If you are having some kind of failure when raising or lowering volume with the iPhone, you should know that there are several possible causes. The most reasonable thing is to think that the physical buttons are having a problem, but it can also occur due to a software failure. In this article we address all the problems in this regard with the aim of finding a solution.
Although it sounds silly: turn the iPhone off and on
On many occasions it happens that the stupidest and fastest solution ends up being the effective one. With a multitude of iOS software problems occurring, why should it not work in this case? What happens when you turn off an iPhone is that all the processes that are running in the background are closed, these being the main causes of some problems that make performance not adequate. It is likely that there is some type of problem that prevents executing a volume change on the iPhone through the buttons, so by restarting the terminal you will make sure to eliminate it if this is really the source of the failure.
Check for software updates
Although this type of failure is not usually common in a normal version of iOS, the truth is that it cannot be completely ruled out either. Our advice in this regard is to go to Settings> Software update and download and install the latest version of iOS that is available for your iPhone, if there is one. These updates not only usually include aesthetic and functional novelties, but also correct bugs like the one we are describing.
Are you in an iOS beta? Take it off
If you have an iOS beta profile installed on your iPhone, either because you are a developer or have wanted to test the news of a future version of the system, it is recommended that you remove it to make sure that this is not what is wrong. One of the risks that these types of versions have is showing bugs like this, especially if it is a version still in a premature phase of development. If for professional reasons you need to continue having the beta, you will have no choice but to wait for the release of the final version to see if the problem is solved or not. It should be noted that Apple is not responsible for repairs for devices with a software beta installed.
If it only happens in some apps
If the problem to raise or lower the volume is occurring only in some application, but in other parts of the system it is possible to change it without problem, it is highly likely that it is that app that has a problem. The first advice we give you in this case is to update the application from its corresponding section in the App Store. If there is no new update or it keeps crashing even after updating, we recommend that you uninstall it completely and reinstall it.
If after this it continues to give problems and it is only in one application, you will have no choice but to wait for a future update to correct it. To make sure the developers are aware of the problem, we recommend that you contact them and cut it out for them. From the application file in the App Store you will find a link to your contact.
It should be noted in any case that the fact that the volume animation does not appear does not mean that it is not modified. It is possible that for some other bug it is not present on the screen. Therefore you should check if the volume really varies when you press the buttons.
Is it possible to change the volume in settings?
Another action to ensure whether or not it is a software failure is to check the volume from the settings. You must go to Settings> Sounds and vibrations and move the bar “Ring and alerts” to make sure if the volume really changes or not. You can also do it from the corresponding bar in the control center. If you have a problem in this case too, keep reading the next section to put an end to those software bugs once and for all.
Restore the iOS operating system
In the end, the most effective way to end software problems, considering that it was software, is to completely format the iPhone. There are several methods for this, with their own peculiarities as we will explain below.
Should a backup be done before?
If you have the possibility to do it, do it. Either a copy in iCloud through Settings> your name> iCloud> Backup or connecting it to a computer. For a complete restoration and to ensure that there are no software failures, we recommend that you configure the iPhone as new after the restoration, without loading any copies. However, we believe it is important that it be done in case the formatting does not end with that failure and you want to leave the device as you had it. However, remember that there is certain data such as contacts, notes, photos or calendars that are synced with iCloud regardless of whether it is backed up or not.
Through the settings themselves
This formatting does not actually erase the data, but instead renders it unusable for overwriting. Although it is true that for practical purposes it will be like having deleted them all, it is not considered a complete restoration and is perhaps the least recommended method in this case. It is carried out from Settings> General> Reset by clicking on “Delete content and settings”.
Connecting iPhone to a computer
This is the complete method of formatting the iPhone, completely erasing its content and reinstalling the operating system from scratch. It can be done with a Mac through Finder if you have macOS Catalina or later installed or from iTunes on Mac with macOS Mojave and earlier, as well as Windows PCs. You will have to connect the iPhone to the computer via cable.
Remove the case or bumper from the iPhone
You may have attached a protective accessory to your iPhone that guarantees protection against bumps and drops. However, it may not fully match the buttons or have any other flaw that prevents the volume from being controlled. It will not matter if this is from a third party or an official Apple, since in the end the factory defects could appear in anyone. That is why we recommend you remove it and try to raise and lower the volume later. If it works correctly and you have any other cover or bumper, it is recommended that you also try it to rule out if it happens only with the previous cover or with any other.
Ask for a quote at Apple or a SAT
If after having tried the different solutions proposed in this post, none have been definitive to end your problem, you should go to technical support. Whether it is the one from an Apple Store or a SAT, you can request an appointment and ask to have the device checked. After that, you will be offered a solution that, in case of requiring a repair, you will be shown a budget beforehand that you may or may not accept. In some cases it may be free if it is determined to be a factory fault. Remember that you can request this appointment from the iOS Support app or from the Apple website .