The sound cuts out during calls

During your phone calls, does the SOUND cut out? Do you sometimes stop hearing your interlocutor, or is it them who can’t hear you, or does the sound disappear completely? This is a very frustrating problem that makes conversations difficult. Good news: sound cutting out during calls often has simple and easy-to-fix causes—a clogged sensor, a poorly connected accessory, a setting, a weak network, dirt on the microphone or earpiece. Before thinking of a failure, a few checks solve most cases. By proceeding step by step, you usually identify the issue without being an expert. Let’s see why the sound cuts out during calls, how to fix it, and when you need to have the device checked.

Why does the sound cut out during calls

Several causes can explain sound cutting out during a call; let’s look at them. A WEAK NETWORK: poor reception (few bars) cuts the sound; the most frequent cause; check first; common. The PROXIMITY sensor: during the call, a sensor turns off the screen when you bring the phone close; if it’s clogged (dirt, film, case), it can malfunction; possible; to know. A DIRTY earpiece/microphone: dust, dirt on the earpiece or microphone; the sound doesn’t pass well; clean; frequent. A POORLY CONNECTED ACCESSORY: headphones, headset, Bluetooth poorly connected; the sound is lost; check; common. BLUETOOTH: a Bluetooth device that intermittently picks up the sound; the sound cuts out; disconnect/test; possible. An AUDIO setting: volume, audio output poorly adjusted; the sound seems to cut out; check; possible. A SMALL BUG: the system temporarily freezes; a restart helps; frequent; simple. The SIM CARD: a SIM card poorly inserted or faulty; the network/call malfunctions; check; possible. A FILM/CASE on the sensors: a film or case covering the earpiece/the microphone/the sensor; it interferes; check; common. A MATERIAL ISSUE: earpiece, microphone, or faulty component; more serious; diagnose; possible. In summary, several causes can explain sound cutting out during calls, and many are simple. The most frequent: a WEAK NETWORK (poor reception, few bars, cuts the sound—check first). Other common causes: a DIRTY EARPIECE or MICROPHONE (dust, dirt that make the sound pass poorly: clean), a PROTECTIVE FILM or CASE covering the earpiece, the microphone, or the proximity sensor (check), a POORLY CONNECTED ACCESSORY (headphones, headset, Bluetooth: the sound is lost), a BLUETOOTH device that intermittently picks up the sound, an AUDIO SETTING (volume, audio output), and a SMALL SOFTWARE BUG (which a restart often fixes). The PROXIMITY SENSOR (which turns off the screen when you bring the phone to your ear) can also malfunction if it’s clogged. Finally, the SIM CARD (poorly inserted or faulty) or a MATERIAL ISSUE (faulty earpiece, microphone, or component: more serious) may be the cause. Rest assured: most of these causes (network, dirt, accessory, setting, bug) are easily fixed, without being an expert. Let’s see how.

How to fix sound cutting out during calls

Here are the checks and solutions, from the simplest to the most technical; let’s follow them. Check the NETWORK: look at your reception (bars); move to a better reception; the first reflex; effective. CLEAN earpiece/microphone: gently dust off the earpiece and microphone; the sound passes better; simple; useful. Remove FILM/CASE: check that they don’t cover the earpiece/microphone/sensor; remove to test; isolate the cause; advice. DISCONNECT Bluetooth: turn off Bluetooth to test (an accessory may be picking up the sound); go back to the phone’s speaker/earpiece; useful. Check the ACCESSORIES: headphones/headset poorly connected; unplug to test; isolate; useful. TEST the speaker: activate the speaker during the call; if it works, the issue comes from the earpiece; diagnosis; useful. Check the VOLUME: turn up the volume, check the audio output; a simple setting; to rule out; useful. RESTART the phone: a restart often fixes a bug; the magic gesture; simple; effective. Check the SIM: reinsert the SIM card (turned off); a poorly placed SIM malfunctions; test; useful. UPDATE: an update may fix a call bug; maintenance; useful; advice. In summary, to fix sound cutting out during calls, proceed from the SIMPLEST to the most technical. Start by checking the NETWORK (look at your reception: if it’s weak, move to a better reception—the most frequent cause). GENTLY CLEAN the earpiece and microphone (dust and dirt make the sound pass poorly), and REMOVE the film and case to check that they don’t cover the earpiece, the microphone, or the sensor (remove them to test). If you’re using an accessory: DISCONNECT BLUETOOTH (an accessory may intermittently pick up the sound: go back to the phone’s earpiece) and unplug the HEADPHONES or headset to test. TEST the SPEAKER during the call: if the sound is good on speaker but cuts out on the earpiece, the issue comes from the earpiece (clogged or faulty). Check the VOLUME and audio output (a simple setting to rule out), then RESTART the phone (the often magical gesture that fixes a bug). More technically: reinsert the SIM CARD (phone turned off: a poorly placed SIM can cause the call to malfunction) and install the UPDATES (which sometimes fix call bugs). By proceeding methodically, you’ll fix most cases of sound cutting out; otherwise, you’ll need to have the device checked.

