How to Fix: iPhone Volume Buttons Not Working
Volume buttons not working properly can be a bit frustrating.
As a result of this issue, we are unable to listen to music, watch videos, or clearly hear the people calling us.
Unfortunately, many iPhone users are complaining that the volume buttons stopped working suddenly.
There are a few possible solutions that might help iPhone users adjust the volume at the desired level, depending on what is causing this problem.
Adjust the volume by using the volume slider
One thing users can do to turn the volume to the desired level when the volume buttons are not working is to use the volume slider inside the settings app.
- Tap ‘Settings’.
- Tap ‘Sounds’.
- Scroll to ‘Ringer and alerts’
You will also see a toggle button that says that the volume of the ringer and alerts can be adjusted using the volume buttons. Tap the toggle button on.
If this button is turned off, it will only adjust the volume for the music apps, podcasts, and videos.
Additionally, the volume on the music apps and podcasts can also be adjusted on the same principle, and that is by dragging the volume slider.
Adjust the volume by using the AssistiveTouch feature
AssistiveTouch is a feature that enables users to use their iPhones in situations when they can’t touch the screen.
Users can enable AssistiveTouch when they want to adjust the volume, replace physical buttons, lock their screen, or restart their device.
Here is how to find this feature:
- Tap on the Settings app.
- Tap on ‘General’.
- Tap ‘Accessibility’.
- Scroll down to Assistive Touch and tap on the toggle button.
You will see a small gray button and once you tap on it a small pop-up window will appear. Tap on ‘Device’ then tap on the volume icon to fix the problem.
Similar to this, you can also use the Control center. Just swipe up your home screen and adjust the volume by sliding up or down.
Troubleshoot steps
If none of the steps above is working for the volume buttons on your iPhone you may want to try some troubleshooting steps.
1. Restart your iPhone
there is no sign of the volume icon when you press the volume buttons you might want to try restarting your device.
This might help you fix some temporary issues that might cause nonfunctional volume buttons.
Depending on the model you have, there are a few different ways you can restart your device:
- For iPhone 6 and earlier press and hold the power button until the slider for turning off the device shows up.
- For iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus and up simultaneously press the power button and the volume button until the Apple logo appears.
- For iPhone 8 and up press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.
2. Try the DFU mode
DFU stands for Device Firmware Update mode and it is used to repair and get your phone to work properly again
Here is how to access the DFU mode:
- Connect your device to your MAC computer.
- Turn off your device.
- Hold the power button and the home button at the same time. For iPhone 7 and up, hold the power button and the volume button down.
- Release the power button but continue holding the home or the volume button down, depending on the device.
- If the screen on your device is black it means that your phone is in DFU mode.
3. Check if you have installed the latest iOS version for your iPhone
Another reason why the volume buttons on your iPhone might not be working is because of outdated OS.
To install the latest iOS version for your device go to Settings > General > Software Update > Install Now.
The volume buttons are stuck - What should I do?
If the buttons on your phone are stuck in that case you might want to try and clean them.
We drag our phones everywhere with us, so dirty buttons might be the reason why the buttons on your iPhone are stuck.
To clean the volume buttons you may want to try a q-tip soaked in alcohol and gently go through the buttons.
Additionally, if you notice some cracks or damages on your phone around this area that might be the reason for a bigger hardware problem. In that case, this also might be a reason for not-working iPhone buttons.
If none of the suggestions work, then it might be best to visit an authorized Apple store.
Do you also have problems with your iPhone not vibrating? Check out want might be the issue and how to fix it.
