During telephone conversations, many users Android face a problem: the interlocutor is hard to hear, and the volume control does not give the desired effect. The reasons may lie either in the hardware limitations of the smartphone or in incorrect system settings. Unlike media volume, which is adjusted separately, earpiece parameters are often hidden deep in the menu or require additional manipulation.

This article covers all possible methods - from standard sliders in quick settings to the engineering menu and third-party applications. We'll figure out why the volume can reset spontaneously, how to increase the sound in your headphones during a call, and what to do if the other person complains about your quiet voice. Special attention is paid to the specifics of different versions Android (from Android 10 to Android 14) and popular shells like MIUI, One UI and ColorOS.

1. Standard methods for adjusting volume

Let's start with basic methods that work on most devices without installing additional software. These settings are available directly from the system interface, but their location may differ depending on the manufacturer.

During an active call, a control panel with volume buttons appears on the screen. Click on them and a slider "Conversation volume"will appear. Important: This control only affects the current call and does not save settings for future calls. To fix the default volume level, you need to go to the system settings:

  • 📱 Pure Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia): Settings → Sound → Volume → Conversation
  • 🤖 Samsung One UI: Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume → Call
  • 🍎 Xiaomi MIUI: Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume → Ring
  • 🔄 Realme/OPPO ColorOS: Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume levels → Call

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 7), when you press the volume buttons during a call, a separate menu appears with a choice of volume type - Media, Call or Alarm. Make sure to select "Call"and not the overall sound level.

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If slider volume level is gray and inactive - check if Bluetooth headphones are connected to the phone. The system can automatically redirect sound to them, blocking the adjustment of the built-in speaker.

2. Problems with automatic volume reset

A common complaint from users: the conversation volume spontaneously decreases to a minimum after a system update or reboot of the device. This is due to the operation of the function "Adaptive Sound" (or "Intelligent Volume" u Samsung), which analyzes the surrounding noise and adjusts the levels.

To disable this feature:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Hearing aids and sound (path may vary on some devices).
  2. Find the option "Adaptive sound" or "Auto volume adjustment" and deactivate it.
  3. For Samsung: Settings → Sounds and vibration → Advanced → Smart volume.

If the problem persists, check the application settings "Phone" (usually this is the standard calling application). In some firmware (for example MIUI 14) there is a separate volume control for incoming calls:

  • 🔊 Open the application "Phone".
  • 🔧 Click on the three dots in upper right corner → Settings → Call volume.
  • ⚙️ Set the desired level (sometimes values above the system maximum are available here).
📊 What brand is your smartphone?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Google (Pixel)
Huawei
Other

3. Increasing the volume through the engineering menu

If the standard settings do not provide a sufficient volume level, you can use engineering menu (Engineering Mode). This is a hidden section of the system where low-level audio parameters are available. Be careful: incorrect changes can damage the speaker!

Instructions for most devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon:

  1. Open the application "Phone" and enter code: 
    ##4636##
  2. In the menu that appears, select "Phone information" (or «Testing» on some firmwares).
  3. Scroll down to the block «Audio» and press «Volume».
  4. Here you will see several volume categories. We are interested in:
    • 🔈 Sph —microphone volume (your voice for the interlocutor).
    • 🔊 Sph2 —speaker volume during a conversation.
    • 🎧 Media —multimedia volume (not to be confused!).
  • Increase the value for Sph2 (for example, from 140 to 150), but do not exceed 160 - this may distort the sound.

    • For devices on Mediatek (many smartphones Xiaomi Redmi, Realme Narzo) use the code: 

    ##36446337##

    In the menu that opens, go to Hardware Testing → Audio → Normal Mode and adjust the parameters Speaker (speaker) and Mic (microphone).

    What happens if you set the maximum values in the engineering menu?

    When the recommended values are exceeded (usually above 160 for Sph2), the speaker begins to wheeze and the sound is distorted. In rare cases, this can lead to physical damage to the speaker membrane, especially on budget devices with poor overload protection. If after the changes the sound has become worse, reset the settings to factory settings in the same menu.

    4. Setting the volume for Bluetooth headphones

    If you are using Bluetooth headset or headphones, the volume adjustment may behave differently. Many users note that the sound in headphones during a call is quieter than when listening to music. This is due to the limitations of the profile HFP (Hands-Free Profile), which is used for telephone conversations.

