Iphone sound quality when connected to speaker/ headphones

My iPhone has specifically had low sound quality consistently even throughout device upgrades which makes me wonder if this is an issue with my settings. I have tried resetting my settings to factory default, but it basically sounds as if the outer speakers on whatever device I am connected to don't engage when connected to my phone. This has been consistent since I was using even an iPhone 6s, X and now 12. Sometimes my AirPods will crackle in and out and I get a sense of what they should sound like (almost like the outer speakers are trying to come through) but they never do. When connected to my Mac, I do not have this issue. Or, when my friends connect to my car Bluetooth, it sounds much fuller and more surround sound than when my device is connected. I have tried changing the headphone settings on my phone and resetting and updating but nothing seems to work. It is frustrating that even when I get a new phone, my sound quality is affected.

Posted on Aug 15, 2023 02:45 PM

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Aug 16, 2023 12:29 PM in response to nsa046

Hey there nsa046,


Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities.


To get started, how are you listening to music on your iPhone? For example, are you listening to music though Apple Music, or are you using another app. If using the Music app, check out the steps in the following resource that can adjust how your music sounds: Change the way music sounds on iPhone - Apple Support


* Choose an equalization (EQ) setting: Go to Settings  > Music > EQ.
* Normalize the volume level of your audio: Go to Settings > Music, then turn on Sound Check.


If you're also subscribed to Apple Music, do you by chance have Dolby Atmos enabled in Settings > Music > Dolby Atmos? If you do, are the devices you're connecting your iPhone to Dolby Atmos compatible. If they are not Dolby Atmos compatible, try turning this setting off and test the issue again.


If your devices are Dolby Atmos compatible and this setting is disabled, trying turning Dolby Atmos on and test the issue once again. For more details, check out this link here: Listen to Dolby Atmos music on iPhone - Apple Support


In the Music app Apple Music subscribers can listen to available tracks in Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos creates an immersive, three-dimensional audio experience on stereo headphones and speakers or receivers compatible with Dolby Atmos.

Note: Dolby Atmos music isn’t available in the Apple Music Voice Plan. For more information, see the Apple Support article How to use Apple Music Voice.
Albums available in Dolby Atmos have the Dolby Atmos badge . If a track is playing in Dolby Atmos, the badge also appears on the Now Playing screen.
Note: Apple Music and Dolby Atmos aren’t available in all countries or regions. See the Apple Support article Availability of Apple Media Services.

Turn on Dolby Atmos
1. Go to Settings  > Music > Dolby Atmos.
2. Choose Automatic or Always On.
* Automatic: Plays Dolby Atmos whenever iPhone is connected to compatible headphones such as AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, or to speakers or receivers compatible with Dolby Atmos.
* Always On: Plays Dolby Atmos on any headphones or speakers. The Music app will attempt to play Dolby Atmos tracks on any headphones or speakers connected to iPhone.
Dolby Atmos will play on any headphones, but not all speakers will play Dolby Atmos as intended.


Keep us updated on the results.


Take care!

Oct 15, 2023 04:47 PM in response to nsa046

nsa046,


Be sure to try listening to the audio without any Bluetooth accessories/speakers connected to the device, as that can help to see if it's specific to Bluetooth or not. This could include using the internal speakers or wired headphones.


If it does seem that it's specific to Bluetooth then the steps here can help out with possible interference: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support


If you continue to experience issues you may try reaching out to Apple Support for a deeper investigation: Apple Support


Cheers.

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Iphone sound quality when connected to speaker/ headphones

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