Why Are My Headphones So Quiet? (Solved)

We explain the possible causes of low volume in headphones and how to fix them.

Many headphones nowadays have advanced features for better sound quality and connectivity. These include support for better audio codecs and newer Bluetooth versions.

But these advancements still won’t make your Bluetooth headphones immune to problems like sudden low volume due to hardware or sound setting issues.

Luckily, there are many fixes you can try, from checking for Bluetooth interference to disabling sound enhancement features. Keep reading to learn about what causes low volume in headphones and what you can do to fix it.

Issues With the Plug, Jack, or Cable in Wired Headphones

If you’re experiencing volume issues with your headphones, do a quick hardware check first to rule out user error, factory defects, or malfunctioning parts.

Here are things to look out for:

• Ensure headphones are properly plugged
• Ensure the headphone jack or earbuds are clean
• Check for any damaged wires

Ensure headphones are properly plugged

A loose connection between the headphone plug and jack can produce weird static noises or audio that generally sounds too soft.

In this case, try unplugging and then replugging your headphones to ensure they’re correctly inserted. You should feel a distinct click when the plug is properly pushed into the audio port, and it should not be easily dislodged.

Ensure the headphone jack or earbuds are clean

Dirt, grime, or pocket lint can easily become lodged inside the headphone jack. This can cause interference with the audio signal, warping the sound or making it too quiet.

To avoid this, use a Q-tip dampened with alcohol to clean off any debris on your headphone jack and plug.

Your earbuds can also attract dirt and earwax buildup, especially when you use them frequently and for extended periods. To ensure that each earbud is clean, carefully brush the inside with an old toothbrush. Then take a Q-tip with some alcohol and clean the rest of the headphones or earbuds.

Check for any damaged wires

Long-term usage coupled with daily wear and tear can take a toll on your headphone wires. Mishandling them, such as tugging, winding them up, or storing them without a protective case, can also cause damage in the long run.

Depending on the severity and location of the damage, you can opt to repair them yourself or get a new pair of headphones.

Incorrect Volume and Audio Balance on Playback Device

Incorrect master volume settings or unbalanced audio could be possible reasons why you find yourself asking, “Why does my volume sound so low?” So, before attempting anything more advanced, it’s a good idea to check whether these are what’s causing the problem.

Here’s how to check your volume settings and audio balance on different devices:

• For iOS
• For Android
• For Mac
• For Windows

For iOS

To quickly check and adjust your iPhone’s volume level, use one of these methods:

• Press the volume up button on your iPhone’s left side until you can hear audio comfortably.

  

• Summon Siri and ask her to either “Increase the volume”

To change your headphones’ audio balance settings on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Settings > General > Accessibility.

   

2. In the Hearing Section, adjust the sliders to change the channel balance of your headphones.

   

For Android

If you notice that your headphone volume is suddenly low on Android, try these steps to adjust the volume of your device:

1. Press the volume up button on your Android’s right side until you can hear audio comfortably.
2. To adjust other audio options, go to Settings > Sound & vibration.

   

3. Adjust the volume of your calls, notifications, alarms, music, and media using the individual sliders.

   

For Mac

Check the master volume and audio balancing options on your Mac using the following steps:

1. Click the Apple Menu.

   

2. Click on System Preferences > Sound.

   

3. On the Output tab, select your headphones.
   If you can’t find your device, that means your headphones aren’t connected to your Mac.

   

4. Adjust your headphones’ Output Volume and Balance sliders accordingly.

   

For Windows

Follow these steps for adjusting the master volume and audio balance to increase the headphone volume on PC:

1. Press Windows Key + S and search for Sound Settings.

   

2. Under Output, click the arrow (>) next to your headphones.

   

3. Under Output Settings, adjust the individual sliders for Volume, Left channel, and Right channel until you can hear your audio properly.

   

Keep in mind that Windows PCs have separate volume settings for individual apps. So, if you’re experiencing low volume while using certain apps, check whether their volume levels are turned down. Here’s how:

1. Right-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of the taskbar.

   

2. Click Open Volume Mixer.

   

3. Adjust the headphone volume for Apps using their respective sliders.

   

Sound Enhancement Issues on Playback Device

Sometimes, low volume issues arise from built-in device features designed to “enhance” your audio or listening experience. Below, we’ll explain some of those features, what they do, and how to disable them if needed.

• Disable ‘Reduce Loud Sounds’ on iOS
• Disable Absolute Volume on Android
• Restart Core Audio Controller on Mac
• Enable Loudness Equalization on Windows

Disable ‘Reduce Loud Sounds’ on iOS

iOS devices have a safety feature called ‘Reduce Loud Sounds,’ designed to protect your hearing. Enabling the feature allows your device to analyze your headphone audio and automatically limit its volume to a decibel level of your choosing.