The method: first check the network, clean the earpiece/microphone, test without a Bluetooth accessory, and restart. When facing sound cutting out during calls, a few targeted checks identify and fix most cases. Here’s the approach, from the most probable to the most technical. Step 1: check the NETWORK (cause #1). Sound cutting out during a call very often comes from POOR RECEPTION. Look at the number of network bars: if it’s low, or if you’re in a place with poor coverage (basement, elevator, remote area, building with thick walls), that’s probably the cause. Test by MOVING to a place with better reception (near a window, outside, in another room): if the sound becomes stable, it was the network. It’s then not a failure of your device, but a coverage issue. Step 2: CLEAN the earpiece and microphone. Sound passes through small openings (the earpiece near the top of the screen, the microphone at the bottom): if they’re CLOGGED with dust, dirt, or lint, the sound doesn’t pass well (you hear poorly, or they hear you poorly). Clean them GENTLY (with a soft brush or a light breath of air: without pushing a sharp object). A clean earpiece or microphone often restores clear sound. Also check that a PROTECTIVE FILM or CASE doesn’t cover these openings or the proximity sensor: remove them to test if necessary. Step 3: TEST without a Bluetooth accessory. If you’re using Bluetooth headphones, headset, or earpiece (or even a car connection), the sound may cut out due to this accessory (poor connection, intermittence, range). DISCONNECT or turn off BLUETOOTH, and unplug any wired accessory, to go back to the phone’s direct sound (built-in earpiece) and test. If the sound no longer cuts out without the accessory, you’ve found the culprit: it’s the accessory (or its connection) that needs to be checked, not the phone. Step 4: TEST the speaker. During a call, activate the SPEAKER: if the sound is good on speaker but cuts out when you put the phone to your ear (earpiece), the problem specifically comes from the EARPIECE (clogged or faulty)—a useful clue. Step 5: RESTART the phone. As often, a simple restart fixes a TEMPORARY SOFTWARE BUG that was disrupting the sound: turn it off completely and turn it back on. Step 6: if nothing works, reinsert the SIM CARD (phone turned off: a poorly placed SIM can affect calls), install the UPDATES, and if the problem persists, have the device checked. In summary, the method: first check the NETWORK (move to a better reception—the #1 cause: often, it’s not a failure but poor coverage), CLEAN the earpiece and microphone (clogged openings cause the sound to cut out; also check film and case), TEST without a Bluetooth accessory or headphones (to rule out a faulty accessory), test the SPEAKER (to locate the issue on the earpiece), and RESTART (for a temporary bug). Complete with SIM reinsertion and updates. By proceeding this way, you’ll identify and fix most cases—often without it being a real failure.

Distinguishing network, accessory, and hardware

To react well, it helps to distinguish where the problem comes from; let’s see how. The NETWORK: if it cuts out especially with poor reception or in certain places; it’s the network; not a failure; move. The ACCESSORY: if it cuts out with an accessory (Bluetooth, headphones) and not without; it’s the accessory; test without; located. The PHONE (earpiece): if it cuts out on the earpiece but not on speaker; the earpiece is the issue (dirty or faulty); clean or have it checked; located. The MICROPHONE: if it’s your interlocutor who can’t hear you; the microphone is the issue (dirty or faulty); clean or check; located. A GENERAL ISSUE: if it cuts out everywhere, all the time, with everyone; more likely hardware or network; diagnose; important. Test with DIFFERENT correspondents: if it cuts out with everyone vs one; know if it’s you or them; useful; methodical. Test in DIFFERENT places: if it cuts out everywhere or only in certain places; network or device; useful; diagnosis. After an IMPACT/water: if it follows a fall or water; the hardware may be affected; have it checked; important. A PERSISTENT ISSUE: if nothing fixes it and it persists everywhere; probably hardware; a pro; wise. BACKUP as a precaution: before any repair, back up your data; prudent; advice. In summary, to react well, distinguish where the problem comes from with a few comparative tests. If it cuts out especially with POOR RECEPTION or in certain PLACES (basement, poorly covered area) → it’s the NETWORK (not a failure: move). If it cuts out WITH an accessory (Bluetooth, headphones) and NOT without → it’s the ACCESSORY (test without it). If it cuts out on the EARPIECE (phone to the ear) but NOT on SPEAKER → it’s the phone’s earpiece (dirty or faulty: clean, or have it checked). If it’s your INTERLOCUTOR who can’t hear you → it’s your MICROPHONE (dirty or faulty). To refine, test with DIFFERENT correspondents (if it cuts out with everyone, the issue is on your side; if with one, it may be them) and in DIFFERENT PLACES (if it cuts out everywhere, it’s the device or operator; if only in certain places, it’s the network). Warning: if the issue follows an IMPACT, a FALL, or contact with WATER, the hardware may be affected (have it checked). And if the problem PERSISTS everywhere, with everyone, despite all your attempts, it’s probably HARDWARE: call a professional. In all cases, BACK UP your data as a precaution before any repair. By locating the cause this way (network, accessory, earpiece, microphone, or general hardware), you’ll know exactly what to do: move, change accessory, clean, or have it repaired.

