This guide will show you how to make the volume louder on your iPhone for music, calls, and notifications using several easy methods.

Before you start: Ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version and that you have access to the Settings app.

How to permanently increase the volume on your iPhone

Follow these steps to adjust your device’s volume settings and boost audio output.

Method 1: Using the volume buttons for music and apps

  • Locate the volume buttons on the left side of your iPhone beneath the mute switch.
  • Open an audio app, such as Music or Spotify, or start a phone call.
  • Press the top volume button to raise the volume. You can hold the button down or press it repeatedly.
  • Watch the slider at the upper-left corner of the screen to confirm the volume is increasing.

Method 2: Improving music volume and quality

  • Play some music to hear changes in real-time.
  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • TapMusic in the settings list.
  • TapEQ under the Audio section.
  • Select the Late Night setting to make music sound louder.
  • Go back to the Music settings and toggle off Sound Check to prevent volume normalization.

Method 3: Using volume buttons for notifications and ringtones

  • Go to the Home screen by swiping up or pressing the Home button.
  • Ensure no audio apps are playing in the background.
  • Press the top volume button on the left side of the iPhone.
  • Look for the Ringer slider at the top-center of the screen and adjust as needed.
  • Check that the Mute switch is not engaged and that Do Not Disturb is disabled.

Method 4: Increasing ringer and notification volume in Settings

  • Open the Settings app.
  • TapSounds & Haptics.
  • Drag the Ringtone and Alerts slider to the right to increase the volume.
  • Review the Sounds and Vibration Patterns section below the slider to see which sounds are affected.

Method 5: Disabling headphone safety limits

  • Open the Settings app.
  • TapSounds & Haptics.
  • TapHeadphone Safety under the Headphone Audio header.
  • Toggle off the switch for Reduce Loud Audio.
  • Warning: Disabling this may increase the risk of hearing damage at high volumes.

Method 6: Using the Control Center

  • Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen (or up from the bottom on models with a Home button) to open the Control Center.
  • Locate the volume slider with the speaker icon at the bottom.
  • Drag the volume slider upwards to increase the volume.
Pro tip: If you use a specific audio app like Spotify, check its internal settings for a separate equalizer to further boost volume beyond system settings.

After adjusting these settings, test the volume by playing music or receiving a notification to ensure the changes meet your needs. You can revisit the Sounds & Haptics menu at any time to fine-tune the levels further.

If you notice volume buttons are not responding, try restarting your iPhone as a basic troubleshooting step. For persistent hardware issues, consider visiting an Apple Store or authorized service provider for professional assistance.