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5 Ways to Fix Volume Buttons Not Working on Android

Quick Tips
  • Update your smartphone to the latest software version to rule out any software bugs that may be rendering the volume buttons useless.
  • If none of the tips mentioned below work, you might have to visit your phone manufacturer’s service center to get it diagnosed for a hardware issue.

Fix 1: Remove a Case if You’re Using One

Oftentimes, the buttons on your phone may not work properly if you’re using a thick or rugged case. This may lead you to believe that the volume buttons are not working on your phone. It’s one of the most popular causes for non-functional volume buttons on iPhone and Android devices.

The simplest way to address this issue is to remove the case you’re using and then try using the volume buttons. If it works fine, it’s time to get a new case for your phone.

Fix 2: Clean the Volume Rockers

If the case isn’t causing a problem, it could be some dust or debris accumulated in and around the volume rockers on your device. Take off any case you’re using and clean the volume buttons using a soft microfiber cloth.

You can also use rubbing alcohol if the dust isn’t coming off easily. Once the debris is off, see if the volume-up button is working. If it is, congrats! You’ve solved the issue. If not, continue to the subsequent methods.

Fix 3: Change the Volume Rocker Action via Settings

Maybe you’re trying to change the media volume, but your volume rockers are mapped to adjust the ringer volume. This would make you think that the volume buttons are not working on your phone. So, the best thing to do is go to the Settings app and remap the volume buttons. Here’s how it’s done.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your phone. Navigate to the Sounds and vibration section and select the Volume tab.

Step 2: Enable or disable the Use Volume keys for media toggle depending on your preference.

Fix 4: Turn Off Do Not Disturb

Do Not Disturb silences your phone’s ringer volume. So, if you’ve enabled DND, the volume buttons may not do anything. That may lead you to believe the volume rockers are not working on your phone.

The solution? Disable Do Not Disturb. Here’s how to do it.

Open the Settings app on your phone. Navigate to the Notifications section. Select Do not disturb and disable the toggle.

Fix 5: Disable TalkBack

TalkBack is an app for visually impaired people. The Google Talkback app comes pre-installed on Android devices. The app gives spoken feedback to users about the content and actions on the smartphone. It helps visually impaired people interact with their devices.

However, this app is sometimes responsible for breaking the volume button. To fix this, turn off the feature. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your phone. Navigate to the Accessibility tab.

Step 2: Select TalkBack. Turn off the toggle for TalkBack at the top.

Tip: You might have to double-tap on the toggle to turn it off since TalkBack relies on multiple taps to make a selection.

FAQs for Volume Buttons Not Working on Android

1. Can I control the volume of my phone using headphones?

If your headphones have a volume slider, you can surely use them to control the volume levels on your phone if the volume buttons stop working.

2. Will my phone’s volume buttons not work if the alert slider is turned on?

OnePlus phones have an alert slider to mute the phone. If it’s set to the mute position, you can’t vary the ringer volume using the volume buttons. This may make you believe that your volume rockers aren’t working.

3. How to take screenshots on my phone if the volume buttons are not working?

Most phones nowadays have a screenshot toggle in the quick settings menu or have gestures to capture the screen. You can look for a specific guide to take screenshots based on your phone’s model.

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Last updated on 30 August, 2024

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