Apple stands out for its sophisticated hardware parts, but like other smartphones, it isn’t free from faults and problems.
The home and volume buttons are essential buttons on every iPhone because there are few things you can do with your device without them. Unfortunately, although it’s a rare phenomenon, there are times when the iPhone volume button may stop working due to hardware or software reasons.
The volume button plays a key role because it helps users adjust the volume of their device when listening to music, watching videos, and taking calls. For example, imagine trying to increase your favorite song’s volume but can’t because your volume button gets unresponsive. How would you feel?
It’s quite a frustrating experience when you can’t control the volume of your sound, but the good news is there are a few things you can do to tackle the volume button not working on your iPhone.
The scope of this writing would uncover all you need to know about what causes the volume button not to work on an iPhone and easy ways to fix the issue.
Like every other issue, the Volume button not working on an iPhone can be software or hardware related. If the problem is software related, then you can quickly fix it by yourself. But if it’s a hardware-related issue, you may need to visit a technician or contact Apple support for aid.
What Causes Volume Button Not Working on iPhone
Volume buttons not working on iPhone can occur based on several reasons. We’ve done a detailed search and compiled some of the most common causes for this problem in this writing.
Here’s a list of some of the general causes of the Volume Button Not Working on iPhone:
Software Errors
Our devices consist of various software that needs to be updated frequently. Therefore, if you desire to get the best out of your smartphone, you must always check out for the latest updates on your software packages and install them.
Using outdated software or one that isn’t compatible with your device can lead to phone malfunctioning, one of which is the volume button not responding on your device.
Physical Damage
Physical damage due to falling or accidentally placing a hard object on your iPhone can cause your volume button to stop working; This affects the internal component of the control and causes it to either become unresponsive or malfunction.
Dirt and Debris
Another thing that can cause your volume button to stop working is Dirt and Debris. Dirt lodged inside the volume button will prevent the control from moving, which would cause it to stop working entirely or malfunction.
Device Settings
iPhone settings are also another thing that can cause the iPhone volume button to become unresponsive. For example, turning off the “Change with Buttons” option on your iPhone’s settings would prevent your volume button from working.
Now that we know what causes an iPhone’s volume button to stop working, let’s check out how to fix the problem.
How to Fix Volume Button Not Working on iPhone
1. Take Off Your iPhone Case
Removing your iPhone case may sound simple, but this can help resolve volume buttons not working on an iPhone device.
Most phone cases usually cover the volume button, making it difficult for users to tap. So whenever you’re having issues with your iPhone volume button, try removing the phone case to see if it works.
If it works after removing the case, you’ll need a new phone case that won’t obstruct your iPhone volume button.
2. Check to See if iPhone’s Volume Buttons are Enabled
It may sound like a shocker to some, but the iPhone has a feature that allows users to enable/disable the volume button on their device. So if your volume button isn’t responding, you could’ve turned it off while navigating your app settings.
Authorizing actions by mistake is a common occurrence among smartphone users. Following the steps, you can check if you have deactivated your iPhone volume button.
• Go to Settings App and tap on Sound & Haptics.
- Tap on the ‘Change With Buttons’ option to toggle it on.
3. Clean the Volume Button
The volume button may be unresponsive because of dirt and debris that sometimes lodge under control; This usually occurs with users without phone cases.
You can press down the button to check if it is stuck, and if that’s the case, you can clean them using a combination of a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.
Avoid the urge to use water to clean hardware parts on your smartphone. Instead, Isopropyl alcohol is highly recommended for cleaning smartphones because it dries quickly and doesn’t contain much water.
Isopropyl alcohol is ideal because it removes dirt and debris by breaking up oils.
4. Restart iPhone
Restarting your device whenever there are minor glitches is a classic resolve method that never grows old. Just like humans, computers also get tired, and restarting your device is an excellent way to allow your smartphone to reboot and give it a fresh start.
Note: The method of restarting an iPhone varies with models. But we’ve outlined a guide to help you restart your iPhone regardless of your model.
Restarting iPhone X and higher models
- Press and hold the volume down and side button simultaneously until you see a slider option to turn off your iPhone
- Slide on it to turn off the device.
- Press and hold the power button until you see the Apple logo appear on your screen
Restarting iPhone 7 and 8
- Press and hold the side button till you see a slider to turn off iPhone
- Slide to turn off iPhone.
- Press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen
Restarting iPhone 5,5s, and 6
- Hold the power button at the top until you see a slider to power off
- Slide to power off
- Press and hold the power button to turn the device back on
5. Update Your iPhone
Although software updates are rarely the cause for volume buttons not working on the iPhone, there are exceptional cases where some apps may fail to adjust the volume because the device iOS is outdated.
Updating your iOS to a more recent version might help resolve the problem and get your phone functioning at its best state.
To update your iOS, follow the steps below
- Tap on Settings App and select General
- Tap on Software Update
- Tap on Download and install
Most software updates can help modify how your iPhone works, especially when the problem starts after an app update or jailbreak attempt.
6. Reset Your iPhone
If your iPhone volume button still doesn’t work after trying the above methods, you may need to reset your iPhone settings.
You must note that resetting your iPhone will restore all your device settings to default.
To reset your iPhone
- Open Settings App and tap on General
- Please scroll down to Transfer or Reset iPhone and tap on it.
- Tap on Reset and click Reset All Settings.
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7. Contact Apple Support
If the problem persists after trying all the above methods, you’ll need to contact Apple Support for aid. Apple support would help you detect the cause of the problem and a possible solution.