    To increase the volume:

    • 🎧 On some headphones (for example, Sony WH-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro) have their own applications with volume control for calls. Install the proprietary software and check the settings.
    • 📱 In the settings Android go to Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to your headset → Media and call volume level.
    • 🔊 If the option is missing, try disabling the function "Absolute Volume" (Absolute Volume) via ADB: 
      adb shell settings put global bluetooth_hfp_client_available 0
      Requires developer mode enabled and connection to a PC.

    For devices Samsung with One UI 5.0+ function available "Headphone boost": Settings → Accessibility → Hearing aids and sound → Headphone boost.

    Turn it on and select the profile "Conversation".

    Connect the headset in advance (not during a call)

    Make sure the headphones are selected as an output device in the notification panel

    Check the battery charge headset (low battery may reduce volume)

    Turn off the noise reduction function if it interferes with hearing-->

    5. Third-party applications for sound amplification

    If system methods do not help, you can use specialized utilities. They allow you to bypass limitations Android and increase the volume beyond standard values. Below are proven applications with high ratings in Google Play:

    Application Functions Features Link
    Volume Booster Increasing speaker and microphone volume up to 200% of standard level Works without root, but requires permission to access notifications Google Play
    Precise Volume Fine-tuning the volume in 1% increments instead of the standard 15% Supports separate profiles for calls, music and alarm clock Google Play
    SoundAssistant (Samsung) Separate volume control for left/right dynamics, sound boost Optimized for One UI, but works on other firmware Galaxy Store
    ViPER4Android Advanced sound processing with equalizer and amplifier Requires root or Magisk for full operation XDA Developers

    Before installation, check user reviews with your smartphone model - some applications may conflict with proprietary firmware (for example, ViPER4Android does not always work correctly on Xiaomi s MIUI 13+).

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    Applications like Volume Booster increase the volume programmatically, but cannot overcome the physical limitations of the speaker. If the sound starts to wheeze, reduce the level to avoid damage to the equipment.

    For devices with root access more in-depth settings are available. For example, you can edit the file /system/etc/mixer_paths.xml, which contains the maximum volume values for each audio device. However, this requires knowledge and system backup.

    6. data-i="172">If none of the software methods helped, the reason may lie in

    If none of the software methods helped, the reason may lie in hardware faults. Here's how to identify them:

    • 🔊 Quiet speaker: Check if the speaker mesh is dirty (clean carefully with a soft brush. If the sound is distorted or interrupted, it is possible). membrane failure.
    • 🎤 Quiet microphone: Record a voice memo and compare the volume with other devices. If the difference is significant, the microphone may be damaged.
    • 🔌 Problems with the 3.5 mm connector (if available): Connect headphones and shake plug. The appearance of noise or interruptions indicates a malfunction of the connector.
    • 📶 Poor quality. communications: If the interlocutor is hard to hear only in certain places, the problem may be in the operator’s network, and not in the phone.

    To check the microphone and speaker, use the service codes:

    • 📞 Speaker test: ##0673## or ##0289## (on Samsung).
    • 🎤 Microphone test: ##0673## → Audio → Mic Test.
    • 🔧 Full equipment test: #0# (works on most devices).

    If the tests show a malfunction, contact the service center. Independent repair of a speaker or microphone without experience can result in complete failure of the device.

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    Before visiting the service, make a backup copy of your data. Some diagnostic procedures (for example, testing equipment at a service center) may reset your phone.

    7. Specifics of different versions of Android and firmware

    Manufacturers often modify standard settings Android, adding or removing options. key features for popular shells:

    Firmware Volume control features Additional functions
    One UI (Samsung) Separate control for calls in quick settings Function "Intelligent volume" can be reset. levels. Amplification of sound in headphones in special features. Support Dolby Atmos for calls (on flagships).
    MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco) Call volume is adjusted in the settings applications "Phone". Frequent complaints about spontaneous decrease in volume after updates. Function "Smart assistant" can block volume changes in some scenarios.
    ColorOS (OPPO/Realme) In the sound settings there is an option "Separate volume" for the left/right speaker (useful for hardware defects). Support "Super volume" in headphones (enabled in the Bluetooth settings).
    EMUI (Huawei/Honor) The conversation volume is tied to the profile "On the street"/"Home". Switching the profile resets the settings. Function "Speakerphone 2.0" improves audibility in noisy places.

