Samsung Galaxy No Sound

Missing calls because your phone isn't ringing? Can't jam out to your favorite tunes at work because you start up the playlist, but all you get is silence? There are a host of reasons why your phone might be staying mum. Hopefully by the end of this page you'll be back to headbanging at your desk.

Before giving any of the more in depth fixes a try, start with these common quickies.

• Restart your phone
• Remove any accessories (cases especially) that could be obstructing the speaker.

Although “sound” on a phone seems simple, it is actually a conglomeration of several different settings.

• Check that the volume level for the sound setting you're missing is set to the expected level. Volume controls are context sensitive and adjust the volume for the current function.
• For a quick display of all audio settings, press a volume key, then the ellipses at the top of the volume meter.

• Is Do Not Disturb on? This would also override volume settings for incoming communications.
• If you're watching a video, make sure the video is not muted. There's often a speaker with a slash through it on the progress bar for the video to toggle sound on and off.

It only makes sense that, if something is blocking sound waves as they come out of your speaker, you won't be able to hear any of the noises that speaker is producing. In addition to muffling sounds, obstructions can silence your phone altogether.

• Remove your case. Although cases are intended to protect your phone, they may also inhibit these functions.
  • This also applies to screen protectors. If they are applied askew, they may be blocking the receiver speaker.
• Inspect the both the speaker grilles on the phone itself, and speaker cutouts on your case. Lint, dust or other debris commonly gets stuck in the tiny gaps in the mesh. You can use a few methods to remove this.
  • Blutack or other similar products are extremely effective at removing all the gunk stuck deep into the grills. Gently press it into the mesh, and pull it out. Don't get grossed out. Trust us. You might.
  • If you don’t have Blutack, you can use tape instead. Try rolling the tape into cones and use the pointed end to reach into crevices.
  • A soft brush, sweeping along the speaker can remove dust or looser debris.

Galaxy phones, like all computerized devices, can be subject to software defects or bugs. The phone may have encountered an error, a third party app is wreaking havoc, or the OS itself may have become damaged.

• If you’re encountering the issue only in a specific app, see if that app has any updates. App updates can be found in the Google Play Store by selecting your account avatar in the upper right corner, then selecting Manage apps & device.
• Android itself may also need an update. In the Settings menu, scroll to Software Update.
  • Before processing an update, you may want to back up your device, in case something goes awry, all your data will be safe.
• Boot into Safe Mode to see if this makes a difference. If so, it's likely an app hijacking your sounds settings.
• Perform a factory reset. The location of this setting varies slightly on various version of Android but is usually found under "General Management." The reset option is at the bottom of the following page.
  • When testing after the reset, it is best to set up as a new device. Resist the urge to restore your backup until you have confirmed the hardware is functional on a bare OS.

It stands to reason that if you're still not getting sound, it's because the part that produces audio just doesn't work.

• Narrow down which speaker is affected. There are two separate ones—the receiver speaker (or earpiece), and the loud speaker (or bottom speaker). Each speaker is activated during different functions.
  • Try varying tasks on your phone. Make a phone call, test out the speakerphone while you're at it, activate Bixby, or listen to some tunes. Keep in mind many Galaxy phones and newer make use of stereo audio, so many functions should activate BOTH speakers.
• Once you've determined which speaker is likely to be the faulty one, time to break out the tool kit and swap it out.

Ultimately the board is responsible for processing all of the audio signals going out to the speakers. If the board hardware is not working properly, signals may not be sent to the speakers to begin with.

• Board damage can be caused by liquid contact or electric insult, a significant drop or even flexion from being repeatedly shoved into your pocket. Check to see if your board looks bent, has signs of liquid, burn or loose components.
• Replacing the motherboard is often the most practical solution in this case.
• If you’re feeling especially curious, the tiny bits and chips on the board can be repaired by microsoldering. It is an art unto itself, but a worthy endeavor for those who are adventurous. Interested? Check out this intro! Jessa’s YouTube channel is also fantastic and has loads of real time repairs. If you can't do this sort of repair yourself, you may be able to find a local shop who can!