iPad Sound Not Working: Why and How to Fix It

One of the most popular complaints by iPad users is the recurrent sound problem. In some cases, it happens because the iPad is already old and needs replacement. This is not always the case for all iPad sound not working problems.

In addition, iPad speaker problems are usually software related and might occur due to some incorrect sound configuration, and faulty audio controls. This article discusses possible reasons for iPad sound not working problem, and how to fix it.

How to Fix iPad Sound Not Working

Now that you know the possible reasons for the iPad sound not working problem, let's proceed to specific fixes you can do to solve this problem on your own.

1. Disable iPad Silent Mode

Sometimes, other media applications sound well, but you hear no sound when you have incoming FaceTime or iPhone calls. This means your Silent Mode is active on the iPad. To disable it, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Swipe down the top-right corner of your screen and open Control Center.

Step 2. Then tap the Bell icon if it is activated.

2. Disconnect Other Accessories like Bluetooth Device From iPad

Using wireless/Bluetooth earphones with the iPadOS routes the audio out from the in-built speakers to the Bluetooth device. For your AirPods, you need to put them inside the charging case to disconnect them from your iPad. To disconnect your wireless device when your charging case is not close by, just open the Control Panel and tap Bluetooth.

If you want to stop the automatic connection between your Beats Headset or AirPods to your iPad, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Go to Settings, then tap Bluetooth.

Step 2. Select the Info icon.

Step 3. Then, set the "Connect to This iPad" option to "When Last Connected to This iPad".

3. Review iPad Sound Settings

The iPadOS is enabled for sound customization to suit the user, and incoming calls and alerts can be customized. In using the functionality, you must be careful not to cause more harm than good. To review your iPad Sounds settings, follow these steps.

Step 1. Open Settings and tap Sounds, then check if Ringer and Alerts slider are at an audible level.

Step 2. Review to see that Text Tone and AirDrop categories have notification tones selected instead of "None".

Step 3. Toggle on the Keyboard Clicks and Lock Sound switches to add sound while typing or locking the screen.

Step 4. Go to Settings, then Notifications. Tap the application not generating sound and toggle on its Sound switch.

4. Toggle On/Off the Mono Audio

Mono Audio is responsible for combining both the right and left audio channels so that the sound can be fuller on your iPad. Turning this off and on reboots the entire sound system and resolves software-related sound issues. Here's how to turn on/off the mono audio.

Step 1. Open Settings and tap Accessibility, then Audio and Visual.

Step 2. You will see the Mono Audio switch which you can toggle on and off.

5. Restart iPad to Fix the Sound

Sometimes you don't need a complicated solution to solve the iPad sound not working problem. By simply restarting the iPad, you may be able to fix the sound issues because this action resolves many system-related iOS and iPadOS issues. Here's how to restart your iPad.

Step 1. Open Settings, then go to General.

Step 2. Select Shutdown and drag the Power icon to the right to turn off the device.

Step 3. When the screen goes black, press and hold the Top/Side button to turn it back on.

6. Update App having Audio Issues

Sometimes, when an application produces no sound, updating it solves the problem. Follow the steps below to update any app from the Apple App Store.

Step 1. Open the App Store and click Search. Then type the application you want to update.

Step 2. Tap the Update button to install the latest version of the app.

7. Exit the Headphone Mode

Apple's EarPods and other third-party headphones can make your iPad get stuck in headphone mode even after unplugging them. This automatically disables your built-in speakers. To confirm if your iPad is stuck in headphone mode, check for the headphone icon on the Volume indicator as you press the Volume Up/Down button as seen in the screenshot below.

After confirming that iPad is stuck in headphone mode, the next thing to do is exit the headphone mode by following the steps below:

Step 1. Briefly plug in your headset to the iPad again before removing it.

Step 2. Clean the charging port/headphone jack o the iPad by applying several blasts of compressed air at short intervals.

Step 3. Then force-restart or simply restart the iPad.

8. Force-restart your iPad

Force-restarting your iPad means you are cutting power from its internal components. Taking off from the last step of exiting the headphone mode, here's how to force restart your iPad.

Step 1. Press and hold the Power and Home buttons until the iPad reboots.

Step 2. If that does not work, quickly press and release the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Side Button one after the other until you see the Apple logo.

iPad Sound Not Working: Possible Reasons

There are many reasons responsible for iPad sound not working problem. The most common among them are:

• Damaged iPad hardware.
• Outdated operating system.
• Network settings need to be reset.
• Silent mode activated.
• iPad speakers need cleaning.
• iPad is connected to Bluetooth accessory.
• The media application not working.

FAQs on iPad Sound Not Working

Find short answers to some frequently asked questions about the iPad sound not working problem below.

1. Why has my iPad sound suddenly stopped working?

This is possible due to an outdated operating system (OS). To avoid this, check for new updates and install them. Connect iPad to the internet and plug it into a power source, then tap General under Settings before clicking Software Update.

2. How do I unmute my iPad sound?

To do this,

• Go to Settings, then tap Sounds.
• Drag the slider for the volume level of the Ringer and Alerts option.
• Tap the ringtone to select the sound for the Ringer and Alert tones.

3. How do I restore sound on my iPad?

Go to Settings, then tap Sounds or Sounds and Haptics (depending on your device). Drag the slider for Ringer and Alerts options a few times. If the sound is muted or the slider dimmed, then you may need to service your speakers.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, you don't have to panic about the iPad sound not working problem because you are not alone. The quick fixes provided in this article are sufficient to help resolve the issue.