Is your iPhone XS sounding muffled or dull during calls compared to your older iPhone? You’re not imagining it. While the iPhone XS generally has improved sound hardware, some users notice changes in tone — especially during earpiece calls. Here’s what might be going on and what you can do to fix it.
Is It Normal for iPhone XS Call Sound to Be Different?
Yes, the iPhone XS earpiece can sound different from older models like the iPhone 6s. That doesn’t always mean something’s wrong — but it could be:
- A change in speaker tuning
- An actual hardware issue
- Or even just user perception after years of hearing calls on a different speaker setup
If you’re unsure, try comparing it with another iPhone XS at an Apple Store or with a friend. That’ll give you a better idea if your phone is actually defective.
1. Turn Up the Call Volume
It sounds simple, but make sure the call volume is high enough.
- During a call, press the Volume Up button
- Test the difference between earpiece and speakerphone to check clarity
Also, make sure you’re not covering the earpiece or mic with your hand or case.
2. Check for Dirt, Debris, or Blockage
Your iPhone’s speaker can get blocked by:
- Dust or lint
- A screen protector or phone case overlapping the earpiece
- Plastic film left on the front of the phone
To clean the speaker area:
- Use a soft, dry brush or microfiber cloth
- Gently clean around the earpiece grill — don’t use anything sharp or wet
3. Try Speaker Mode During Calls
Tap the Speaker button during a call.
- If sound is much clearer on speakerphone, it could mean the earpiece is underperforming
- If it’s still hard to hear, the issue might be network-related
Try calling from a different area with better signal and compare.
4. Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can fix minor audio bugs.
- Hold the Side + Volume button until the power slider appears
- Drag the slider to turn it off
- After 30 seconds, hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo
5. Check for iOS Updates
Sometimes poor call quality is due to software bugs.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- If an update is available, download and install it
iOS updates often include bug fixes for call quality, audio balance, or microphone calibration.
Still Having Trouble?
If none of these tips help and your iPhone XS still sounds off during calls:
- Visit an Apple Store to test your phone against a demo unit
- Contact Apple Support to check if your device qualifies for service or replacement