How to Fix iPhone Can’t Hear Caller Unless on Speaker

Are you facing the frustrating issue of not being able to hear the caller on your iPhone unless you switch to the speaker? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users have encountered this problem, but luckily, there are several troubleshooting methods that can help you resolve this issue. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to fix the “Can’t Hear Caller Unless on Speaker” problem on your iPhone.

Restart Your iPhone

The first and simplest troubleshooting method you should try is restarting your iPhone. This can often resolve minor software glitches that may be causing the issue. To restart your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Press and release the volume up button.
2. Press and release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
4. Release the button and wait for your iPhone to reboot.

Check if iPhone is Connected to a Bluetooth Device

If you frequently use Bluetooth devices such as AirPods or Bluetooth speakers with your iPhone, it’s possible that the audio is being redirected to the connected device instead of the earpiece. To check if your iPhone is connected to a Bluetooth device and disconnect it if necessary, follow these steps:

1. Swipe down from the top right corner or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
2. Tap on the Bluetooth icon to turn it off.
3. Make sure Bluetooth is disabled before making or receiving calls.

Change Accessibility Settings

If the issue persists after restarting your iPhone and ensuring no Bluetooth devices are connected, you can try changing some Accessibility settings to fix the problem. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Go to Accessibility (or General > Accessibility in older iOS versions).
3. Scroll down and open Audio/Visual.
4. Turn off Phone Noise Cancellation.
5. Additionally, enable Hearing Aid Compatibility under Hearing Devices.

These settings can help enhance call volume and address the issue of not being able to hear the caller on your iPhone. Please note that the location of these settings may vary depending on your iOS version, so make sure to search for the specific settings in your device’s settings menu.

Clean the Earpiece

The earpiece of your iPhone can accumulate dirt and dust over time, which may block the sound and affect call quality. Cleaning the earpiece can often resolve this issue. Follow these steps to clean the earpiece of your iPhone:

1. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the earpiece area.
2. You can also use a small, soft toothbrush to brush away any dust or dirt.
3. Blowing a little air on the earpiece can help clear any stubborn particles.

Regularly cleaning the earpiece of your iPhone can prevent buildup and maintain clear sound quality during calls.

Check if the Device is Stuck in Headphone Mode

If you use wired or wireless earphones with your iPhone, it’s possible that your device is stuck in headphone mode, causing the issue of not being able to hear the caller. To fix this issue, you can try the following steps:

1. Restart your iPhone.
2. Connect and then disconnect your headphones.
3. If the iPhone remains stuck in headphone mode, visit an authorized service center for further assistance.
4. For iPhones with a 3.5mm headphone jack, cleaning it with a soft bud may also help.

Reset iPhone

If none of the above methods worked to fix the “Can’t Hear Caller Unless on Speaker” issue, you may need to perform a factory reset on your iPhone. However, please note that this should be a last resort as it will erase all data on your device that hasn’t been backed up. Before proceeding with a factory reset, make sure to back up all your important data. Follow these steps to reset your iPhone:

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General, followed by Reset.
3. Select the option that says Erase iPhone.
4. Confirm that you wish to erase all data and settings.
5. Allow your iPhone to perform the reset.
6. After the reset is complete, check if the issue still persists. If not, the problem has been resolved.

Performing a factory reset should only be done if none of the other troubleshooting methods worked and you’re confident in backing up your data before proceeding.

Conclusion

Experiencing the issue of not being able to hear the caller on your iPhone unless you use the speaker can be frustrating. However, by following the troubleshooting methods outlined in this guide, you can resolve this issue and restore normal call functionality to your iPhone. Remember to try each method sequentially and test your iPhone after each step to determine if the issue has been resolved. If the problem persists even after trying all the methods, it may indicate a hardware failure, and you should contact the authorized service center for further assistance.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you never miss an important call again and enjoy crystal-clear audio on your iPhone.