Volume down button seemingly pressed by itself when new song or media starts

I listen to my media via usb audio on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. There is an annoying bug that happens when I skip to a new song, or when I open a new from YouTube, etc., the software volume down button gets “pressed” in the first couple of seconds to the lowest volume. It gets stuck there until I have to physically press the volume down button, then volume up back to my regular levels. It happens almost frequently enough that it is repeatable. I have a screen recording during my music playback, so please note the volume down animation happening every few songs skipped. It does NOT happen when using wireless headphones or my AirPods Pro 2.

I am updated to the latest iOS version, 18.3.1. Whenever the bug happens, I do the usual shut down the app and restart, or restart the phone altogether. But still happens.

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Feb 14, 2025 08:21 AM

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Feb 14, 2025 08:23 AM in response to setomoto

You may try some of these steps, please check after each step...


  1. Remove any protective films or cases that might block/activate the button or switch. · Check for debris or dirt around the button or switch and clean with ... If a button or switch isn't working on your iPhone or iPad
  2. See the pic below which shows what I have observed and is self-explanatory.
  3. Try change with buttons [Disabled]
  4. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  5. Reset Network Settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings: Only network settings are removed.
    1. When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.
    2. To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone in this guide.
    3. To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM. See “Mobile device management (MDM)” in the iOS Deployment Reference.
    4. Reset your Network Settings. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.
  6. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
    1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
    2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
    3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
  7. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)


If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.



Feb 15, 2025 09:19 AM in response to SravanKrA

i appreciate you for taking your time in posting those steps. However, those are very general troubleshooting steps that I have seen online elsewhere, and not quite relevant to my issue. Anyway, below are my results.


  1. Glass film removed, same issue.
  2. The physical buttons work normally as expected when using wireless headphones or playing back media via the phone speakers.
  3. Restarted app or the phone. Issue persists
  4. and 5. I am not going to do these steps. Thanks anyway.


It’s a minor annoyance that I just want to see if the rest of community has the same issue when playing back via USB-C headphones. If I do not see anyone else with the same issue, I will understand maybe it is down to my own hardware and just have to learn to live with it.


Thank you all.

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Volume down button seemingly pressed by itself when new song or media starts

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