Booster Volume

Why Are My Headphones So Quiet?

The fastest way to diagnose quiet headphones is to try them on another device. If they are quiet everywhere, it is the headphones. If they are quiet on only one device, it is a setting on that device — and there are four common ones.

Quiet on one device only

iOS Headphone Safety
Settings › Sounds & Haptics › Headphone Safety. Reduce Loud Sounds caps output and is on by default in many regions.
Android absolute volume
Disable it in Developer options to unlock independent volume control. See Android volume booster.
Windows per-app volume
The volume mixer holds a separate level for each application.
macOS Reduce loud sounds
System Settings › Sound. Same idea as the iOS limiter.

Quiet on every device

Blocked mesh or nozzle
Earwax and dust reduce output substantially, usually on one side first. Clean with a dry soft brush.
Impedance mismatch
High-impedance headphones need more voltage than a phone can supply. Weak bass alongside low volume is the signature.
Poor seal
On in-ear models, the wrong tip size costs bass and apparent loudness. Try every size supplied.
Cable damage
If moving the cable near the plug changes the sound, the cable has failed internally.

Or boost the file

Boost a quiet fileAmplify a file with limiting, locally in your browser.

Drop an audio or video file here, or choose one. It is processed on your device and never uploaded.

Processed on your device — nothing is uploaded. Loud audio can damage hearing: lower your system volume before boosting, then raise it gradually.

Frequently asked questions

Why is one side quieter than the other?

Usually a blocked mesh on that side, or a balance setting that has drifted off centre. Check the balance slider before assuming a hardware fault.

Will an amplifier help?

Only if the cause is insufficient power — high-impedance or low-sensitivity headphones on a weak source. If a software limit is capping output, an amplifier changes nothing.

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