iPhone X No Sound? Fixes That Work

If your iPhone X has no sound, the fix usually depends on whether the problem is software-related or hardware-related. Start by checking the silent switch, volume settings, and Bluetooth connections; if those are fine, a forced restart or settings reset often resolves the issue. If sound still doesn’t work, the problem may be a hardware fault that requires professional repair.

Quick Checks Before Anything Else

Before diving into more complex fixes, check the basics—they account for a surprising number of “no sound” cases.

Silent switch: Look at the small switch on the left side of the iPhone X. If you see an orange strip, the phone is on silent. Toggle it so the strip is hidden.
Volume buttons: Press the volume up button a few times. If the volume is all the way down, you won’t hear anything.
Do Not Disturb: Open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right) and check if the crescent moon icon is active. If it is, tap it to disable Do Not Disturb.
Bluetooth: If your iPhone is connected to a Bluetooth speaker, headphones, or car audio, sound will play there instead of through the phone’s speakers. Open Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon to disconnect, or go to Settings > Bluetooth and toggle it off.
Headphone mode: If your iPhone X thinks headphones are plugged in, it won’t play sound through the speakers. Check the headphone jack (lightning port) for debris or damage.

Software Fixes That Solve Most Sound Issues

If the basics don’t help, a software glitch is likely. Here are the most effective fixes, in order of increasing invasiveness.

1. Force Restart

A force restart clears temporary system issues without erasing any data. On iPhone X, press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears. Release the Side button and wait for the phone to boot up.

2. Check Sound Settings

Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Make sure the “Ringer and Alerts” slider is not all the way to the left. Also, check that “Change with Buttons” is enabled if you want the volume buttons to control the ringer.

3. Reset All Settings

If a force restart doesn’t work, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This resets Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, and other preferences, but does not delete your data. It can fix corrupted settings that affect audio.

4. Update iOS

Software bugs are often fixed in iOS updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. Make sure your iPhone is backed up before updating.

Common Hardware Causes and What to Do

If software fixes fail, the issue may be physical. The iPhone X is known for a few specific hardware problems related to audio.

Speaker grille blockage: Dust and lint can accumulate in the speaker grilles at the bottom of the phone, muffling or completely blocking sound. Use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean, dry toothbrush) to gently clean the grilles. Do not use liquids or compressed air, which can damage the internal components.
Water damage: The iPhone X is water-resistant, but not waterproof. If the phone has been exposed to liquid, the speakers can be affected. If you suspect water damage, turn off the phone and let it dry completely in a dry, warm place for at least 24 hours before testing again.
Loose or damaged internal components: If the phone has been dropped or physically stressed, internal cables connecting the speakers or the audio IC can become loose or damaged. This requires professional repair.

When to Try DFU Mode

If your iPhone X has no sound at all—no ringtone, no alerts, no media sound—and a standard force restart didn’t help, a DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore is a more thorough software fix. DFU mode allows your iPhone to be restored to its original firmware, which can eliminate deep software corruption.

Connect your iPhone X to a computer with the latest version of iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
On the iPhone X, press and release the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button for 10 seconds.
While still holding the Side button, press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
Release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down for another 10 seconds.
If the screen stays black, you are in DFU mode. If the Apple logo appears, you held too long and need to try again.
Your computer will prompt you to Restore or Update. Choose Restore.

This will erase your iPhone and install the latest iOS. After the restore, set up as new or restore from a backup. If the sound still doesn’t work after a DFU restore, the issue is almost certainly hardware.

Why Sound Might Work for Some Apps but Not Others

Sometimes the problem is app-specific. If you hear sound in some apps but not others, the issue is likely with the app’s settings, not your iPhone.

Check the app’s in-app volume or mute settings.
Check the app’s notification settings in Settings > Notifications.
For some apps, the mute switch on the iPhone may be respected, while others ignore it. This is a common source of confusion.
If a specific app has no sound, try closing it completely and reopening it. If that fails, delete and reinstall the app (make sure you have an account or data backup).

Costs and Repair Options

If you determine the issue is hardware, you have a few options. The cost of repair varies depending on the specific fault and where you take it. Apple offers out-of-warranty repairs, but the price is often high. Third-party repair shops may be cheaper, but be sure to choose a reputable one with good reviews. If your iPhone X is older, you might consider whether the repair cost is worth it compared to upgrading to a newer model.

Before paying for a repair, you can also try contacting Apple Support. They may offer diagnostic tools or, in some cases, a free repair if there is a known issue with your device.

Preventing Future Sound Problems

Once your sound is working again, take a few precautions to avoid future issues.

Keep your iPhone away from water and excessive moisture.
Use a case that covers the speaker grilles but has openings for sound.
Clean the speaker grilles regularly with a dry brush.
Avoid dropping your phone or subjecting it to physical stress.
Keep your iOS updated to ensure you have the latest bug fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my iPhone X silent even when the volume is up?

This usually happens when the silent switch is on, the volume is turned down for the ringer separately from media, or your iPhone is connected to a Bluetooth device. Check each of these in order. If none apply, a software glitch may be present, so try a force restart.

Can I fix the speaker on my iPhone X at home?

You can try cleaning the speaker grilles with a dry brush, but if the speaker is physically damaged or the internal components are loose, you’ll need professional repair. Opening the iPhone yourself is risky and can cause further damage.

Why does my iPhone X have no sound on calls but works for music?

This suggests the earpiece speaker is working, but the bottom speaker (used for media) is not. It could be a hardware issue with the bottom speaker, or the audio routing is confused. Try a force restart and check if the issue persists. If it does, it’s likely a hardware problem.

Will restoring my iPhone X erase my data?

A standard restore from a backup will not erase your data if you back up first. However, a DFU restore will erase your iPhone and install the latest iOS. Always back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer before performing any restore.

How do I know if my iPhone X has a hardware problem?

If you’ve tried all software fixes—force restart, reset all settings, DFU restore—and the sound still doesn’t work, it’s almost certainly a hardware issue. Also, if the sound only works with headphones or only works in certain positions, that points to a physical problem.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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