isn't working

⚡ Fast fix

• Test both directions—If you can't hear callers and they can't hear you, the issue may be different than you think.
• Rule out the simple stuff—Restart your phone, turn up the call volume, and remove your case if it's covering the speaker or microphone.
• Try another app—Make a voice recording or video call to narrow down whether it's a hardware or software issue.
• Skip the toothpick—Sharp objects can permanently damage your phone's speaker or microphone.

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One minute your calls sound perfectly clear. The next, you can't hear the person on the other end—or they're asking if you're talking through a pillow. Sound problems like these can be frustrating, especially when they seem to appear out of nowhere.

At Asurion, we help people with all of their tech care needs, from setup to protection. One thing we've learned is that speaker and microphone problems are often easier to diagnose than people expect. The trick is figuring out what's really causing the drama.

Is the problem with your speaker or your microphone?

Before trying random fixes, figure out which part of the phone is acting up. Ask yourself these questions:

• Can you hear the other person?
• Can they hear you?
• Does the problem happen only during phone calls, or in every app?
• Does speakerphone work normally?

The answers usually point you in the right direction.

If callers sound muffled or silent, you're probably dealing with a speaker issue. If they can't hear you clearly, the microphone is the more likely culprit. If both happen, the cause could be software, debris, water exposure, or physical damage affecting multiple components.

Start with the easiest fixes

We always recommend ruling out the simple explanations first because they're surprisingly common.

1. Restart your phone if you haven't already. A quick reboot can clear temporary software glitches that interfere with call audio.
2. Check your call volume during an active call. It's easy to accidentally lower the in-call volume without realizing it.
3. If you're using Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, disconnect them and try another call. We've seen plenty of people think their phone speaker stopped working when the audio was actually still connected to another device nearby.
4. Remove your phone case and screen protector if they're covering the speaker or microphone openings. Even a slightly misaligned case can affect call quality.

Check for dirt, lint, or debris

Phones spend a lot of time in pockets, purses, backpacks, and cup holders. It's no surprise that lint and dust eventually find their way into the tiny speaker and microphone openings.

If the audio sounds muffled or callers say your voice cuts in and out, take a close look at those openings with a flashlight. We recommend using a small rubber air blower—the kind commonly used for camera lenses—to gently remove loose debris. Short, gentle bursts of air are usually enough to clear lint without introducing moisture or excessive force.

Avoid using toothpicks, needles, paper clips, cotton swabs, or compressed air cans. One mistake we see fairly often is someone trying to "clean" the microphone with a sharp object and accidentally damaging the delicate components inside. Blowing into the openings isn't a good idea either, since it can introduce moisture or push debris even farther into the phone.

🔗 Read more: Port cleaning disasters and how to avoid them

Test your microphone

If other people can't hear you, don't assume the microphone has failed. Instead, try recording a short voice memo. Then play it back.

Next, make a phone call or use another app that records audio, such as a video messaging app. If your voice is missing or distorted in multiple apps, it's much more likely you're dealing with a microphone problem than an issue with a single app.

Check your app permissions

If the problem only happens in one app, the microphone itself may not be the issue. We've seen situations where an app simply lost permission to access the microphone after an update or settings change.

Open your phone's settings and check that the affected app has permission to use the microphone. If everything looks correct, closing and reopening the app—or reinstalling it if necessary—can often resolve the issue.

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Could water or a drop have caused the problem?

If your speaker or microphone stopped working immediately after dropping your phone or exposing it to water, there's a greater chance the problem is hardware-related.

Water can interfere with speakers and microphones even if the rest of the phone appears to work normally. Likewise, a hard drop can loosen internal connections or damage delicate components without leaving obvious marks on the outside.

If your phone recently got wet, follow these steps to help save a water-damaged phone before assuming the speaker or microphone needs to be replaced.

If the issue started after physical damage and basic troubleshooting doesn't help, it's usually time to stop experimenting and have the phone evaluated.

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FAQ

Why can't I hear anyone during phone calls?

The most common causes include low call volume, Bluetooth devices still connected, blocked speaker openings, software glitches, or a damaged speaker.

Why can't people hear me on my phone?

Your microphone could be blocked by debris, disabled by app permissions, affected by software issues, or damaged after a drop or water exposure.

How do I test if my phone microphone is working?

Record a voice memo, then make a phone call and test another app that records audio. If your voice doesn't come through in multiple apps, the microphone is likely the issue.

Can I clean my phone speaker or microphone myself?

Yes, but only with safe methods. A rubber air blower can help remove loose lint and dust. Avoid sharp objects, liquids, and blowing directly into the openings, since these can damage internal components.

Can a phone case affect call quality?

Yes. If a case or screen protector blocks the speaker or microphone opening, it can muffle audio or make it harder for callers to hear you clearly.