Why my volume up button is not working?
Check the physical volume buttons
One of the most common reasons a volume button may stop working is a physical issue with the button itself. Carefully inspect the volume buttons on your phone for any dirt, debris, or damage that could be preventing them from functioning properly. Buildup of dust, pocket lint, or moisture inside the small gaps around the buttons can cause them to stick or stop clicking when pressed. Dropping your phone or other impacts can also bend or misalign the buttons so they no longer make proper contact when clicked.
First, use a toothpick, brush, or compressed air to gently clean around the physical buttons and remove any debris lodged inside. Check for any visible damage like dents, cracks, or scratches on the buttons or phone housing near the buttons. If the buttons appear damaged, you may need to replace that part of the phone chassis. Press the volume buttons repeatedly to test for smooth clicking action and proper tactile feedback. If the buttons still aren’t working properly after inspecting for debris and damage, there could be an underlying hardware failure that requires professional service.
Check the phone’s settings
One of the first things to check is your phone’s volume and sound settings. Make sure your phone is not in silent or vibrate mode by going into the Settings app. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and check if Silent Mode is on (indicated by the orange slider). Turn this off if so. You can also toggle the Change with Buttons option here to make sure your physical volume buttons are enabled to control volume. On Android, open Settings and go to Sound > Volume and make sure Media volume, Ring volume and Alarm volume are all turned up and not muted. Additionally, check Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibrate for calls on Android to ensure vibrate mode is off. Confirming these basic volume and sound settings on your device can often resolve volume button issues.
Sources:
https://www.makeuseof.com/iphone-volume-buttons-not-working/
https://support.google.com/android/answer/9082609?hl=en
Check for hardware damage
One potential cause of volume buttons not working properly is physical damage to the hardware. Dropping your phone or exposing it to moisture can sometimes cause issues. Here are some signs of hardware damage to look out for:
Check for any visible cracks, dents, or scratches on the phone case near the volume buttons. Damage on the exterior could indicate issues inside. Examine the volume buttons themselves to see if they appear loose, stuck, or otherwise impaired.
Look for evidence of water damage, like water spots or corrosion, near the buttons and headphone jack. Moisture can cause short circuits and other problems with the phone’s internals. If you suspect water damage, power off the phone immediately and do not attempt to charge it.
Pay attention to any distortion, muffling, or changes in sound quality when using headphones. This may indicate a hardware problem caused by drops or spills. Test both the external speakers and headphones to isolate the issue.
Hardware damage can occur gradually over time or suddenly from a single incident. If your phone has been dropped, exposed to moisture, or shows signs of external damage near the volume controls, hardware issues are likely the root cause. Professional phone repair may be required to fix physical damage affecting the volume buttons and audio functions.
Update phone software
Outdated software on your phone can sometimes cause issues with the volume buttons not working properly. Software updates include bug fixes, patches, and optimizations that can resolve problems like this.
Check if any software updates are available for your phone model. You can do this by going into your phone’s Settings app and looking for a “System updates” or “Software updates” menu. New updates will show up here. Tap to download and install them.
Major operating system updates in particular, like updating from Android 11 to Android 12, can fix glitches with volume buttons. Make sure to install any available OS updates. Keep your phone’s software fully up to date to rule out any bugs caused by outdated versions.
Here are some helpful software update guides:
Software updates fix volume button not working windows 11
Software updates fix volume button not working android
Check audio jack/Bluetooth
Sometimes volume button issues arise when external audio devices are connected via audio jack or Bluetooth. If you are using wired headphones, unplug them and test if the volume buttons work correctly without the headphones connected. There may be an issue with the headphones themselves causing the volume buttons to malfunction.
Similarly, if you are connected to Bluetooth speakers or headphones, try disconnecting the Bluetooth device and testing the volume buttons on your phone alone. Interference or compatibility issues with Bluetooth connections can lead to unexpected problems with volume control.
According to this thread, holding down any of the volume keys as you plug or unplug the audio jack can also help solve volume button issues arising from connected audio devices.
