Are you struggling with headphones that just aren’t loud enough? You’re not alone. Many people face this issue, which can be particularly frustrating when trying to enjoy your favourite music or podcast. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
This guide will teach you how to make your headphones louder in no time! We’ll explore various methods to make your headphones louder, from simple settings adjustments to more complex solutions. Regardless of your device, we will give you the best tips to overcome low volume.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- There are several ways to increase the volume of your headphones, from adjusting settings to using special equipment.
- Always start with the simplest solutions, such as checking your volume settings and cleaning your headphones.
- More complex solutions include using a headphone amplifier or sound-enhancing software.
- If all else fails, it might be time to replace your headphones or seek professional help.
- Remember to protect your hearing and avoid excessively loud music for prolonged periods.
Understanding the Basics
Before we swing into the solutions, it’s important to understand the factors that can affect the volume of your headphones. These can include the settings on your device, the quality of your headphones, and even the software you’re using.
- Device Settings: The volume settings on your device can significantly impact the loudness of your headphones. This includes the main volume control, individual app settings, and any volume limit settings that might be reducing the volume.
- Headphone Quality: The quality of your headphones can also affect the volume. High-quality headphones usually provide better sound and higher volume levels than cheaper models.
- Software: The software you use to play audio can also affect the volume. Some apps and programs have their own volume controls, and some even have built-in equalizers to enhance sound.
By understanding these factors, you’ll be better equipped to solve the problem and enjoy a louder, clearer audio experience.
Here’s How To Make Your Headphones Louder
The solutions below are listed in order from the simplest and least expensive to the more complex and potentially more costly. Let’s start with the basics.
Method 1: Checking the Settings
Action to Take: Check and adjust the volume settings on your device.
The first and easiest method to make your headphones louder is to check the volume settings on your device. This might seem obvious, but it’s surprising how often this step is overlooked.
Make sure the volume on your device is turned up to the maximum and that it’s not muted. Also, check if any volume limit settings on your device might be reducing the volume. Disabling these can significantly increase the volume output.
The easiest and initial step you should take is to check the level of volume. This can be tricky sometimes because the volume buttons on the sides of your smartphone do not increase the media volume and only increases the caller volume sometimes.
In this case, you would have to go to settings and fine audio settings, where you get to see the different volume ranges such as caller volume or notification volume and media volume. Now you can increase the media volume from here.
Sometimes the headphone, especially if you use a Bluetooth device, will have a volume bar that might not be the same as your device’s. To increase your headphone volume, you would have to find the volume increment button by the side of your headphone.
While you increase it, it should also be displayed on your device and might be termed Bluetooth volume.
This might not be the case in all devices because your headphone volume might be the same as your device media volume, depending on which kind of audio device you are using.
Rach Wellard – Sound & Solitude
Method 2: Cleaning Your Headphones
Action to Take: Clean your headphones regularly to remove dust and debris.
Another simple yet effective method is cleaning your headphones. Over time, dust, debris, and earwax can accumulate in your headphones, blocking the sound and reducing the volume.
This is more of a precaution than a solution, but you may want to check for dust on your headphone and clean it off. Over the head, headphones tend to have gaps for the audio output; through this gap, dust enters the device’s hardware. If you don’t keep your headphones in a safe place, and if you don’t clean them or prevent dust from settling on the device, then your headphones might deteriorate faster.
Rach Wellard – Sound & Solitude
Cleaning your headphones with a small cloth, cotton swabs, or alcohol wipes can help remove these obstructions and improve sound quality.
How to clean your headphones
You can use cotton swabs, alcohol wipes, or even a small cloth to clean your audio device. Just gently remove and use an alcohol wipe to wipe the outer ear pads.
As the air will start to dry, clean the crevices by taking a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol.
Now, dab an alcohol wipe or small cloth gently against the mesh to sanitize your headphones and remove any residual dirt or wax.
Rach Wellard – Sound & Solitude
One of the best ways to ensure that your headphones last longer is to take care of their hygiene. The volume and quality of sound can be high depending on the quality of maintenance.
