Volume button not working is annoying because you cannot change call or media sound with a quick press. The keys may feel stuck, feel loose, click with no effect, or work only on one side, so volume up works and volume down does not.
You do not have to wait for a repair to control sound. Phones let you change volume on the screen, and many cases are fixed by taking off the case or restarting. This page gives the workaround first, then the fixes in order. If the lock key is also misbehaving, compare with phone power button not working.
Common causes
1Tight case pressing on the keys
How to tellKeys feel hard or stuck, and the problem began with a new case
What fixes itTake the case off and press the keys bare
2Dust, lint or sticky residue under the key
How to tellKey is stiff or does not spring back fully
What fixes itClean around the key gently with a dry soft brush
3Software hang or glitch
How to tellKeys do nothing in every app, but the phone otherwise works
What fixes itRestart; then update the system
4Volume is limited by a setting
How to tellPressing shows the slider but sound level does not change
What fixes itCheck the sound and headphone safety settings and the media volume slider
5Worn, bent or damaged switch
How to tellKey clicks loosely, works only sometimes or only in one direction
What fixes itTechnician replaces the switch or flex
6Liquid or drop damage
How to tellTrouble began after a fall, rain or a splash
What fixes itSwitch off and visit a technician
How to fix it, step by step
Use the on-screen volume while you fix the keys
Open Settings and then Sound to move the sliders for media, ringtone and alarms. On iPhone, Control Centre has a volume slider. Many Android phones show a small arrow near the volume pop-up that opens the full sliders. You can also use the buttons on wired or Bluetooth earphones if they have them.
Take the case off and test
Cases with covered buttons often press the keys constantly or block them. Remove it and press each key firmly with a fingertip. If volume changes, buy a case that fits your model better.
Press and see if the slider appears
Tap volume up and watch the screen. If the volume bar appears but the level does not move, the key works and the setting is the issue. If nothing appears at all, the key or software is not registering the press.
Clean around the key
Switch the phone off. Use a soft dry brush, such as a clean paintbrush, around the edge of each key and press them several times. Do not spray liquids and do not push anything under the key.
Restart the phone
Power it off, wait half a minute and switch on. Because the volume keys are read by system software, a restart frees them if the system froze them.
Check for a stuck key signal
If the volume pop-up keeps appearing on its own or the volume keeps changing by itself, a key is stuck down. That calls for a technician and not for more pressing.
Update the system and apps
Install any pending system update. Also update the media or camera app you were using when the keys stopped, since some apps take over the volume keys for features like shutter.
Try safe mode on Android
If your volume keys work in safe mode, an installed app is interfering. Remove recently added apps one at a time. Entering safe mode differs between brands, so check your phone's manual. Notice that on some phones the volume keys are used to start safe mode, so this tip is no use if they are dead.
Why volume up button not working and volume down button not working are different
The two keys usually share a single switch assembly with two contacts. If only one side fails, the contact under that side is worn or dirty, or the key cap has shifted. If both fail together, the whole assembly, the flex cable or the software is more likely at fault. Tell the technician exactly which side fails, since it helps in finding the cause quickly.
You press volume down during a call and the bar shows, but on volume up nothing appears. Volume down still works. Expect a worn contact on the up side, and use the on-screen slider while you arrange a fix.
What to do if the volume button is not working on iPhone
On an iPhone you can turn on AssistiveTouch from the accessibility settings, which puts a small floating button on the screen with volume controls in its menu. The mute switch on the side is a separate part, so a working mute switch says nothing about the keys. Keep the phone dry and use an authorised service centre if the keys are damaged.
What to do if the volume button is not working on Android
Many Android phones let you move the volume panel to the screen and show an accessibility menu with volume options. Check the accessibility settings for a floating shortcut or assistant menu, though names differ between brands. If the keys stopped after a drop, avoid pressing hard, because that can push the switch further out of place.
Volume button not working: fast reference table
| Symptom | Probable cause | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Stiff keys after fitting a case | Case pressure | Remove the case |
| Both keys dead, phone fine | Software or flex | Restart, update |
| One side dead | Worn contact | Technician |
| Volume changes by itself | Stuck key | Technician soon |
If the speaker itself is silent, not just the keys, see phone speaker not working. For earbuds that play on one side only, read one earbud not working.
When repair is the right call
If cleaning, a restart, an update and a case change do not bring the keys back, the switch or its flex cable needs replacing. The final bill varies by model, and by whether the keys are on their own small cable or part of a bigger board. Get the price in advance, and send a phone under warranty to authorised service. Do not open the phone yourself.
Heavy pressing on a damaged key can make the problem worse. Use the on-screen controls until the repair is done.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my volume button not working suddenly?
Sudden failure is often a case, a software hang or dirt. Remove the case, clean around the key and restart. If it began once the phone was dropped or wet, expect damaged hardware.
What to do if the volume button is not working and I need to change sound?
Use the sound sliders in Settings, the Control Centre slider on iPhone, or the on-screen volume panel on Android. Earphone buttons can also change the level.
Why is my volume up button not working but the volume down works?
The two sides use separate contacts. One may be worn or blocked. If cleaning does not help, a technician can replace the switch.
Can a software update fix a dead volume key?
Sometimes, when the cause is a software bug. If the key is physically damaged, only a repair will help.
Will a technician need to open the phone to fix the volume button?
Yes, in most cases. The switch sits inside the frame, so it should be done by a trained technician. Opening it yourself can damage the phone and end the warranty.