How to Fix Ear Speaker Not Working on Android

If your phone’s ear speaker is not working, you might be struggling to hear callers, experiencing muffled sound, or getting no audio at all. The earpiece speaker, located at the top of your phone, is responsible for delivering in-call audio. If there’s no sound coming from this area, you need a precise troubleshooting approach.

This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to fix a malfunctioning ear speaker on your Android phone.

Here’s Quickest Way to Fix Ear Speaker – What Worked for Me?

Ear speaker issues can stem from factors like dust, low volume settings, or software glitches. First, check whether the problem happens only during calls or with all audio playback (e.g., WhatsApp audio messages).

Use headphones or earphones as a temporary fix, restart your device, clear cache, and ensure your volume settings aren’t set too low.

Dust buildup is a leading cause of ear speaker issues. Clean your ear speaker gently with a soft brush or cotton swab, or use a specialized cleaning app that plays a sound to dislodge debris.

If your volume is set too low during calls, you might not hear anything from the ear speaker:

Here’s a quick demonstration of an app that plays specific tones to clear out debris from the speaker:

After playing the cleaning sound, check if the ear speaker works. If not, consider performing a factory reset or seeking professional repair if hardware damage is suspected.

How To Fix the Ear Speaker (Earpiece) Not Working

Fix 1: Volume Verification: The Silent Culprit

When I first encounter ear speaker issues, I always start here. It’s surprising how often this seemingly obvious step solves the problem. I’ve learned that Android phones have multiple volume controls – one for media, one for ringtones, and critically, one for in-call volume. I’ve found that the in-call volume can sometimes be adjusted independently during a call, so I always make a test call to my voicemail. This allows me to check and adjust the in-call volume in real-time.

• 🔹 During a call, use the volume up button to increase the earpiece speaker volume. Some phones allow in-call volume adjustment only during an active call.
• 🔹 Check Accessibility Settings: Go to Settings → Accessibility → Sound & Hearing and ensure that Mono Audio and Sound Balance are correctly configured.

Fix 2: The Art of Speaker Cleaning

Cleaning the ear speaker is more of an art than a science, in my experience. The key is to be thorough yet gentle. I use a soft-bristled brush, like an unused toothbrush, and gently brush in multiple directions over the speaker grill.

• Use a Soft Brush: Gently clean the earpiece grill with a soft-bristled toothbrush or anti-static brush.
• Speaker Cleaning Sound Apps: Download “Speaker Cleaner” from the Play Store, which emits high-frequency sound waves to dislodge dust particles.
• Compressed Air (Use Caution): Hold a compressed air canister at a safe distance (10 cm) and blow air at a slight angle.
• Tape Method: Use transparent tape over the earpiece grill and peel it off to remove fine dust.
• Isopropyl Alcohol for Stubborn Dust: Lightly dampen a soft brush with 99% isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the speaker grill.

🚨 Avoid sharp objects or liquid cleaners, as they may damage the speaker diaphragm.

Fix3:  Safe Mode: Detective Work in Action

Booting into Safe Mode is like being a detective in your own phone. It’s fascinating to see how your device behaves when stripped down to its essential functions. In Safe Mode, all third-party apps are disabled, allowing you to determine if a downloaded app is causing your speaker issues. I’ve found it particularly useful to keep a log of recently installed apps before entering Safe Mode. This way, if the problem disappears in Safe Mode, I can methodically reinstall apps one by one, testing the speaker each time, to pinpoint the culprit.

1. Press & hold the Power button → Tap and hold Power Off → Select Safe Mode.
2. Once in Safe Mode, test your ear speaker with a call.
3. If the issue disappears, an app is causing the problem. Uninstall recently installed apps.
4. Restart the phone to exit Safe Mode.

Fix 4: The Do Not Disturb Dilemma

In my experience, the Do Not Disturb feature can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s fantastic for uninterrupted sleep or meetings, but it’s easy to forget it’s on. I once missed an entire day of important calls because of this! What’s more, I’ve discovered that some Android versions have multiple levels of Do Not Disturb, each affecting calls and notifications differently. I always dive into the settings to ensure I understand exactly how my current Do Not Disturb configuration is set up.

Fix 5: Bluetooth: The Invisible Audio Thief

Bluetooth technology has improved dramatically over the years, but with that improvement comes complexity. Modern Android phones can remember multiple Bluetooth devices and sometimes connect to them automatically when in range. I’ve had situations where my phone was connected to a Bluetooth speaker two rooms away, silently playing all my audio there instead of through the phone’s speaker. Now, I not only check if Bluetooth is on, but I also review the list of connected devices in my Bluetooth settings.

