Test the Ringtone and Alerts slider with Bluetooth disconnected and inspect the speaker opening. If alerts work but one app is silent, fix that app or its output; persistent crackling in every source needs Apple service.
No sound can come from a muted alert, an audio route sent to another device, blocked speaker mesh, or speaker damage. Use a ringtone and a spoken recording to separate those cases instead of repeatedly raising media volume.
Confirm the phone is allowed to make an alert
Check the Ring/Silent switch or Action button state and turn off a Focus temporarily for the test. Open Settings > Sounds & Haptics and move Ringtone and Alerts back and forth. A sample sound should play. If the slider is dimmed or settings are managed, do not remove a work profile; ask the administrator.
Open Control Center and inspect the audio output. Disconnect AirPods, hearing devices, car audio, HDMI adapters, and Bluetooth speakers. A phone may appear silent because playback is still routed elsewhere.
Compare more than one source
Play an Apple ringtone, a Voice Memos recording, and a video with known audio. Test the receiver during a normal call separately from the bottom loudspeaker on speakerphone. Record which source and which physical output fail. This distinction prevents replacing a speaker when only a streaming app, call network, or receiver is affected.
Remove the case and inspect the receiver and speaker openings. Clean only with a small, dry, soft-bristled brush. Do not pour cleaner into the mesh or use sharp tools that can push debris farther inside.
Treat distortion as a useful clue
Crackling that follows one downloaded file is probably in the file. Distortion in every ringtone and recording at moderate volume, especially after liquid or impact, is stronger evidence of hardware trouble. If the sound is clear only at low volume, keep the test volume safe and arrange diagnosis rather than forcing maximum output.
Escalate with reproducible evidence
Completion means the ringtone and two independent audio sources play clearly through the intended output. If they do not after restart and an iOS update, contact Apple and report the exact output, apps tested, whether headphones work, and any damage history. Do not install “speaker cleaning” profiles or tones that claim to bypass a physical failure.
Primary sources
Interfaces and policies change. We recheck the steps above against these sources and show the verification date at the top of the guide.