iPhone Stuck On Silent? How To Check The Action Button Or Ring Switch

Guide 6b · Sound & Mic

Phone not ringing? Before you blame the speaker, check Silent mode. A bumped switch or a changed button setting is a common cause.

Works on: All iPhones. Phones with an Action button: iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 family (including 16e), iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17e, Air, 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. Older phones have a Ring/Silent switch.

Phones With A Ring/Silent Switch

1. Find the small switch above the volume buttons.
2. If you see orange, the phone is on silent. Flip it toward the screen.
3. A "Silent Mode Off" message should appear at the top.

Switch feels loose or does nothing? It may be broken. Use the Settings step below for now.

Phones With An Action Button

1. Press and hold the Action button for a second.
2. Look at the top of the screen. It should say Silent Mode Off.

Nothing happens? The button may be set to something else, like the flashlight. Go to Settings > Action Button and swipe to Silent Mode.

Any iPhone: Turn Off Silent In Settings

1. Open Settings and tap Sounds & Haptics.
2. Turn off Silent Mode if you see it.

Also check Focus. Open Control Center and make sure Do Not Disturb isn't on.

Still no ring, and no sound from videos either? That could be the speaker. See our diagnostics page.

Source: Silence iPhone, Use the Action button, side button, and other controls, Use and customize the Action button (Apple Support, checked Oct 18, 2026).

Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.