    On Android 12+ Google introduced restrictions on changing system volume levels through third-party applications (as part of the policy Scoped StorageThis means that many utilities for amplifying sound have stopped working without root. An alternative is to use ADB-commands for manual settings:

    adb shell media volume --stream 0 --set 15

    Where 0 — stream “Call”, and 15 — volume level (maximum depends on the device).

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    On devices with Android 13 and newer some engineering codes (for example, ##4636##) may be blocked. In this case, use applications like MTK Engineering Mode (for Mediatek) or Qualcomm Service Menu (for Snapdragon).

    8. Alternative solutions: speakerphone and external devices

    If adjusting the volume does not give the desired result, consider alternative ways to conduct conversations:

    • 📞 Speakerphone: Enabled by a button on the call screen. On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy Z Foldthere is a separate mode "Hands-free amplifier" in the accessibility settings.
    • 🎧 Wired headset: Even budget headphones with a microphone often provide better audibility than the built-in speaker.
    • 🔗 Bluetooth repeater: Devices like Plantronics Voyager or Jabra Speak connect to the phone and relay sound with amplification.
    • 💻 Calls via PC: Applications "Your phone" (from Microsoft) or Google Messages for Web allow you to conduct conversations through a computer using its speakers and microphone.

    For users who often talk in noisy places, specialized solutions are suitable:

    • 🏗️ On-ear microphones (for example, Sennheiser Presence) with noise reduction.
    • 🔇 Speaker accessories: Cases with directional sound channels (for example, Spigen Style Ring) can improve audibility by 20-30%.

    If you often make calls in the car, check the settings Car Bluetooth systems. In some models (for example, Toyota or Volkswagen s CarPlay) the volume of calls is adjusted separately from media, and it can be increased through the car's multimedia menu.

    📊 Where do you most often talk on the phone?
    At home
    On the street
    At car
    At work
    In transport

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about call volume

    🔊 Why is the call volume reset after a system update?

    This is due to the policy of resetting user settings when major updates Android. The firmware returns the volume values to the factory settings to avoid conflicts with new audio drivers. To return the previous settings, go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset settings sound and manually set the desired levels.

    🎧 How to make the volume in the headphones and speaker match?

    By default Android uses different volume profiles for the speaker and headphones To synchronize them:

    1. Install the application Precise Volume.
    2. In the application settings, enable the option "Synchronize levels".
    3. Adjust the volume for the stream "Call" —the changes will apply to all audio devices.

    On Samsung this function is performed by SoundAssistant (available in Galaxy Store).

    📵 Why can’t the interlocutor hear me, although I can hear him well?

    The problem is most likely in the microphone. Check:

    • Is the microphone covered with a finger or a case (on many smartphones it is located at the bottom of the case).
    • Is there dirt in the microphone hole (clean with a toothpick and cotton wool soaked in alcohol).
    • Does the microphone work in other applications (record a voice message in WhatsApp or Telegram).

    If the microphone does not work anywhere, this is a hardware fault. On devices with two microphones (for example, iPhone-like stereo microphones), only one of them may fail, which deteriorates the quality of voice transmission.

    🔄 Is it possible to return the old volume settings after updating MIUI?

    On Xiaomi after the update MIUI the logic of the audio system often changes to return the old ones. settings:

    1. Reset the sound settings: Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Reset sound settings.
    2. If this does not help, roll back to the previous version MIUI via Fastboot (instructions are on the forum XDA Developers).
    3. For devices with an unlocked bootloader, you can flash a custom kernel (for example, Perseus for Poco F3), where volume restrictions are removed.

    Please note that rolling back the firmware may lead to blocking the device if you do not follow the official instructions. Xiaomi.

    🛠️ How to check if the speaker is damaged?

    Perform the following tests:

    1. Call another phone and turn on speakerphone. If the sound is distorted or quiet only in the handset, the problem is in the top speaker.
    2. Turn on the music at maximum volume. If wheezing occurs only during calls, the system settings are to blame, not the hardware.
    3. Use the test code: 
      ##0673##

      or

      #0#

      and select Speaker. If the sound is interrupted or absent, the speaker is faulty.

    On Samsung to diagnose the speaker, use Samsung Members → Diagnostics → Speaker test.