Fix iPhone Ear Speaker Not Working iOS 17/17.7

Jose Luansing Jr.

2 minute read
| iOS
Text iPhone Ear Speaker Not Working After iOS 17.5 Update [Fix]

Being forced to put every call on speaker is an inconvenient bug that compromises your privacy. Nobody wants to broadcast their conversations. Unfortunately, after installing the iOS 17.7 update, some iPhone users noticed that their ear speakers were not working anymore, forcing them to put up with speakerphone-only calls.

It’s a surprisingly widespread issue. However, the good news is you might not necessarily need hardware repairs yet. Follow these troubleshooting steps first.

How To Fix an Ear Speaker That’s Not Working on iPhone

Note icon NOTE
Switch to Public or Beta Developer iOS updates if you’re confident the issue is tied to iOS 17.7. Apple might have resolved it in its recent point releases. You can opt for these while waiting for less buggy, more reliable stable iOS versions.

1. Adjust Ringtone and Alerts Volume

Time needed: 3 minutes

There are two distinct volume levels on your iPhone: one that controls the sound of ringtones and alerts, and another for music and videos. Unless Change with Buttons is enabled, your volume buttons will only affect media volume. Here’s how to configure your audio settings.

  1. Open Settings > Sounds & Haptics.

    Opening the Sounds and Haptics Section on iOS Settings

  2. Drag the volume slider to the right.

    Adjusting the Ringtone Volume Because iPhone 15 Pro Volume Buttons not Working

  3. Toggle on Change with Buttons so that you can adjust this slider from anywhere using the volume buttons.

    The Change With Buttons Function on Sounds and Haptics iOS Settings

2. Switch Mic Mode to Standard Mode

Although Mic Mode primarily controls your microphone settings, misconfigurations can also disrupt audio output. In such cases, both you and the person on the other end of the line will have trouble hearing each other.

  1. During a phone call, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center.
  2. Tap Mic Mode.
    Tips for FaceTime - Mic Mode
  3. Select Standard, or you can switch between Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum.

3. Disconnect Your AirPods and Wireless Speakers

See if you’re still connected to your wireless speakers or earphones. Your iPhone might be routing your audio to another device without you realizing it.

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth.
  2. Tap the information icon (i) next to any paired device.
  3. Select Disconnect.
    Option for Bluetooth Disconnection Device

4. Turn off Your Hearing Devices

Try turning off Hearing Devices in the accessibility settings. Glitches can cause audio output interferences even when you’re not connected to your hearing aids.

Note icon NOTE
People with hearing impairment should seek help from someone without disabilities when performing this step. Otherwise, they might have trouble navigating their iPhone.
  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility.
  2. Under the Hearing section, open Hearing Devices.
    Toggle Button Hearing Devices in Settings
  3. Disconnect whatever accessory is connected.

5. Factory Reset Your iPhone

You can factory reset your iPhone as a last-ditch resort. It’s a drastic yet surefire way to address hidden functions or apps that are interfering with your audio. Just remember to back up your files beforehand, or else you’ll have trouble recovering them.

  1. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
    Clicking Erase All Content and Settings on iPhone

Call Apple Support if your iPhone ear speaker is still not working—you might be looking at a hardware defect instead of an iOS 17.7 update bug. Certified Apple technicians can pinpoint and trace this bug. It’s worth noting that the iOS 17 bug reports also indicate speaker issues, so take this chance to test them.

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