What to do if your microphone or speaker is not working properly

Last Update date : Sep 19. 2022

If you are unable to hear the caller's voice through the microphone or speaker on your Galaxy phone, there are a few things to check that might help.

Tips for call quality assurance. Tips for call quality assurance.

Before you try the recommendations below, be sure to check if your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version. You can update your device's software with the following steps:

1 Go to Settings > Software update.
2 Tap on Download and install.
3 Follow the on-screen instructions.

Look for any obstructions to your microphone or speaker

Make sure that nothing is covering the microphone or speaker on your phone. A poorly placed screen protector or case is one of the most common causes of sound distortions during calls.

Device showing the location of the smartphone speaker.

Please note: The location of the microphone and speaker may vary depending on the device.

If you can’t hear the person on the other end, try to set the volume to maximum.

Step 1. Press the volume key, located on the right side of the device. Step 1. Press the volume key, located on the right side of the device.

Step 1. Press the volume key in the side of the device.

Step 2. Screenshot of the increased volume icon, effect of pressing the upper button. Step 2. Screenshot of the increased volume icon, effect of pressing the upper button.

Step 2. The upper button increases the volume.

Step 3. Screenshot of the decreased volume icon, effect of pressing the lower button. Step 3. Screenshot of the decreased volume icon, effect of pressing the lower button.

Step 3. The lower button decreases the volume.

Please note: The in-call volume can be adjusted only during a call. If you are in your Home screen your ringtone volume will be adjusted.

Restart your device and test it again:

1 Swipe down from the top of your phone’s screen to open the “Quick Settings” panel.
2 Tap the "Power icon", and then select “Restart”.

If the issue persists, please proceed to the next step below.

Certain downloaded apps can make your phone or tablet freeze, crash, or lag. Some apps can even affect camera functionality, create audio issues, and affect network connectivity.

Using Safe mode disables all downloaded apps and loads only the original software that came with your phone or tablet, allowing you to determine whether the issue is caused by an app or with the phone or tablet. Follow these steps to enable it:

1 Swipe down from the top of the screen to open “Quick Settings” and tap the “Power icon”.
2 Touch and hold “Power off” until the Safe mode icon is displayed.
3 Tap Safe mode and start your device. If you've entered Safe mode successfully, you'll see Safe mode displayed at the bottom of the screen.
4 Check if the phone is still having the same problem.

If the issues do not appear while in Safe mode, the problem is caused by a downloaded app, and that app should be uninstalled.

Please note: If the issue no longer appears in Safe mode: One of your recently downloaded apps was likely the cause of the problem. Proceed to uninstall the app you downloaded just before your phone or tablet began having the issue.

If the issue still exists: Downloaded apps may not be the cause of the problem. You may need to reset the phone to its factory settings.

If you are using the Wi-Fi calling function, it will use your phone's network connection to make a call. A poor Wi-Fi network can affect call quality. Simply turn this setting off and try the call again.

1 Open the Phone app.
2 Tap More Options (three vertical dots) and then tap “Settings”.
3 Tap “Wi-Fi Calling”, and then tap the switch to turn it off.

Please note: The Wi-Fi Calling feature may not be available on all carriers or devices.

If you can’t hear anything when making a call, “Mute all sounds” might be on. Follow these steps to disable the feature:

1 Open your “Quick Settings” and tap “Settings”.
2 Tap “Accessibility”.
3 Tap “Hearing enhancements”.
4 Taggle on the switch next to “Mute all sounds” to turn it off.

Does your phone keep dropping calls? Getting a no SIM alert after a call? Take a minute now to check your SIM card.

Step 1. Select Power off your device. Step 1. Select Power off your device.

Step 1. Tap "Power off" your device.

Step 2. Remove the SIM card from the tray to inspect it for damage. Step 2. Remove the SIM card from the tray to inspect it for damage.

Step 2. Remove the SIM card from the tray to inspect it for damage or corrosion.

Step 3. If it is defective or faulty, get a replacement SIM card from your carrier. Step 3. If it is defective or faulty, get a replacement SIM card from your carrier.

Step 3. If it is defective or faulty, get a replacement SIM card from your carrier.

Step 4. Make sure your SIM card is lined up with the smaller cut-out on the tray. Step 4. Make sure your SIM card is lined up with the smaller cut-out on the tray.

Step 4. Make sure your SIM card is lined up with the smaller cut-out on the tray.

Step 5. Restart the device and test again. Step 5. Restart the device and test again.

Step 5. After inserting it carefully, restart the device and test again.

If the above methods do not work, you may bring your device back to factory default settings just like when you powered on your device for the first time. Please note that factory resetting a mobile device is not reversible. Please make sure all your information is saved to a backup somewhere else before attempting to reset your phone.

1 Go to “Settings”, then tap “General management”.
2 Tap on “Reset”.
3 Tap on “Factory data reset”.
4 Scroll down the page and select “Reset”.
5 Select “Delete all”.

Please note: If you are still having microphone or speaker issues after trying this, contact Samsung support as your device may have an internal error.

Thank you for your feedback!

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