How can I make my Android sound louder?

Check Your Android’s Volume Settings

The first step is to check your Android’s maximum volume setting. Many modern Android phones can reach dangerously high volume levels above 100 decibels according to sources like Wired (https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-limit-phone-maximum-volume/). Prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can damage your hearing over time according to the Hearing Health Foundation (https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/keeplistening/decibels).

Go into your Android’s Settings app and locate the Sound/Volume section. Here you can check both the media volume (for music, videos, etc.) and the ringer/notification volume. Take note of the maximum volume levels available and consider reducing them to a safer level around 50-60% of max as recommended by experts.

Also look for any volume limiter options that may be enabled on your Android version. Some phones have media volume limiters that can restrict volumes to safer levels. Make sure these are turned on if available.

Use Wired Headphones or Speakers

One of the easiest ways to boost the volume from your Android device is to use wired headphones or external speakers. Wired audio devices often play louder than built-in smartphone speakers.

According to an expert on the audio-focused site Headphonesty, over-ear headphones in particular can play much louder than earbuds due to their larger driver size and closed-back design. They mention that over-ear headphones commonly reach volumes over 100 dB, while earbuds may only get up to around 80-90 dB (Source).

When using wired headphones or speakers, make sure to keep the volume at a safe level to avoid damaging your hearing. But in terms of raw loudness, a good pair of wired headphones or speakers can enable your Android to reach its full audio potential.

Get a Portable Speaker

Connecting an external Bluetooth speaker to your Android device is a great way to boost the volume. Bluetooth speakers have larger drivers and amplifiers than a phone’s built-in speaker, allowing them to play audio at much higher volumes without distortion.

It’s important to get a good quality Bluetooth speaker that can get sufficiently loud for your needs. Look for a speaker with a high maximum volume and power output. Popular portable Bluetooth speaker recommendations include the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3, Bose SoundLink Flex, and Anker Soundcore Motion Boom.

Pair your Android device to the Bluetooth speaker via the Bluetooth settings. Then set the speaker as your audio output device to have all sounds come through the external speaker at maximum volume capacity.

Try a Volume Booster App

One option to boost your Android device’s volume beyond the maximum setting is to use a dedicated volume booster app. These apps apply audio processing to increase the perceived loudness, often by compressing the dynamic range. Popular options include Volume Booster, Volume Booster GOODEV, and others available on the Play Store.

The advantage of volume booster apps is they can push the volume louder than your device’s built-in limit. However, boosting the gain too much can reduce audio quality, add distortion, or cause clipping at high volumes. It’s best to find a reasonable balance for your needs.

Test volume booster apps to find one that works well for your device. Look for advanced options like per-app volume control, bass boost, and left/right balance. A free trial can help test sound quality before purchasing premium features.

Adjust Audio Normalization Settings

One way to increase the maximum volume output on your Android device is to turn off audio normalization settings. Audio normalization balances the volume across songs and videos so there is a consistent loudness level. This prevents excessively loud or quiet audio from playing.

While normalization provides a better overall listening experience, it does cap the maximum volume that can be output. By turning off normalization features in your music apps, media players, or system settings, you allow audio to play at its original recorded volume. This results in consistent and maximum loudness from your device speakers or headphones.

To disable normalization, look in your Android settings for a “Volume leveling”, “Audio normalization”, “Loudness equalization” or similar option and turn it off. You may also find normalization settings within individual music, video and podcast apps. Turning off normalization universally or selectively can help remove volume restrictions.

Just be aware that without normalization you may encounter the occasional very loud or quiet audio file. Check volumes, especially when listening with headphones, to avoid discomfort. But disabling normalization is an effective way to maximize the output volume from your Android device.

Update Your Android Software

Newer versions of the Android operating system sometimes increase the maximum possible volume output. This allows you to turn up the volume higher than before. Checking for and installing available Android software updates can potentially give you louder sound.

Open the Settings app on your Android device and select “System”, then “System update” or “Software update.” This will check if any new versions of Android are available for your phone. If an update is found, tap “Download and install” to get the latest software. The process may take awhile depending on your internet connection speed.