Conversely, if you unknowingly or unintentionally have this limit set too low, it could be the reason for your low volume issues. To disable the feature on your iOS device, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
   For models earlier than the iPhone 7, you’ll want to look for ‘Sounds.’

   

2. Choose Headphone Safety.

   

3. Toggle the Reduce Loud Sounds switch to Off.

   

Disable Absolute Volume on Android

Absolute Volume is a built-in feature implemented on Android 6.0 and up. This function is enabled by default and allows you to control the volume of your Android device and headphones simultaneously.

Unfortunately, if your headphones are incompatible with this feature, it can cause low audio. In such cases, it’s best to turn off Absolute Volume. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.

   

2. Go to About phone > Software information.

   

3. Tap Build number seven times. You should see a pop-up notification that counts down the taps until Developer Mode is turned on.

   

4. Go back to Settings and choose Developer options at the bottom of the list.

   

5. Scroll down until you see Disable Absolute Volume and toggle the switch next to it.

   

Restart Core Audio Controller on Mac

Core Audio is a program interface responsible for managing the different audio applications in your Mac system. So, if you’re experiencing volume issues while using your headphones on your Mac, resetting the Core Audio Controller may help resolve the problem. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Go to Applications > Utilities.

   

2. Double-click on Activity Monitor.

   

3. Type “coreaudiod” in the search bar at the window’s top right corner.

   

4. To restart the Core Audio Controller, click on coreaudiod and close it by clicking on the X icon, which you’ll find on the toolbar.

   

Enable Loudness Equalization on Windows

If your volume levels are maxed out on your PC, you can enable the Loudness Equalization feature to boost your audio further. Here’s how to do just that:

1. Go to Control Panel > Sound.

   

2. Select your headphones from the device list under Playback, then click Properties.

   

3. Under Enhancements, check the box next to Loudness Equalization.

   

4. Click Apply to enable it.

   

Bluetooth Interference

Bluetooth headphones are susceptible to interference from other wireless devices, which most homes have an abundance of. Wi-Fi signals, mobile devices, personal health trackers, and kitchen appliances can all cause signal crosstalk.

Aside from wireless signals, solid objects can also cause interference. Materials like metal, concrete, brick, and even water reflect or absorb Bluetooth signals, thus causing connectivity issues. Put together, these disturbances can affect the overall quality and loudness of your audio.

Impedance Mismatch

The impedance specification (ohm) of headphones tells you how much power they need to perform at a satisfactory volume level. Headphones typically fall under one of these four impedance categories:

• Low: 32 ohms or less
• Medium: Between 32 and 100 ohms
• High: Between 100 and 600 ohms
• Very High: 600 ohms and up

Generally, low-impedance headphones don’t require a lot of power, so you can use them with mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. On the other hand, very high-impedance headphones require additional equipment, like a headphone amp, to supply them with the power they need to function correctly.

If you use high or very high-impedance headphones on a mobile device, the power mismatch will make your volume sound quiet even when maxed out.

Audio File Issues

Although unlikely, the audio file itself may be why your headphones are so quiet. This happens when the audio is recorded or trans-coded to play at a low volume. As such, no matter how much you increase the volume on your device or headphones, the volume will remain relatively quiet.

On a brighter note, you can use third-party volume booster apps to make your headphones louder on your device. Here are a few options to consider:

• For Android: GOODEV Volume Booster
• For iOS: Volume Booster – Equalizer FX
• For Mac: Boom2:Volume Boost & Equalizer
• For Windows: FxSound

Headphone Defect

There’s also a possibility that your headphones may have a hardware defect that’s causing your audio to sound too quiet.

If you’ve owned the headphones for some time and used them extensively, you should consider that damaged cables or drivers may be at the root of your low-volume issue. In that case, you may want to replace them or try repairing them yourself.

On the other hand, if your headphones are still brand new, you may be dealing with a factory defect. That said, you should try to use the manufacturer’s warranty policy to get free repairs or a replacement.

Hearing Issues

Whenever you ask yourself, “Why does my volume sound so low?” the answer often points to misconfigured audio settings on your media device or a hardware defect in your headphones.

However, it’s also possible that the problem lies in your ears.

Humans are naturally asymmetrical, so it’s not surprising that one of your ears is shaped differently than the other. These inconsistencies in our ear shapes can affect the way our earbuds fit. This, in turn, produces differences in sound quality and volume for each ear.

Using your headphones at loud volumes for long periods can also damage your hearing over time. So if you’re sure that there’s nothing wrong with your devices, it’s possible that your hearing has gotten worse.

Conclusion

Now that your headphone volume is no longer barely audible, you can finally enjoy listening to music and watching your favorite shows comfortably. And if you ever face that same issue again, you’ll better understand what’s causing it and how to fix it.

How did you like our guide? Were you able to boost your headphone volume to your desired level? Drop us a line or two and let us know which methods worked for you or if you have other volume-boosting app recommendations. We’d love to hear from you!