If the volume buttons start working properly without the connected devices, the issue likely lies with the headphones, speakers, Bluetooth connection etc. and not your phone’s hardware. Trying a different set of headphones or speakers and ensuring you have the latest updates/drivers for external devices can help resolve volume problems stemming from audio connections.
Test with different apps
One potential cause of volume buttons not working properly is an issue with certain apps rather than a system-wide problem. It’s worth testing if the volume buttons work correctly in some apps but not in others.
For example, as noted by some users like @EnchanteeRina on Twitter, the volume buttons may work in the phone’s default apps and settings but not function within third-party apps like streaming or social media apps. This points to an app compatibility issue rather than a hardware or software defect.
To troubleshoot, try opening different apps where volume control is important like music/video apps, games, voice recorder apps, and phone call apps. Test the volume buttons in each one. If the buttons work in some apps but not others, then the issue is likely isolated to those specific apps.
Updating any apps with volume problems and contacting the developer about the issue can help resolve app-specific volume problems. Changing accessibility permissions for certain apps may also fix volume control issues.
Factory reset phone
As a last resort, performing a factory reset on your phone can potentially fix software issues causing volume button problems. A factory reset will erase all data and settings on your device and restore it to its original manufacturer settings.
Before resetting, be sure to backup any data you want to keep. Then, access the reset option in your phone’s settings menu. For example, on an iPhone go to Settings > General > Reset and tap “Erase All Content and Settings.” The steps vary by device; check your manufacturer’s instructions.
After the reset completes, test if the volume buttons work properly again. If they still don’t function, the issue is likely a hardware problem that requires repair. But resetting the phone often resolves software glitches affecting volume control.
Replace Volume Button
If the volume buttons are physically damaged or broken, you may need to replace the volume button module. This often requires taking apart the phone to access the internal components and replace the volume button part. According to this Quora post, replacing volume buttons may require soldering and some technical expertise. The cost of repairs will vary depending on the phone model and whether you do it yourself or go through a repair shop. For iPhone repairs, Apple estimates volume button replacements cost $29-$49 at their stores.
Before attempting to replace volume buttons, back up your data. Then determine if you can source replacement parts online and watch repair tutorials for your specific phone model. Replacing the module requires delicately removing adhesives and cables. Go slowly and be careful not to damage other components. Testing the buttons before reassembly is also wise. With patience and the proper tools, replacing a broken volume button is often feasible at home.
Use AssistiveTouch
One solution if your iPhone’s physical volume buttons are broken or unresponsive is to use AssistiveTouch, which provides an on-screen interface to control device functions like volume. AssistiveTouch can be enabled in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch.
Once enabled, a small translucent icon appears on the screen. Tapping this icon brings up the AssistiveTouch menu, which includes options for controlling volume up, down, and mute. The on-screen controls essentially replace pressing the physical buttons to adjust volume up or down.
As noted in the Apple Support article, AssistiveTouch allows full control over volume even if the physical buttons are non-functional. This makes it a handy accessibility feature for those with broken or unresponsive volume buttons.
The on-screen interface means volume can be adjusted by simply tapping icons, rather than relying on potentially damaged hardware buttons.
Get phone serviced
If you’ve tried the steps above and your volume button is still not working properly, it’s time to take your phone to a professional repair shop. Hardware issues like faulty volume buttons often require specialized tools and expertise to fix.
Seek out a reputable repair shop that specializes in your phone’s brand. Stores like uBreakiFix by Asurion have technicians that are trained and certified by manufacturers like Apple and Samsung. They have the parts, tools, and knowledge to accurately diagnose and resolve volume button issues.
A professional repair is the best option when DIY troubleshooting has not worked. Trained technicians can quickly identify any internal hardware faults causing the volume button malfunction. They can then make the necessary repairs or replacements to restore full functionality.
While a professional smartphone repair may cost more than a DIY solution, it gives you the peace of mind that the issue has been properly fixed. Investing in a quality repair can save you from having to replace your phone entirely.