How to Fix iPhone Sound Not Working without Headphones

Looking for the solutions to fix iPhone sound not working without headphones? Then, you have come to the right page. Here, we have compiled solutions that you can try irrespective of which iPhone model you are using.

Author Avatar Roger Smith Last Updated: Aug. 29, 2022

Many iPhone users are facing the unusual issue of iPhone getting stuck in headphone mode. However, there are solutions that users can try at home rather than visiting the Apple Store. That’s why we are providing this guide to iPhone users to quickly resolve the issue – iPhone sound not working without headphones. So, no matter which iPhone model you have whether it is the latest iPhone 13 or any other, you can give a try to the solutions to fix the problem.

Restart your iPhone

If all the above solution fails to resolve the issue, then you can go for a hard reset. It can solve many iPhone issues. It is a more powerful method that you can try to fix “iPhone 4 or later sound not working without headphones”.

For iPhone 8 or earlier, or iPad, press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the slider appears. For iPhone X/XS (Max)/XR and newer, you need to press and hold the Side button and either volume button until the slider appears on screen.

Once you completed the hard reset on your iPhone, check if your iPhone sound is back without headphones.

Plug In and Out Headphones Several Times

It might be the case that your iPhone does not recognize that you have disconnected your headphones. So, try out the plugin and out many times. When you plug in your headphone, make sure that you are hearing the sound clearly and you can also try volume up or down. Before you plug out, make sure that music apps and other apps are closed and are not running in the background. Then, finally, plug out your headphones.

Try Another Headphone

Your iPhone can be stuck in headphone mode because you are not using original Apple headphones. So, try original one on your iPhone. Another brand of headphone can create compatibly issues on your iPhone as every brand has its own configuration.

Remove your iPhone Case and Clean the Headphone Jack

Sometimes, your iPhone case can block the pathway to audio jack which causes your iPhone to stuck in the headphone mode. So, remove your iPhone case and with the help of needle or toothpick, clean the headphone jack to remove dust particles. While cleaning it, be careful and do it with gently. Once it is done, check iPhone speaker to see if the issue is resolved or not.

Turn on Airplane Mode

Another solution that you can try is turning on and off Airplane mode. Like you turned off your iPhone, Airplane mode is trick to go offline without actually switching off the iPhone. It may fix issue iPhone sound not working without headphones. You can turn on Airplane mode on your iPhone in two ways.

First Way:  Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone to open the control center and then, tap on Airplane mode to turn it on. After a few minutes, turn it off and check if the issue is resolved or not.

Fix iPhone Sound Not Working without Headphones via Airplane Mode

Fix iPhone Sound Not Working without Headphones via Airplane Mode

Second Way: Open the “Settings” on your iPhone and then, go to the “Airplane Mode”. After that, press the slider to turn it on. Again turn it off and check whether your iPhone speaker is working or not.

Fix iPhone Sound Not Working without Headphones via Airplane Mode

Fix iPhone Sound Not Working without Headphones via Airplane Mode

Use Bluetooth Speaker

If the issue is not resolved with plug in and out, then connect Bluetooth speaker to your iPhone. It will help your iPhone to recognize you don’t have a plug in the headphone. It is one of the smart tricks that you can try to resolve iPhone 6 sound not working without headphones. You can try this trick on other iPhone devices also. Once your iPhone recognizes Bluetooth headphone or speaker, then disconnect it and check if no sound issue is resolved or not. Even if you are facing the issue on other iPhone Models such as iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6s or any other,  you can try this solution.

Changing Call Audio Routing

Call Audio Routing settings signify from where your iPhone sound is heard when you get a phone call or FaceTime audio calls.

Step 1: Go to the “Settings” on your iPhone and then, open the “General”. After that, open the “Accessibility”.

Step 2: Thereafter, scroll down the screen and you will see the “Call Audio Routing” option. Open it and choose “Automatic”. If it is already automatic, then change it to “Speaker”. Now, test your iPhone sound by placing either call or FaceTime call. If the speaker works on your iPhone, then change it again to the “Automatic”.

Fix iPhone Sound Not Working without Headphones via Call Audio Routing

Fix iPhone Sound Not Working without Headphones via Call Audio Routing

Update iOS to the Latest Version

If you have tried all the above-mentioned solutions, then it might be a software issue that causes your iPhone stuck in headphone mode. So, the simple solution is to update your iOS. It is recommended that you should update it with the Wi-Fi network.

Step 1: On your iPhone, navigate to “Settings”, choose “General”, and then tap on “Software Update” option.

Fix iPhone Sound Not Working without Headphones via Update iOS

Fix iPhone Sound Not Working without Headphones via Update iOS

Step 2: If an update is available, then go for it and install new iOS version on your iPhone by clicking on the “Install Now”.

 Reset All Settings on iPhone

Still not able to fix iPhone sound not working without headphones, then try to reset all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase any data on your iPhone. You can do this by opening the “Settings”, then “General” and open the “Reset”. Finally, tap on “Reset all Settings”. Enter the passcode to complete the process.

The Bottom Line

Thus, this guide has covered possible solutions for iPhone users who are facing issue iPhone sound not working without headphones. We hope that the above-mentioned solutions may aid in resolving iPhone stuck in headphone mode issue on your iPhone.

Author Avatar
Roger Smith Twitter Share Facebook Share

Work for iMobie team for 5 years as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS or Android related issues.

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