Why Are My Beats So Quiet? [Reasons and Solutions]

Man disappointed in his beats headphones' volume. (From: Unsplash)
Man disappointed in his beats headphones’ volume. (From: Unsplash)

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Dive into common causes and solutions for low-volume issues on your Beats headphones

Over the years, Beats headphones have gained a well-deserved reputation for their exceptional audio quality.

However, it can be frustrating when these once thunderous headphones produce barely audible sound, even when cranked up to 100%.

Your Beats headphones may be quiet due to battery issues, dirt, or software problems, and this article will offer solutions for each of these reasons.

Low Battery

A low battery percentage, say less than 20%, minimizes the force available to power the headphone’s audio drivers. This can lead to a reduced sound quality in your Beats as well as low volume.

To see if this is the problem, you must first check your Beats’ battery. Here’s how to do so for iOS users:

For this to work, your Beats headphones should be turned on and successfully paired to your iPhone.
  1. To access the Control Center, simply swipe down from the upper right corner of your iPhone’s screen.

    Open the Control Center
    Open the Control Center
  2. Look for the headphones icon in the “Now Playing” widget.

    The headphones icon in the now playing widget.
    The headphones icon in the now playing widget.
  3. Tap on the headphones icon to view your Beats headphones’ battery percentage.

    Beats headphones battery percentage
    Beats headphones battery percentage
For Android users, you can conveniently check your Beats headphone’s battery status through the Beats app.

Dirt in the Ear Cups or Ear Tips

Over time, earwax and debris can accumulate and obstruct your headphones speakers or ear tips. This hinders sound transmission and results in reduced volume and clarity.

How to clean Beats headphones

  1. Begin by gently removing the ear pads to avoid breakage. Use a butter knife or a similar thin, flat tool, taking care not to damage the headphones.
    Watch this YouTube video to learn how to carefully separate your Beats ear pads

    Remove ear pads carefully with a knife to avoid breakage. (From YouTube/Wicked Cushions)
    Remove ear pads carefully with a knife to avoid breakage. (From: YouTube/Wicked Cushions)
  2. To clean the ear pads, use Clorox wipes or any other suitable disinfectant wipes.
  3. For exposed speakers, it is best to use a dry, lint-free cloth to prevent moisture from entering the sensitive components.

    Use Clorox wipes or any other suitable disinfectant wipe to clean them thoroughly. (From: YouTube/Wicked Cushions)
    Use Clorox wipes or any other suitable disinfectant wipe to clean them thoroughly. (From: YouTube/Wicked Cushions)
  4. Wipe again with dry paper towels to absorb any moisture left.
  5. Leave them on an open surface to dry for around 30 minutes before using.

How to clean Beats earbuds

  1. Unplug the charging cable of your earbuds to avoid any form of electrical accident.
  2. Detach the eartips from the earbuds to prevent damage during the cleaning process.

    Detach the eartips from the earbuds. (From: Youtube/Tech Tips)
    Detach the eartips from the earbuds. (From: Youtube/Tech Tips)
  3. Prepare a solution of warm water mixed with mild cleaning soap.
  4. Damp a cloth in the water and gently clean the eartips.

    Clean the eartips with a damp cloth. (From: Youtube/Fultro Technology)
    Clean the eartips with a damp cloth. (From: Youtube/Fultro Technology)
  5. To clean the earbuds shell, use a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol or warm water.

    Use a cotton swab soaked in alchohol to clean the earbuds shell. (From: Youtube/Griffin Benchmark)
    Use a cotton swab soaked in alchohol to clean the earbuds shell. (From: Youtube/Griffin Benchmark)
  6. Allow the eartips to air dry completely before reattaching them to your earphones.

Bluetooth Interference

Bluetooth interference occurs when other electronic devices or wireless signals in the vicinity disrupt the smooth transmission of audio between your device and your Beats headphones.

This interference can lead to decreased sound quality, as the Bluetooth connection struggles to maintain a stable and clear signal.