Once the update is fully installed, restart your phone if prompted. Then go back and check if you’re able to turn the volume up higher than before, as the newer Android version may have increased the max volume limit. Getting the latest updates can allow you to boost sound loudness without needing third-party apps or other workarounds.

Check for Blocked Speakers

One cause of poor sound quality from your Android device’s speakers is physically blocked speaker openings. Over time, dust and pocket lint can accumulate in the small holes of the speaker grill and muffle the sound. Additionally, larger obstructions like stickers or cases covering the speakers can dramatically reduce volume and clarity.

Carefully inspect your phone’s speakers to see if any debris is clogging the holes. Use a toothpick or soft brush to gently clear out any dust, dirt or lint you find obstructing the speaker. Be sure not to use anything sharp or metal that could puncture the delicate speaker membrane. You can also try blowing compressed air into the openings to dislodge particles.

Check that there are no stickers, phone skins or thick phone cases covering the speaker grill. Remove any obstructions that are blocking sound from emanating properly. Once the speakers have been thoroughly inspected and cleared of any blockages, test playing audio again at full volume to see if the problem is resolved.

Citations:

https://www.lifewire.com/fix-android-phone-speaker-not-working-4580298

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/android-phone-speaker-fixes/

Factory Reset Your Device

As a last resort, you can try backing up your data and performing a factory reset on your Android device. A factory reset will wipe your device back to its default settings, essentially giving you a clean slate.

According to Google’s Android support page, a factory reset can resolve many software-related issues by erasing any problematic apps, settings, or files that may be causing sound problems. Resetting to factory default settings should restore your system volume back to normal.

That said, a factory reset will delete all your apps, accounts, photos, music, and other personal data. So before factory resetting, be sure to back up any important data you want to keep. You can back up data to the cloud or an external storage device.

Overall, a factory reset is useful as a last resort troubleshooting step if you’ve tried other fixes and still have abnormally low maximum volume. Just be prepared to take time redownloading apps and content after wiping your device.

Get Your Phone Serviced

Hardware issues like blown speakers can cause low volumes on Android phones. Over time, the speakers can become damaged through normal wear and tear or accidentally being exposed to water or other liquids. Dust buildup around the speakers can also block sound. If the speakers themselves are cracked or malfunctioning, they may not be able to produce loud enough audio.

According to UUBYTE, hardware issues are one of the most common reasons for low volume problems on Androids. Issues with the headphone jack, volume buttons, and other physical components can all decrease sound.

In many cases, hardware problems require professional repair. Most phone manufacturers recommend taking devices to an authorized service center. Technicians there have the expertise to diagnose issues and replace any damaged parts. They can clean out blocked speakers or swap in new ones if needed. Unless you have technical knowledge and experience working with phone hardware, it’s best to let the professionals handle any intensive repairs.

Getting qualified service can restore full volume capabilities on an Android with hardware-related sound issues. Just be prepared that costs will vary based on the specific problem and any parts that need replacing. But if the phone is still within warranty, repairs may be fully or partially covered.

Consider Getting a New Phone

If your old Android device has worn out speakers or outdated software that can’t be updated to support better audio capabilities, it may be time to consider getting a new phone. New Android phones often have improved audio hardware like dual speakers, better DACs (digital-to-analog converters), and amplifiers that can produce louder, higher-quality sound.

For example, the AGM 5 Pro is advertised as one of the loudest Android phones available, with dual front-facing speakers that produce sound up to 120 decibels according to the manufacturer (Although independent tests show maximum volumes around 100-110db). The dual speakers provide a stereo audio experience and the phone also has high-end audio components like dual smart PAs and high-power amp chips. However, it is on the expensive side for an Android phone so may not be in everyone’s budget (source).

If looking for a new phone with excellent audio for a lower budget, other options to research would be phones like the Sony Xperia 1 IV or the Asus ROG Phone line. While not as loud as the AGM 5 Pro, they still offer greatly improved audio over older phones. Checking detailed audio hardware specs and reviews when researching the latest Android phone models can help identify ones that prioritize louder, better-quality sound.