How do I fix a Samsung Galaxy phone that is stuck on silent and will not turn its volume up?
Answer
On Samsung Galaxy phones, the cause is usually the sound mode (Sound, Vibrate, or Mute) or one of the separate volume sliders, not a broken speaker. Check the Sound mode under Settings, then Sounds and vibration, set it to Sound, and raise each volume slider. Also check that Do not disturb is off.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Be cautious with apps, websites, or callers who offer a paid sound fix or ask for remote access to your phone. The changes described here are made only in the phone's own settings.
Follow these steps
Check the current sound mode
Swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the Settings icon, then tap Sounds and vibration. Look at the Sound mode section to see whether Sound, Vibrate, or Mute is selected. Samsung's sound settings guide describes this same menu.
You should see: You can see which of Sound, Vibrate, or Mute is selected, and you know whether the phone is set to a quiet mode.
Set the sound mode to Sound
In the Sound mode section, choose Sound. Samsung's guide says to change the mode in this menu rather than with the Volume buttons, so your custom sound levels are kept.
You should see: Sound is selected in the Sound mode section, and the phone is no longer set to Vibrate or Mute.
Raise the volume for each sound type
Go back to Sounds and vibration, tap Volume, and drag the sliders for call ringtones, notifications, media, and system sounds. Each sound type has its own slider, so a low media or ringtone setting can keep the phone quiet even when the sound mode is correct.
You should see: Each slider sits above the lowest level, and playing a short video or music clip plays at a level you can hear.
Check whether Do not disturb is on
Open Settings, tap Notifications, then tap Do not disturb. If it is turned on, switch it off with the switch at the top of the screen. Do not disturb can block sounds and notifications while it is on.
You should see: Do not disturb is off, and incoming notifications make their normal sound.
Test the Volume buttons
Press a Volume button and watch the pop-up on the screen. It shows the current volume level and the sound type it is adjusting. Play a short video or music clip to test the result.
You should see: The volume bar in the pop-up moves when you press the button, and the clip plays at an audible level.
Restart the phone if nothing changes
If the sound mode is Sound, the sliders are up, and Do not disturb is off, but the phone is still quiet, restart the phone and repeat the checks above. If the volume controls still do not respond, contact Samsung support through its official website, and do not follow instructions from unexpected messages.
You should see: Either the sound returns after the restart, or you know the settings are not the cause and you have an official Samsung support route to use.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The Sound mode currently selected (Sound, Vibrate, or Mute), the volume sliders for ringtones, notifications, media, and system sounds, and whether Do not disturb is on.
Before you change anything: Note which sounds are quiet: calls, notifications, or media such as videos and music. Keep the phone's sound and volume settings open in one place so you can compare them as you go. Do not install a third-party volume or sound app to fix a built-in setting.
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