How can I increase speaker volume on Android?
Check Volume Settings
The first step is to locate the volume buttons on your Android device. On most smartphones, you’ll find volume rocker buttons on the left or right side of the phone. Press and hold the volume up button to raise the media volume to the maximum level.
Some Android phones like Samsung Galaxy models have volume limiting features enabled by default to protect hearing at high volumes. You may need to disable or adjust these volume limits to allow raising the volume to 100%. According to the Hearing Health Foundation, headphones can reach up to 100 decibels or more, so limiting volume to 50-60% is recommended for hearing safety.
Go to Settings > Sounds and Vibration > Volume to check if volume limiters or audio safety modes are enabled. Disable or adjust these settings as needed to remove volume restrictions.
Troubleshoot Speaker Issues
One of the first things to check is if there is any debris blocking the speaker. Carefully inspect the speaker grill and use a can of compressed air to remove any dust or lint. Be very gentle so as not to damage the delicate speaker components.
Next, play an audio file to test the speaker. Try a music track or simple tone at both low and high volumes. Listen closely for any muffling, crackling, or distortion. This can help pinpoint if the issue only occurs at certain frequencies or volume levels.
If the speaker still seems problematic, try restarting the Android phone. A reboot can clear any software bugs and reset audio drivers. Press and hold the power button until the “Power off” prompt appears. Then power the phone back on and test the speaker again.
According to a Reddit thread, some Samsung Galaxy S22 users have reported speaker crackling and distortion issues possibly related to pressure changes damaging the hardware. Restarting the phone temporarily fixes the problem in some cases.
Enable Extra Volume Boost
The Volume+ app from the Google Play Store can be used to boost the volume beyond the maximum level set by Android. This app acts as an additional volume amplifier by modifying the audio stream before it reaches the speakers. Enabling the ‘Extra Volume’ option in Volume+ can significantly raise the volume, especially for headphones or external speakers 1.
You can also enable an ‘Extra Volume’ option directly in your device’s Sound settings. On Samsung devices, go to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Volume and tap the 3 dots in the top right corner. Enable ‘Extra volume’ to allow exceeding the max volume level. This setting persists even when Volume+ is not running. Check your device manufacturer’s settings to see if a similar ‘Extra volume’ option exists 2.
Adjust App Volume Levels
One way to increase speaker volume on Android is by adjusting the volume levels within specific apps. Many apps have their own in-app volume controls separate from the system volume.
To adjust app volume levels:
- Open the app’s settings screen.
- Look for a volume or audio section.
- Drag the volume slider for that app higher to increase the volume.
- Test the speaker volume within the app to see if it improved.
Being able to control volume at the app level gives you more granular control. If the system volume is already maxed out, boosting the in-app volume may help increase loudness as needed. Some apps like media players and games have their own volume settings to tweak.
There are also dedicated app volume control apps for Android like App Volume Control that let you manage volume levels for multiple apps in one place. These can provide an easier way to identify and turn up quiet apps.
Connect External Speakers
If the built-in speakers on your Android device are not loud enough, you can connect external speakers to boost the volume. Here are some options:
Pair Wireless Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth speakers provide a convenient way to wirelessly stream audio from your Android device. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global Bluetooth speaker market is expected to reach $15.24 billion by 2024. Popular Bluetooth speaker brands like JBL, Bose, and Anker offer portable speakers with excellent sound quality and volume.
To connect, first enable Bluetooth on your Android device. Then place the Bluetooth speaker in pairing mode and select it from the list of available devices. Once paired, audio will automatically route to the external speaker when playing media or making calls on your device.
Connect Wired Headphones or Speakers
Alternatively, you can use wired headphones or external speakers connected via an AUX cable. Any standard headphones with a 3.5mm plug will work. Simply insert the plug into your device’s headphone jack to route audio through the wired headphones or speakers.
For older Android devices with USB-C ports, you may need a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter to connect wired audio devices. These adapters are inexpensive and widely available.