If your phone is automatically connecting to a Bluetooth device, your call audio might be redirected away from the ear speaker.

Fix 6: The Software Update Solution

Software updates are not just about new features; they often include crucial bug fixes and optimizations. I’ve encountered situations where a software update specifically addressed audio issues I was experiencing. However, I’ve also learned to be cautious with updates. Sometimes, a new update can introduce new problems. That’s why I always research the update online and check user forums before installing, especially if my phone is working fine otherwise.

Fix 7: Accessibility Settings: The Hidden Influencers

The Accessibility section in Android settings is a treasure trove of features that can dramatically alter how your phone behaves, including audio output. I once discovered that the “Mono Audio” setting was causing my ear speaker to sound muffled.

Another time, I found that the “Sound Balance” was shifted entirely to one side. These settings are designed to help users with specific needs, but they can sometimes be toggled accidentally. I make it a point to explore this section thoroughly, understanding each option and its potential impact on audio output.

Fix 8: Noise Cancellation

In my experience, noise cancellation can be a double-edged sword. While it’s great for reducing background noise, I’ve found it can sometimes interfere with the ear speaker’s clarity. I remember once when my callers sound muffled, and it took me ages to realize it was due to overzealous noise cancellation. Now, whenever I face ear speaker issues, I always check this setting. On most Android phones, I navigate to Settings > Sound & vibration > Noise reduction (though the exact path can vary). I toggle it off and test with a call. The difference can be quite surprising!

Fix 9: Service Menu for Diagnostic

Accessing the service menu feels like unlocking a secret level in a game. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it can be incredibly useful. I’ve learned that the code to access this menu varies by manufacturer.

On my Samsung, I use *#0*#, while on some other Android phones, *#*#4636#*#* does the trick. Once in, I look for the speaker test option. This direct hardware test has helped me distinguish between software and hardware issues more times than I can count. Just remember, tread carefully in these menus – they’re powerful tools!

Fix 10: The VoIP Conundrum

VoIP apps have become an integral part of our communication, but they can sometimes be the root of our audio woes. I recall a time when my ear speaker worked fine for regular calls but failed during WhatsApp calls. It took me a while to realize the app was the culprit. Now, when troubleshooting, I temporarily uninstall VoIP apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber. It’s a bit inconvenient, sure, but it has helped me isolate issues several times. If the problem disappears after uninstalling, I know where to focus my attention.

Fix 11: Accessibility Settings

Accessibility features are fantastic for those who need them, but they can sometimes interfere with normal operation if accidentally enabled. I once had a situation where my ear speaker was barely audible. After hours of frustration, I discovered that an accessibility setting was rerouting audio to a non-existent hearing aid! Now, I always check Settings > Accessibility, looking for any audio-related options that might be enabled. It’s like a scavenger hunt, but the prize is a properly functioning phone!

Fix 12: The VoLTE and VoWiFi Puzzle

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) are wonderful technologies, but they can sometimes conflict with traditional cellular audio. I’ve encountered situations where calls sounded great on regular cellular but were problematic on VoLTE. To troubleshoot, I go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks and experiment with toggling these settings. It’s like tuning an old radio – sometimes you have to fiddle with the settings to get the perfect sound!

(Optional) Additional Tips

• Some manufacturers offer diagnostic tools to test the speaker functionality. Check your device settings or manufacturer’s website for such tools.
• If the ear speaker is still not working, you can use headphones or speaker phones for calls as a temporary solution.

Conclusion

An ear speaker not working issue occurs when a smartphone’s top earpiece speaker fails to deliver sound during calls, resulting in muffled audio, low volume, or complete silence. This can be caused by dust accumulation, software misconfigurations, Bluetooth conflicts, VoLTE settings, or even a hardware defect.

This is exactly what I did to fix my earpiece speaker not working on any Android device. These are the practical, proven tips and tricks that you should follow whenever you face this problem on your phone. I have personally tried them on my Samsung M33 5G and Tecno Camon i, and after trying out these steps, I found that they work for all those devices.

The list above, like fix 1 to fix 12, is arranged in the proper order. Start from 1 and go up to 12 if nothing works at the beginning.

That’s it for the blog post today. I hope you found it helpful. If you have any doubts or questions, please let me know in the comment section below.