Here are effective ways you can avoid this:

  • Ensure Devices are in Range: Ensure your paired device (e.g., smartphone, or tablet) is within the recommended Bluetooth range for your Beats headphones. Moving closer to your device can help establish a stronger and more stable connection.
  • Update Firmware Version: Regularly check for firmware updates for your Beats headphones and install them as they become available. These updates often include performance enhancements that can help reduce interference.
  • Remove Nearby Wi-Fi Routers and Radio Devices: Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, and other radio devices can emit signals on similar frequency bands as Bluetooth. To reduce interference, ensure that your Beats headphones are not in close proximity to these devices.
  • Check for Multiple Device Connections: If your headphones are connected to multiple devices, it may result in audio issues. Disconnect them from any devices they are not actively in use with.

Software Bugs

Sometimes, software bugs or glitches can lead to low volume on your Beats. Performing a reset often resolves these problems by restoring the headphones to their default settings.

Unfortunately, Beats headphones come in different models and each has its own reset procedure. But you can generally follow these steps:

  1. Press the power and volume-down buttons at the same time. This should last for about 10 seconds.

    Press the power and volume-down buttons at the same time. (From: YouTube/Beats by Dre)
    Press the power and volume-down buttons at the same time. (From: YouTube/Beats by Dre)
  2. As you hold these buttons, keep an eye on the LED lights, often referred to as the “Fuel Gauge” by Apple, which indicate power levels. Once you see a blinking light, your headphones have been reset.

    Wait for the blinking LED lights that shows your headphones have been reset. (From: YouTube/Beats by Dre)
    Wait for the blinking LED lights that shows your headphones have been reset. (From: YouTube/Beats by Dre)

Setting Issues

Volume problems and muffled sounds on your Beats headphones can also be attributed to settings on your connected device or within the headphone’s own configuration.

These settings may limit the volume or activate features that affect the audio output, resulting in lower volume levels than expected.

You can address volume issues with your Beats by making the following adjustments to your settings.

  • Disable Headphone Safety for iOS: While the headphone safety feature is a valuable protective measure, it can lead to unexpected volume adjustments on your Beats. To disable this feature, go to Settings > Sound & Haptics > Headphone Safety > Toggle the button to turn off the “Reduce Loud Sounds” feature.
  • Disable Volume Limits on Android: Not all Android devices have a volume limiter. For those that do, it can automatically restrict the maximum volume output on your Beats headphones. To disable the volume limit on Android, open Settings > Sounds and Vibrations > Volume > use the slider to turn off “Media Volume Limit
  • Calibrate Volume Control: To fine-tune and boost the volume of your Beats, you can calibrate the volume control settings through the Beats app. Simply open the Beats app, navigate to Settings (or preference menu), and change the “Press-and-Hold” function to “Volume Control”. After the changes, try turning the volume up again.

If All Else Fails, Contact Apple Support

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and still face volume issues with your Beats, then it’s time to seek assistance from Apple Support.

To access Apple repair services you can either schedule an appointment at an Apple-authorized service provider or contact Apple customer support directly.

The costs associated with the repair or replacement of your headphones will largely depend on your warranty status. If your headphones are still under warranty, Apple may cover the repair or replacement costs, provided the issue is within the warranty’s scope.

For out-of-warranty cases, you may incur charges for the repair service and any replacement parts required. Apple’s support representatives can provide you with guidance on the available options for your particular situation.

FAQs on Beats Headphones Too Quiet

How can I make my Beats louder?

You can make your Beats headphones louder by using third-party volume booster apps. For Android devices, consider using apps like Boom and VLC. For iOS devices, the Equalizer Fx App is a suitable choice. These apps can help you enhance your audio output beyond the standard limits of your device.

Why is one of my Beats earbuds so quiet?

One of your Beats earbuds may be quieter than the other because the earbuds’ speakers are unbalanced. This can be caused by your earbuds being plugged into the wrong audio jack. Additionally, some sound-enhancing features on your device may affect playback balance.

Is there a volume control on Beats?

Yes, Beats headphones typically have volume controls. For most models, you can adjust the volume directly on the headphones themselves. However, for earbuds, volume control may need to be configured through the app. Check the specific model and refer to the user manual or the Beats app for customization options.

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