While listening to the audio coming from your iPhone XR…
You realize that your iOS device’s left speaker isn’t working.
But don’t worry. There’s no need to panic.
Because I know exactly why this happens.
Continue reading to find out:
- Why your iPhone XR’s left speaker isn’t working.
- 5 simple ways to fix broken iPhone XR speakers yourself.
- How you can prevent an iPhone XR speaker from breaking.
- And a lot more…
Why the left speaker stops working
The left speaker on your iPhone stops working because it’s not a speaker.
See, although there are 2 grills at the bottom of your mobile device…
Only the holes on the right side of the charging port are composed of speakers.
That’s because the left grills are your iPhone’s microphones.
So, they can’t project audio in the first place.
Fun fact: Most iPhones have 2 microphones. And the recent models have 3.
How to fix a broken iPhone speaker
To fix your broken iPhone speaker, restart your iOS device to ensure it isn’t just a glitch. Then, change your phone’s audio settings and make sure they’re balanced. After that, check that your phone isn’t in headphones mode. And clean your speakers so that debris won’t block your iPhone’s audio.
For more details on how to do these solutions, here are the…
5 simple ways to fix a broken iPhone speaker
#1: Check if your speaker is broken
Not all iPhone speakers that don’t produce sounds are faulty.
That’s because, sometimes, your phone’s just muted, or its volume is extremely low.
With that, before you dive into any formal fixes below, you should follow these…
Steps to check if your speakers are really broken
Step 1: Disconnect wired headphones from your phone.
If there are any wired headphones or earphones plugged into your iPhone…
You should unplug them from your device, then…
Step 2: Turn OFF your phone’s Bluetooth.
- Turn ON your phone.
- Head to its Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Toggle Bluetooth OFF.
Step 3: Unmute your mobile device.
On the left side of your phone, you’ll find the Ring/Silent Switch.
Note: This is located at the top of the volume buttons.
Now, if you see the color red on this switch, move its line to the other side.
But if you don’t, proceed to the next step.
That’s because your phone’s already in Ring mode.
Or in other words, it won’t silence your sounds or notifications.
Step 4: Increase your phone’s volume.
Turn ON your mobile device. Then, tap the Volume Up button on the left side of your phone.
Now, continue pressing this button until your mobile device reaches its maximum volume.
And once it does…
Step 5: Test your phone’s speakers.
Play any track or video on your iPhone.
Then, observe if you can now hear sounds from your speakers.
If you still can’t, go ahead and…
#2: Restart your iPhone
Software glitches also cause iPhone speakers to stop working.
But fortunately, a simple restart is enough to solve this problem.
So now, just follow the steps below to restart your iPhone XR.
- Locate your phone’s volume down and power button.
- Press and hold both buttons simultaneously.
- Let go when you see a power slider on top of your screen.
- Drag the slider to the right.
- Wait for 1 minute.
- Press and hold your device’s power button.
- Let go when the Apple logo appears.
- Wait for your iPhone to turn ON again.
After restarting your iPhone, check if you’ve now fixed your speakers.
And if you’re still having problems, go ahead and…
#3: Change your phone’s audio settings
Your current audio settings may be imbalanced.
That’s why 1 of your iPhone speakers isn’t working.
But luckily, to fix this problem, all you need to do is…
Change your iPhone’s audio settings:
- Turn ON your mobile device.
- Tap your Settings app’s tile.
- Scroll down and select Accessibility.
- Under the HEARING category, select Audio/Visual.
- At the bottom of your page, locate the Balance slider.
- Ensure that the slider’s controller (circle) is in the middle.
- Double-check that the Balance value is at “0.00.”
After changing your iPhone’s audio settings…
Try testing your device’s speakers again.
#4: Clean your iPhone’s lightning port
Modern iPhones don’t have a headphone jack.
But you can still connect wired earphones to your iPhone XR through its lightning port.
So sometimes, if this slot is too dirty…
Your mobile device will think it’s connected to wired headphones, even when it isn’t.
As a result, your phone won’t play any sounds through its speakers.
Instead, it’ll constantly try using an audio device that doesn’t exist.