Pro Tip
Rach Wellard – Sound & Solitude
If you are using wireless earbuds, use a small toothbrush (preferably unused) to lightly brush the mesh of the earbuds until it is free of dirt. You can also use a slightly damp cotton swab to serve your purpose.
Remove the silicone tips (if any) at the end of your buds and put the tips (not the earbuds!) in soapy water for three to five minutes.
However, be careful not to damage the delicate parts of your headphones during cleaning.
Recommended Reading: Wearing Headphones With Long Hair [Detailed Guide]
Method 3: Using the Equalizer
Action to Take: Adjust the equalizer settings on your device to enhance the volume.
The equalizer (EQ) settings on your device can also affect the volume of your headphones. An equalizer allows you to adjust the balance of audio frequencies to suit your preferences. By boosting certain frequencies, you can make your headphones sound louder. Most devices have built-in equalizer settings that you can tweak to enhance the volume. However, remember to use this feature wisely, as excessive EQ adjustments can distort the sound.
Here’s how you can adjust equalizer settings
Android and iPhone have EQ settings that are usually “optimized” by the manufacturer, but you can adjust them for a better listening experience.
To adjust EQ settings…
If you are using an Android smartphone, go to Advanced Sound Settings under Sounds, and Vibration Menu, which features EQ controls for the device. You can tweak the decibel levels that you want to hear and choose from different genre pre-sets to get a louder volume.
Android devices generally offer bass, vocal, treble, and instrumental sound settings to match your listening needs.
If you are using an iPhone, choose the Late-Night EQ setting in loud environments for louder sound. Just like Android phones, they have a list of different EQ settings for an immersive listening experience depending on the environment and genre of the music.
Additionally, you can disable the volume limitations set by your manufacturer in your Android smartphone or iPhone to get a louder sound.
Android users need to select the volume option under the Sounds and Vibrations menu and adjust the Media Volume filter.
Apple iPhone users need to disable the “Volume Limit” under the Music menu and slide the knob to increase or decrease the volume.
Apple’s Sound Check Feature plays your downloaded music files at a consistent level regardless of the volume of the sound file. You will find this feature within the Music menu of the iPhone’s settings app.
Rach Wellard – Sound & Solitude
Method 4: Volume Boosting Apps
Action to Take: Consider using a volume-boosting app to increase the volume output on your device.
This might come as a surprise, but several third-party apps, especially on the Play Store and Apple Store, might improve your headphone’s power output.
These apps are created for the sole purpose of boosting your audio output by overriding your phone’s maximum volume setting.
Here are some examples for both iPhone and Android users:
iPhone:
Bass Booster
Boom Music
KaiserTone Audio Player
Equalizer Pro Volume BoosterAndroid:
MX Player
Volume Booster Pro
Equalizer FX
Volume Booster GOODEVThese apps can modify your device’s EQ and help improve the power output. Keep in mind, however, that in some cases, the sound may become distorted as you try to increase the volume. This may not therefore be the best option to make your headphones louder if you also value sound quality!
Rach Wellard – Sound & Solitude
If adjusting the settings and cleaning your headphones don’t do the trick, you might want to consider using a volume-boosting app. These apps can increase the volume output on your device beyond its default maximum level. There are several volume-boosting apps available for both Android and iOS platforms. However, be cautious when using these apps, as they can damage your device’s speakers if used recklessly.
Method 5: Sound-Enhancing Software
Action to Take: Try using sound-enhancing software to improve volume and overall audio quality.
Sound-enhancing software can also help to make your headphones louder. These software programs enhance the audio signal before it reaches your headphones, resulting in a louder and clearer sound. Some popular sound-enhancing software options include Boom 3D, FxSound, and Equalizer APO. While these software programs can be effective, they often require some technical knowledge to use properly.
Method 6: Using Foam Tips
Action to Take: Switch to foam tips for in-ear headphones to enhance the volume and overall audio experience.
If you’re using in-ear headphones, switching to foam tips can enhance the volume and overall audio experience. Foam tips create a better seal in your ear canal, improving sound isolation and increasing perceived volume. Many high-quality foam tips are available on the market, so you can choose the ones that fit your headphones and ears best.
