How to Make Volume Louder on Any Device

Turning up volume is usually simple, but the controls vary across phones, computers, TVs, headphones, and speakers. This guide explains the usual steps and how to find the cause when increasing one control does not help. You may need access to the device’s settings and, if applicable, its remote, headphones, or external speaker.

What You’ll Need

The device playing the sound, such as a phone, computer, TV, or tablet.
Its buttons, keyboard controls, remote, or on-screen settings.
If you use external audio, the headphones, speaker, or receiver and its controls.

Step-by-Step

Check what is playing. Start a song, video, call, or other sound so you can hear the effect of each adjustment. Make sure playback is not paused and that the content itself is not unusually quiet. Begin at a moderate level, especially if headphones are connected.
Raise the main device volume. Press the volume-up button on a phone or tablet. On a computer, use its keyboard volume key, taskbar or menu-bar sound control, or system settings. On a TV, use the remote’s volume-up button. Increase it in small steps rather than jumping straight to maximum.
Adjust the app’s own level. Some media players, games, video-call apps, and browser tabs have separate volume sliders. Open the controls for the specific app and raise its playback or output level. An app slider set low can make sound quiet even when the device’s master volume is high.
Confirm the output device. Check whether sound is coming from the built-in speakers, wired headphones, Bluetooth headphones, a TV, or an external speaker. On a computer or phone, open the sound or audio-output selector and choose the intended device. Menu names and paths may differ slightly by version. If you are connected to a speaker or receiver, raise its own volume too.
Check mute and sound limits. Make sure the device, app, headset, and external speaker are not muted. Look for a volume limit or safe-listening setting if the volume stops increasing at a particular point. These limits may be intentional; do not disable one just to force sound higher if doing so could make listening uncomfortable or unsafe.
Test another source. Play audio in a different app or use another file. If only one app or recording is quiet, the source may have a low recording level or its own settings may be responsible. If all sources are quiet, focus on the device, output selection, connection, or speaker.
Improve the physical setup. Move a portable speaker closer, point it toward the listening area, and place it on a stable surface. Keep speaker openings clear of fabric, dust, cases, and other obstructions. For a TV or computer, check that furniture or objects are not blocking the built-in speakers.
Reconnect or restart if needed. Disconnect and reconnect wired headphones or the external speaker. For Bluetooth audio, confirm the accessory is paired and selected, then reconnect it. If the controls seem stuck, restart the app or device and test again. Follow the device maker’s instructions for accessories and connections.

Common Mistakes

Turning up only one control: Overall loudness may depend on the system volume, app volume, and speaker or headset volume. Check each relevant control.
Assuming louder always means better: At its limit, a speaker can distort, buzz, or sound harsh. Lower the level if the audio becomes unclear.
Ignoring the selected output: Sound may be routed to a paired headset or another room’s speaker rather than the device you are using.
Covering the speaker: A case, cushion, hand, or furniture can block sound. Clear the speaker openings before changing advanced settings.
Changing unfamiliar settings at random: Equalizer, balance, and accessibility options can alter how audio sounds, but they do not necessarily increase the device’s actual output. Change one setting at a time and note how to restore it.
Setting headphones to maximum: Very loud audio can be uncomfortable and may risk hearing damage, particularly during long listening sessions. Use the lowest level that is clear and comfortable.

Tips

Adjust volume while the intended content is playing; alerts and media may use separate controls on some devices.
Use a familiar recording to compare changes. A quiet recording may not become as loud as a more strongly mastered one.
If several people are listening, consider a speaker rather than raising headphone volume. Keep the sound at a comfortable level for everyone nearby.
When connecting an external speaker, check its power, charge, cable, input selection, and independent volume control.
On a computer, verify that the application is not muted in the system’s per-app sound mixer, if one is available.
Make changes gradually. If you hear crackling, buzzing, or sharp distortion, reduce the volume and check the connection and speaker instead of increasing it further.

Troubleshooting

The volume buttons do nothing: Check for a stuck button, a locked control, or an active mute state. Try the on-screen volume control or the device’s sound settings. If only one app ignores the buttons, use that app’s own slider.

The volume is still low at the highest setting: Confirm the right output is selected, raise the accessory’s own level, and test another app. Clear anything covering the speaker. If all sources remain unusually quiet, consult the device or accessory maker’s support instructions; the speaker may need service.

Bluetooth sound is quiet or cuts out: Move the accessory closer, make sure it has power, and reconnect it. Check both device and accessory volume controls. If practical, test the accessory with another compatible device to help determine whether the issue follows the speaker or the original device.

Only calls or dialogue are hard to hear: Check whether the call app has a separate output control and whether sound is routed to the intended headset or speaker. Some devices have distinct media, call, and notification levels. Increase the control for the sound you are trying to hear.

Audio gets louder but sounds distorted: Reduce the level. Try a different source and connection, and check whether an equalizer or sound effect is boosting particular frequencies. Distortion that persists at ordinary levels may indicate a connection or hardware problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my volume low even when it is turned all the way up?

The app, output accessory, or source recording may have a separate low level. Check mute, output selection, speaker obstructions, and any volume limit before assuming the device is faulty.

How do I make one app louder without changing everything else?

Use that app’s own volume slider if it has one. Some computers also offer per-app volume controls in a sound mixer; availability and menu paths vary by operating system and version.

Can I make my phone louder than its maximum setting?

Phones may limit output by design, and software equalizers do not guarantee more clean volume. Avoid untrusted amplification apps or forcing the sound higher if it causes distortion or discomfort.

Why is my Bluetooth speaker quieter than my phone?

The speaker may have its own volume control, low battery, obstructed openings, or a weak connection. Confirm it is the selected output, raise its independent level, and reconnect it if necessary.

Is it safe to listen at maximum volume?

Maximum volume is not automatically a comfortable or safe level, especially through headphones. Lower it if sound feels harsh, causes discomfort, or makes it difficult to hear what is happening around you.

Should I use an equalizer to make audio louder?

An equalizer changes the balance of frequencies and may make some sounds seem more prominent, but it can also cause distortion. Try small adjustments and return to neutral if the sound becomes harsh or unclear.

Further reading: Apple Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.