To make someone louder through your iPhone’s receiver, raise the volume while you are on the call: press the side volume-up button as the other person speaks. The buttons adjust the audio currently in use, so changing them before the call may change your ringer or alerts instead.
Raise the volume during the call
- Answer or place the call.
- While the other person is speaking, press the iPhone’s side volume-up button. Press it again as needed.
- Listen for the change, keeping the call active while you adjust.
Apple’s iPhone call guide gives the same direct instruction: use the volume buttons on the side of iPhone to change call volume.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $587.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $405.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | Unlocked | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $387.73 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why the buttons may change a different volume
The side buttons control the audio that is active. During a call, they adjust call volume; when no audio is playing, they control ringer and alert volume. Apple’s volume guidance also explains that the Change with Buttons setting determines whether the buttons adjust alerts.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf you want to change ringer or alert volume rather than call volume, open Settings > Sounds & Haptics. If Change with Buttons is enabled, the side buttons can adjust alerts when no audio is playing; turning it off keeps alert volume from changing with those buttons.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Check where the call audio is going
If the receiver is still hard to hear, the call may be using another audio destination. During the call, tap Audio and choose iPhone, Speaker, or an available Bluetooth device. The choices depend on what is connected and available. To return to the receiver, select iPhone if it appears in the list. Apple documents these call audio controls in its guide to being on a call.
Call Audio Routing is a separate accessibility option that can route calls to the speaker, a Bluetooth headset, or a hearing device. Find it under Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Call Audio Routing. This changes the default destination, not the receiver’s volume level.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Settings that may help with particular setups
Supported Apple or Beats headphones
When listening through supported Apple or Beats headphones, Headphone Accommodations can amplify soft sounds and can be applied to phone calls. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Headphone Accommodations, turn on the feature, then enable Phone. These accommodations apply to supported headphones; they do not raise the built-in receiver’s volume. See Apple’s Headphone Accommodations instructions.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iPhone 12 or earlier in a noisy place
Phone Noise Cancellation is an Audio & Visual accessibility setting for receiver listening in noisy environments. Apple says it is available and on by default on iPhone 12 and earlier. Check Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Phone Noise Cancellation. It is not a guaranteed fix for low call volume. Apple’s accessibility guidance describes the setting and its availability.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
If the receiver is still too quiet
Try the in-call volume adjustment first, then test another available audio destination. If an accommodation applies to the equipment you are using, check that setting as well. The documented controls do not establish whether a persistently quiet receiver is blocked, damaged, or experiencing another fault, so these steps cannot diagnose or promise to repair a hardware problem.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
