Callers Can't Hear You? Fixing Muffled Phone Speakers and Microphones

When a phone's audio starts failing, it is easy to blame the network or the person on the other end. But if callers keep asking you to repeat yourself, or your speaker sounds like it is under a blanket, the problem is often in your phone, and often simple to fix.

First, figure out which part is the problem

Phones have several speakers and microphones, each with its own job:

• Ear speaker: the small one at the top you hold to your ear during calls.
• Loudspeaker: at the bottom, used for speakerphone, music and ringtones.
• Microphones: usually one at the bottom for calls, plus others near the camera and top used for video and noise reduction.

A few quick tests narrow it down:

1. Record a voice memo and play it back. If your voice sounds muffled, the bottom microphone is likely the problem.
2. Record a video with the front and back cameras. This uses different microphones and helps show which one is affected.
3. Play music on speaker. If it is quiet or crackly, it is the loudspeaker.
4. Make a call without speakerphone. If you can barely hear the other person, it is the ear speaker.

Easy fixes to try first

Remove the case and screen protector

Cases that do not fit quite right, and screen protectors that cover the ear speaker, are a surprisingly common cause. Test without them.

Clean the openings gently

Pocket lint and dust build up in speaker and microphone holes.

• Use a soft, dry brush, such as a clean toothbrush.
• Do not push pins, needles or toothpicks into the openings. They can puncture the mesh or the part behind it.
• Do not use compressed air on microphones; it can damage them.

Check Bluetooth

If your phone is still connected to a car, earbuds or a speaker, calls may be going there. Turn Bluetooth off and test again.

Check settings and restart

• Turn off any noise cancellation or accessibility audio settings you do not use.
• Check that the volume is up during a call, not just for media.
• Restart the phone and install any updates.

Signs it needs a repair

• The problem continues after cleaning and testing without a case
• Audio crackles or buzzes, even at low volume
• The phone was recently dropped or got wet
• Only one app or one microphone works

Water is a common cause. Even if the phone dried out and works, moisture can corrode speaker and microphone parts over the following weeks. If your phone got wet recently, read our guide on what to do when a phone gets wet.

What the repair involves

Speakers and microphones are replaceable parts. On many phones, the bottom microphone is part of the charging port assembly, so a microphone problem and a charging problem can share the same fix. We test every speaker and microphone before and after the repair, so you know exactly what was fixed.

Phone audio repair in Canton

Our iPhone and smartphone repair service repairs ear speakers, loudspeakers, microphones and charging ports for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel and other Android phones.

Get clear calls again with Alpha Computers

Chuck and our team have more than 26 years of experience and over 20,000 devices repaired. Every repair includes our 1-year warranty and No Fix – No Fee promise. Walk in to our shop on Hickory Flat Hwy, call 678-899-6800, or request a free quote.