Fix iPhone Sound Not Working During Calls

Updated Feb 13, 2026
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The Problem: You can't hear the other person, or they can't hear you. The speaker button might be greyed out.

The Short Answer: This could be lint in the earpiece. However, if the Speaker button is greyed out on iPhone 7/8, it is the dreaded "Loop Disease" audio chip failure.

Method 1: Clean the Earpiece Mesh

Ear wax and dirt clog the speaker grill. Use a dry toothbrush to gently scrub the top mesh.

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Method 2: Check Bluetooth

Your audio might be routed to a Bluetooth speaker in the other room.

  • Swipe to Control Center.
  • Tap the AirPlay icon (top right of music box).
  • Make sure it is set to iPhone.

Method 3: Disable Noise Cancellation

Sometimes the noise cancelling algorithm cancels your voice by mistake.

  • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual.
  • Turn off Phone Noise Cancellation.
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