iPhone Volume Automatically Reduces to Near Zero

In the past year or so I’ve noticed my iPhone automatically reducing the audio output without any apparent reason.


At first I believed it was the “Sleep” focus automatically lowering audio when it turns on. I’ve since ruled that out.


For anyone willing to help out with this; here’s what I’ve got so far:


  • iPhone audio output lowers automatically to near zero without any apparent reason
  • not due to volume buttons being pressed, held, or damaged
  • does not seem to be due to any focuses activating
  • is not due to any hearing protection settings
  • Importantly: the output will reduce to near inaudible levels, however; the volume indicator will not move AND you CANNOT turn the volume up when this happens (the iPhone still shows that the volume hasn’t changed, it is at maximum volume, and it can’t be made louder)
  • Is not caused by silent mode being turned on or off
  • This does not occur with any bluetooth audio devices if my memory serves; only with the on-board iPhone audio speaker
  • Observed behavior is NOT SPECIFIC to any:
  • , time
  • , app
  • , location
  • , device connections
  • , battery level
  • , charging status
  • , weather
  • , environmental noise or other conditions
  • , media type (occurs with both audio only and video playbacks)
  • , using multiple apps at once via “picture in picture” player or background audio player
  • , camera use
  • , calls or facetime


I don’t remember when exactly this behavior started or if it coincided with any software update.


Regardless this is an infuriating behavior that I’ve found no aplicable explanation for.


I know this is a long and exhaustive post, my apologies for that. To anyone who knows why or how this occurs and how to rectify this issue; I would greatly appreciate your edification of myself in this matter. Many sincere and grateful thanks to you in advance!!



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Jan 21, 2025 06:23 PM

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Jan 22, 2025 12:10 AM in response to Rhs_

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


  1. See the pic below which shows what I have observed and is self-explanatory.
  2. Try change with buttons [Disabled]
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.



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iPhone Volume Automatically Reduces to Near Zero

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