iPad: Troubleshooting sound issues

Troubleshooting speaker or microphone issues

Identify issues

Read these articles if you notice any of the following issues:

  • No sound, or low or distorted sound from one speaker or all speakers

  • No sound, or low or distorted sound in headphones

  • Sound from only one channel in headphones

  • You can't be heard on calls through phone or FaceTime

  • You can’t hear a person’s voice clearly, or you hear crackling or static on calls through phone or FaceTime

  • No sound, or low or distorted sound during calls through phone or FaceTime, in video recordings, or in apps that use the microphones

If your headphones don't work with your iPhone or iPad

Use Apple wired headphones

If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.

Try quick troubleshooting steps

  1. Press the volume buttons to check the volume level.

  2. Remove any screen protector, film, or case.

  3. Clean the iPad. Check the iPad speaker and microphone openings for debris. Gently clean these areas using a small, non-metallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Gently brush the cover mesh in the receiver opening to remove debris. Use extreme care to avoid damaging the microphone embedded within the receiver opening. Don't use large sweeping motions across the glass that could scratch it. Gently brush debris away from the cover openings of the speaker and microphone. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris.

    • Important: Unplug all cables and turn off the iPad first. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge the iPad in any cleaning agents. Don't use compressed air.

  4. Refer to steps and support resources in Troubleshooting Quick Checks.

Run manual and diagnostic tests

  1. Run the Mobile Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.

  2. Connect headphones with a known-good plug, then disconnect.

  3. Some iPad models do not have a headphone jack. For those models, check that the USB-C connector is not obstructed with lint or debris. Connect a known-good USB-C to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter, then disconnect.

  4. Audio output should change from built-in speakers to headphones then back to built-in speakers.

Replace the part

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, service the iPad. You can find service options at support.apple.com/repair.

Note: This section requires parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

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