Update Audio Drivers
Updating your Android device’s operating system and firmware is one of the best ways to get the latest audio drivers. Google and device manufacturers release OS updates that include driver updates and bug fixes. Make sure to keep your Android version up-to-date by enabling automatic system updates in your device settings.
Many Android device makers also provide audio driver updater apps, like Samsung’s Smart Switch app and LG Mobile Support tool. These apps can check for the latest compatible audio drivers specifically for your device model and install them. Downloading these apps and running occasional audio driver updates through them is recommended.
According to an Android open source project article, Android 11 introduced new audio latency improvements, so updating to the latest OS version can optimize audio performance (Source). Staying current with OS and driver updates ensures you have the latest audio capabilities.
Check Accessibility Settings
Some accessibility options in Android can affect maximum speaker volume. Go to Settings > Accessibility to view enabled accessibility services. Two options in particular can limit speaker volume:
Disable audio balancing options, which try to balance left and right volume. According to a survey by Accessibility Stats, almost 50% of Android users have some accessibility features enabled, so it’s worth checking.
Turn off mono audio if enabled. Mono audio combines channels into a single mono speaker output. This results in lower maximum volume. Mono audio is designed to help hearing impaired users, but may be erroneously enabled for some.
Adjust EQ Settings
One way to boost overall volume and speaker output is by adjusting the EQ (equalizer) settings. The EQ lets you control the balance of low, mid and high frequency ranges.
To start, try using your phone’s built-in system EQ options. On Android devices, go to Settings > Sound and select an EQ preset like ‘Dynamic’ or ‘Bass boost’ to emphasize the low end. You can also drag the EQ bands manually for more customization.
For more advanced EQ controls, check out some of the top equalizer apps on the Play Store. Options like Equalizer FX and Poweramp give you more frequency bands to tweak and preset options tailored to different genres. These apps can boost overall loudness and let you adjust treble/bass to your liking.
Just be careful not to overdo the EQ adjustments as too much boosting can distort the audio. Find a middle ground that gives you a volume lift without sacrificing sound quality.
Amplify Notification Volumes
One way to increase speaker volume on Android is to turn up the volume levels for notifications specifically. Here are the steps:
Go to your device’s Settings app and select Sounds (or Sound & vibration on some devices). Look for the option to control notification volumes and turn it up to your desired level. This will make sounds from notifications like texts, emails, app alerts, etc. louder through your speakers.
Some Android devices allow granular control over notification volumes, so you can customize volumes for ringtones, media, alarms, and system sounds separately if desired. Take advantage of these individual volume sliders if available on your device.
According to reports, Google plans to introduce separate notification and ringtone volume controls in an upcoming Android update. This will allow even finer-tuned control over audio volumes.
If adjusting notification volumes to maximum levels still does not produce loud enough sound for your needs, you may need to look into connecting external speakers or amplifiers. But turning up notification volumes specifically is an easy first step towards increasing overall speaker loudness on an Android phone.
If Issue Persists
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps but are still experiencing low speaker volume, the issue may require more advanced troubleshooting or repair.
As a last resort, you can try backing up your data and performing a factory reset on your Android device. This will erase all data and settings and restore your device to its original state when you first bought it. Instructions for resetting can typically be found in the Settings app under System > Reset options.
Resetting the device may resolve any software bugs causing volume problems. Just make sure to backup any important data first, as it will all be deleted.
If resetting your device does not solve the problem, you may need to contact the device manufacturer for hardware repair or replacement options. Most major brands such as Samsung and Google provide repair services for phones still under warranty.
You can contact the manufacturer’s customer support line or visit their support website to start a repair request. They can run diagnostics, provide troubleshooting tips specific to your device model, or set up a repair if needed.
Getting professional repair directly through the manufacturer is recommended, as they have the proper tools, parts, and access to internal diagnostic information to correctly identify and fix speaker issues.
