Why is an iPhone ringer not working even though the volume looks fine?
Answer
This is most often caused by the physical Ring/Silent switch or button, an active Focus mode, or the ringtone volume slider being separate from the media volume, not a broken speaker.
Follow these steps
Check the Ring/Silent switch or action button
Look at the physical switch or action button on the side of the phone and confirm it is not set to silent, which is usually shown by an orange indicator on older models.
You should see: The switch or button is confirmed to be in the ring position.
Check for an active Focus mode
Look for a moon or other Focus icon at the top of the screen, then open Settings > Focus to confirm nothing like Do Not Disturb is turned on.
You should see: No Focus mode is active, or it has been turned off.
Check the Ringtone and Alerts volume
Go to Settings > Sounds and Haptics and check the Ringtone and Alerts slider, since it is separate from the volume buttons used for media.
You should see: The slider is set above zero and a test tone can be heard when adjusting it.
Test a ringtone directly
In Settings > Sounds and Haptics > Ringtone, tap a tone from the list to confirm sound plays through the speaker.
You should see: A ringtone plays audibly, confirming the speaker works.
Restart the phone
If sound still does not play for actual calls, restart the phone completely and test again with an incoming call or notification.
You should see: The ringer works normally after the restart, or the issue continues.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the phone vibrates but does not ring, and whether any Focus mode icon appears at the top of the screen
Before you change anything: Confirm the phone rings for at least one type of call or notification, since a completely silent phone with no vibration may point to a different issue. Check for a Focus mode icon in the status bar. Confirm no case or accessory is blocking the physical switch or speaker. Never share your Apple ID password or verification codes with anyone.