How do I increase the volume more than maximum on Android?

Many Android users want to increase their device’s volume above the maximum level for a variety of reasons, often to improve audio quality when listening to music or watching videos. However, there are risks to hearing damage when listening at excessive volumes. While Android limits maximum volume to help protect hearing, some methods allow raising the max volume cap. This article overviews potential solutions, considerations around hearing health, and alternative options to make audio louder without exceeding safe volume levels.

Understanding Max Volume

Android devices have a maximum volume limit in place to protect users’ hearing. Playing audio above safe levels for prolonged periods can lead to permanent hearing damage over time. The limit aims to reduce this risk while still allowing reasonably loud volume.

Volume levels are measured in decibels (dB). Prolonged exposure to noises over 85 dB can cause gradual hearing loss, while sounds over 120 dB can lead to immediate harm. Many health organizations recommend limiting volume to under 85 dB for no more than 8 hours at a time to avoid damage (source).

Regulatory agencies like the European Union set legal limits of 85 dB for personal audio devices. Major manufacturers program maximum volume levels into devices to comply with these safety guidelines (source). The max level aims to let users listen comfortably while following expert health recommendations.

Risks of Exceeding Max Volume

Exceeding your phone’s maximum safe volume regularly can lead to two main risks: hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). According to the Mayo Clinic, noise above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss over time. They recommend keeping the volume at less than 50% of maximum levels to avoid long-term damage.

A key 2022 study concluded 56% of headphone and earbud users have reported issues like ear infections, irritation, and hearing problems due to excessively loud volumes (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9747083/).

Tinnitus, specifically, now impacts 1 in 10 adults under 50 according to recent research. This persistent ringing can disrupt sleep, concentration, and everyday activities when severe.

The maximum volume levels set by cell phone manufacturers are based on scientific evidence about hearing safety. While it may be tempting to override them for louder sound, doing so frequently poses significant health risks over time. It’s crucial to respect the max volume setting and avoid dangerously loud listening sessions.

Adjusting Volume Limit

To adjust the max volume limit on most modern Android devices, first open Settings and select “Sounds and vibration” or go directly to the “Volume” menu (location varies by device). Then tap the three dots in the top right corner and select “Media volume limit” (1). This toggles on the ability to set a custom max volume, and you can slide the volume bar up or down to your desired max value.

However, this method has some limitations. The default Android volume limit may not allow volumes as high as some users would like. And on some devices, adjusting this setting requires lowering the warning pop-up threshold, which could lead to dangerous volume levels. Rooting or using custom ROMs can provide more volume control, but will void any warranty and comes with risks.

Using Volume Booster Apps

Third party volume booster apps can override the system volume limit on Android. Some of the more popular options include Volume Booster (LINK), Boom, and others. These apps use software manipulation to push the system’s volume output past the maximum level built into Android for both the speakers and headphones. They work by either boosting specific frequency ranges or utilizing compression/limiting or other audio processing tech to increase the audio signal sent to the speakers or headphones.

There are both free and paid options for volume booster apps in the Play Store. According to testing, the paid options tend to provide better and more flexible volume boost functionality. For example, Volume Booster GOODEV offers multi-band equalization on top of up to a 300% volume gain. So apps like this give users controls to not only increase the volume level, but to shape the frequency response as well.

While these volume booster apps can override the system limit and provide louder volume, it does put extra strain on the speakers or headphones receiving the boosted signal. So using them for an extended time at very high levels can potentially damage or degrade audio components. Users should be aware of these risks and avoid maxing out the amplified volume for long periods.

Trying EQ Apps

EQ or Equalizer apps like Music Volume EQ and Equalizer & Bass Booster can alter the sound on your Android device by boosting or attenuating specific frequency ranges. EQ apps like Music Volume EQ give you control over the bass, midrange and treble frequencies, allowing you to boost lower or higher frequency ranges to change the overall sound profile.

EQ apps work by essentially turning up the volume on targeted frequency ranges while keeping the overall system volume the same. So while EQ apps can make music sound louder and heavier on bass or treble, they don’t actually exceed the maximum hardware volume limits set on an Android device. The perception of loudness changes even though the true decibel level stays within the allowed system limit.

So EQ apps can help make music sound louder to your ears and give you more audio control, but won’t override the max volume threshold on Android. To truly exceed max volume, other amplification methods are required.

Using External Amplifiers

Connecting an external headphone amplifier to your Android phone via USB-C is one method to boost the audio volume beyond the phone’s built-in maximum. Portable headphone amps are designed to drive higher impedance headphones and provide clean audio amplification.

We tested some top models, including the new FOSI DS1 ($100 on best dac for mobile phone), iFi Hip-dac 3 ($202 from The best portable DACs 2024: top headphone amps ), and Chord Mojo 2 ($700 on Best Headphone Amps). Key specs include power output, SNR, and distortion.

While external amps can significantly raise max volume, we caution against listening at excessive levels, as this can permanently damage hearing over time.

Considering Custom ROMs

One option to increase the maximum volume beyond the built-in limit on your Android device is to install a custom ROM. Some custom ROMs are designed without any volume restrictions, allowing you to amplify sounds as loud as your speakers and headphones can physically handle.

However, proceed with caution before installing an unsupported custom ROM. These unofficial firmware replacements are not vetted or maintained by the device manufacturer. Installing buggy or insecure custom ROMs can introduce stability issues, degraded performance, broken features, or even privacy and security vulnerabilities if they contain malware.

Only install well-tested custom ROMs from reputable developers on reputable forums like XDA. Avoid newly released or obscure ROMs that have not been publicly vetted by many users over time.

Also be aware that any drastic system-level changes like custom ROMs can potentially void your device’s warranty if you damage hardware or corrupt the software.

Seeking Professional Help

If you have significant hearing loss, it is highly recommended to see a licensed audiologist for a hearing evaluation. An audiologist can determine the extent of your hearing loss and discuss the best options to help you, which may include hearing aids or other devices.

Hearing aids can amplify sounds to make them louder and clearer. New digital hearing aids are quite advanced, with noise reduction features and smartphone connectivity. Based on your hearing loss pattern, an audiologist will help select the most suitable hearing aid model and fit it to your ear.

In addition to amplification from hearing aids, you may benefit from auditory or sound therapy from an audiologist. This can involve listening exercises tailored toward improving speech understanding. The audiologist may also recommend assistive listening devices for the phone, TV, or public settings.

Seeking professional help ensures you get expert guidance instead of just increasing phone volume unsafely. Addressing hearing health will likely improve your quality of life significantly. Most health insurance plans cover hearing evaluations and hearing aids too. So do not hesitate to get your hearing tested.

Conclusion

While cranking the volume beyond the factory maximum may seem tempting, it’s important to understand the risks of hearing damage from excessive noise exposure. The max volume limit on Android devices is set for a reason. Before pursuing technical methods to override this limit, try adjusting the built-in equalizer first. This can help redirect certain frequencies to your liking without exceeding safe volume levels.

If adjusting the EQ settings doesn’t provide the volume boost you’re after, consider using an external amplifier designed for headphone use. Quality dedicated amps can drive higher volume levels through your headphones without distorting the audio signal or introducing artifacts. Just be mindful of volume, listen at moderate levels, and take breaks.

If you’re experiencing frequent ear pain, muffled hearing, ringing ears or other hearing issues, visit an audiologist. Hearing damage is often irreversible, so it’s critical to get your hearing tested and receive professional advice to prevent permanent loss. Don’t take chances with excessive volume – protect your hearing ability for the long-term.