But before you proceed with this fix, you should…
Check if your iPhone is stuck in headphones mode:
- Turn ON your iPhone.
- Long press the Volume Up button of your device.
- Observe the small window that appears on your phone.
Did you see a headphone icon below the volume bar on your screen?
If you didn’t, skip to the next solution because this one doesn’t apply to you.
But if you did, continue reading this fix. And just follow the steps below to…
Clean your iPhone XR’s lightning port:
Step 1: Prepare a compressed air can.
iPhone ports are tiny and relatively deep.
So most bristle brushes won’t be able to clean them thoroughly.
That said, you should use compressed air cans for this process.
Because they can easily reach the tiniest corners of your ports. Plus, they’re very easy to use.
Step 2: Remove your phone’s case if it has one.
Step 3: Clean your mobile device’s lightning port.
Install your compressed air can’s straw.
Then, carefully point its tip to your iPhone’s port.
Note: Ensure that you’re pointing at an angle slightly leaning to the side. And that the straw is an inch away from the port. This way, you’ll blow the debris outward. And you won’t push them in deeper.
After positioning the straw’s tip, spray towards your phone’s lightning port once.
Then, slightly change your can’s angle before respraying the port.
Note: Continue doing this until no more dirt comes out from the slot.
Warning: Never use sharp objects like a pen or paper clip to clean your iPhone’s port. Because they can seriously damage your mobile device’s components.
After doing this cleaning process, restart your phone.
Then, check if your device’s speakers are now working.
#5: Update your phone
Outdated iOS devices are more prone to software issues.
And as mentioned earlier…
Software problems can also cause your speakers to stop working.
But don’t worry.
Updating your iPhone can fix your device’s audio if this is the root of the problem.
So simply follow the steps below to…
Update your iOS device:
- Connect your iPhone to power.
- Keep your mobile device charging.
- Turn ON your phone.
- Go to its Settings app.
- Click General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Select Download and Install.
- Follow further instructions.
Note: If you don’t see the Download and Install option in step 3, your iPhone’s already up to date.
Bonus: Clean your speakers
When iPhone speakers get covered with debris and dust…
They’ll have extremely low volumes. Or sometimes, their audio won’t go through the dirt at all.
So now, it’s time to…
Clean your iPhone speakers thoroughly
Step 1: Remove your phone from its case.
Step 2: Grab a soft-bristle brush.
Step 3: Using your brush, gently wipe your mobile device’s speakers.
Pro tip: Brush your speakers from different directions. This way, debris won’t be stuck on any sides.
Step 4: Use a toothpick’s sharp tip to remove dirt from your phone’s speaker holes.
Warning: Don’t poke the toothpick into the speaker. Instead, lightly scrape the dirt from the sides of the speaker holes. And gently use your toothpick to push the debris outwards.
Now, if you want a visual guide to doing this cleaning process safely, watch this video:
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How to prevent a iPhone speaker from breaking
Here are the easiest ways to prevent an iPhone speaker from breaking:
- Keep your iPhone up to date.
- Clean your phone’s speakers and ports once a month.
- Avoid exposing your phone to water, especially other liquids.
- Protect your phone from physical damage (don’t drop your device).
If you keep all these tips in mind…
Your iPhone’s speakers will work as long as your mobile device is functioning.
That’s because these pointers prevent your phone from having:
- Software glitches.
- Physical damages.
And these 2 factors are the most common causes of broken iPhone speakers.
You might also want to know: (13 Fixes) How To Stop iPhone From Overheating
How much does it cost to repair an iPhone speaker?
It costs $449 to repair an iPhone speaker if you ask Apple to fix your device. That’s because broken speakers fall under the company’s “Other Damage” category. However, if you have AppleCare+, you’ll only need to pay the brand $100 for this procedure.
“Are there cheaper alternatives?”
Yes, there are.
Rather than asking Apple to fix your iPhone speakers…
You can reach out to trusted local technicians specializing in iOS devices instead.
That’s because they’ll usually charge cheaper (under $100) to fix your iPhone speakers.
Important: Apple will void your phone’s warranty if you dismantle your device. Or if you let others who don’t work for the brand do so.