Method 7: Updating Software
Action to Take: Regularly check for and install any available software updates for your device.
Keeping your device’s software up-to-date is crucial for optimal audio performance. Software updates often include improvements to the audio processing capabilities of your device, which can result in a louder and clearer sound. So, make sure to regularly check for and install any available software updates for your device.
Also Read: How To Make Earbuds Louder [7 Actionable Strategies In 2022]
Method 8: Using a Headphone Amplifier
Action to Take: Consider using a headphone amplifier to boost the audio signal and increase the volume.
If you’re still not satisfied with the volume of your headphones, you might want to consider using a headphone amplifier.
A headphone amplifier boosts the audio signal before it reaches your headphones, resulting in a louder sound. This can be particularly useful if you have high-impedance headphones that require more power to produce a loud sound.
Many headphone amplifiers are available on the market, ranging from affordable portable models to high-end desktop units.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Your Headphones Keep Disconnecting [+ Solutions]
Method 9: Professional Help or Replacing Your Headphones
Action to Take: Seek professional help or replace your headphones if they are still quiet after trying all the above methods.
Keep in mind that there is only so much you can do on your part to make your headphones louder. Much depends on the manufacturing and power output of the headset.
It might be time to seek professional help or replace your headphones if all else fails. It could be a hardware issue if your headphones are still quiet after trying all the above methods. In this case, consider getting your headphones checked by a professional. If your headphones are old or damaged, they may not be able to produce sound as well as they used to. In this case, investing in a new pair of headphones might be the best solution.
We recommend you look particularly for active noise-canceling headphones or sound-isolation headphones. These headphones are known for eliminating any outside sound and giving you an immersive sound experience. You might also want to go for higher power output headphones but beware of the distortion factor that is often the case with cheap quality headphones. The amount of bass and treble effect you are getting also decides the loudness of the headphones. Therefore, you might want to consider these features before making a purchase.
Rach Wellard – Sound & Solitude
Method 10: Getting Your Hearing Checked
Action to Take: Get your hearing checked if all sounds seem quieter to you, not just in your headphones.
Finally, getting your hearing checked might be a good idea if all sounds seem quieter to you, not just in your headphones. Hearing loss can occur gradually over time, and you might not notice it until it becomes significant. If you suspect that you might have hearing loss, make an appointment with a hearing specialist. They can conduct a hearing test and provide you with the necessary treatment.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are many ways to make your headphones louder, from simple settings adjustments to more complex solutions like using a headphone amplifier or replacing your headphones.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy your audio experience without damaging your hearing. So, always use caution when increasing your headphone volume. Try these methods, find what works best for you, and let me know in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are my headphones so quiet?
There could be several reasons why your headphones are quiet. It could be due to the settings on your device, the quality of your headphones, or even the software you’re using. Try the methods listed above to increase the volume.
2. Can cleaning my headphones make them louder?
Cleaning your headphones can improve the sound quality and make them louder. Dust, debris, and earwax can accumulate in your headphones and block the sound.
3. What is a headphone amplifier and how does it work?
A headphone amplifier is a device that boosts the audio signal before it reaches your headphones, resulting in a louder sound. It can be particularly useful if you have high-impedance headphones that require more power to produce a loud sound.
4. Are there any apps that can make my headphones louder?
There are several volume-boosting apps available for both Android and iOS platforms that can increase the volume output on your device beyond its default maximum level.
5. Can software updates make my headphones louder?
keeping your device’s software up-to-date is crucial for optimal audio performance. Software updates often include improvements to the audio processing capabilities of your device, which can result in a louder and clearer sound.
6. What should I do if all sounds seem quieter, not just in my headphones?
If all sounds seem quieter to you, not just in your headphones, it might be a good idea to get your hearing checked. Hearing loss can occur gradually over time, and you might not notice it until it becomes significant.
7. What should I do if none of the methods listed above work?
If all else fails, it might be time to seek professional help or replace your headphones. It could be a hardware issue if your headphones are still quiet after trying all the above methods. In this case, consider getting your headphones checked by a professional or investing in a new pair of headphones.