Warning: clean the earpiece and microphone gently (no sharp object), and have the device checked if the problem persists or follows an impact or water. A few precautions when facing sound cutting out during calls. First point: CLEAN the earpiece and microphone GENTLY, without pushing anything. These openings (the earpiece at the top, the microphone at the bottom, sometimes other microphones) are FRAGILE: NEVER push a SHARP OBJECT (needle, pin, toothpick) into them to unclog them, as you risk damaging the internal components. Clean them GENTLY: with a very soft brush (a soft, dry toothbrush, for example), a light breath of air, or by gently tapping. Remove surface dirt without being aggressive. A harsh cleaning can worsen the problem: gentleness is key. Second point: be careful with WATER and HUMIDITY. If your sound problem appeared after contact with WATER (phone dropped in water, exposed to rain or humidity), the earpiece, microphone, or internal components may be affected: don’t recharge the wet device, dry it, let it dry well, and if it persists, have it checked (water may have caused internal damage). Don’t use intense heat to dry (risk). Third point: have the device CHECKED if the problem PERSISTS or follows an IMPACT. If, despite all your checks (network, cleaning, accessories, restart, SIM, updates), the sound continues to cut out—especially everywhere, with everyone, all the time—it’s probably a HARDWARE ISSUE (faulty earpiece, microphone, or component). Similarly, if the problem appeared after a FALL, an IMPACT, or contact with water, the hardware may be damaged. In these cases, call a PROFESSIONAL: they’ll diagnose precisely and repair safely. Don’t try to open the device yourself without skills. Fourth point: BACK UP your data before any repair. Before giving your device to a professional (or undertaking an important manipulation), BACK UP your data (photos, contacts, documents): as a precaution, to lose nothing. Fifth point: don’t confuse network problem and failure. Many sound cutouts during calls simply come from poor network coverage—which is NOT a failure of your device (and doesn’t « repair »). Before concluding a hardware problem, make sure it’s not the network (by testing in different places): you’ll avoid an unnecessary repair. If the cutouts are systematically linked to a poorly covered area, the problem is the COVERAGE (see with your operator or avoid these areas), not your phone. Sixth point: beware of poor-quality accessories. If the problem comes from an accessory (headphones, Bluetooth), a poor-quality or faulty accessory may be the cause: prefer reliable hardware, and replace a defective accessory rather than suspecting the phone. In summary: CLEAN the earpiece and microphone GENTLY (never a sharp object that would damage the fragile components: soft brush, light breath), be careful with WATER (dry, don’t recharge when wet, have it checked if it persists), have the device CHECKED by a professional if the problem persists everywhere or follows an impact or water (likely hardware issue: don’t open it yourself), BACK UP your data before any repair, don’t confuse NETWORK PROBLEM (poor coverage, not a failure) and hardware failure (check in different places before concluding), and beware of poor-quality accessories. These precautions prevent you from worsening the problem or having an unnecessary repair: they allow you to handle sound cutting out safely.

Frequent questions

The sound cuts out especially when I have poor network: is it my phone?

No, in this case it’s the NETWORK, not your phone: poor reception cuts the call sound; it’s not a failure but a coverage issue; move to a better reception, and see with your operator if it’s recurrent in an area. Let’s see. NO, it’s the NETWORK: if it cuts out with poor reception, it’s the coverage, not your device; not a failure; reassure yourself; important. POOR RECEPTION cuts: few bars = sound cuts out; a call needs network; logical; frequent. Certain POORLY COVERED PLACES: basement, elevator, remote area, thick walls; reception is bad; the sound cuts out; context. MOVING helps: go to a better reception (window, outside); the sound stabilizes; the test; effective. Not a FAILURE: your phone isn’t at fault if it’s linked to the network; don’t look for a failure; nuance; lucid. If recurrent in an AREA: if it cuts out always in the same place; it’s the local coverage; see with the operator; useful. CHECK elsewhere: if it doesn’t cut out in a well-covered place; it’s confirmed, it’s the network; test; methodical. The OPERATOR: report recurrent poor coverage to your operator; they can inform/act; useful; advice. WiFi CALLING (option): some phones allow calling via WiFi (useful in poorly covered areas); a possible solution; explore; useful. The ADVICE: no, if it cuts out with poor reception, it’s the network (the coverage), not your phone; move to a better reception; if it’s recurrent in an area, see with your operator (and explore WiFi calls if available). In summary, no: if the sound cuts out ESPECIALLY when you have POOR NETWORK, it’s NOT your phone that’s at fault, but the NETWORK—it’s a COVERAGE issue, not a failure. The explanation is simple: a phone call needs good reception to transmit sound continuously. When RECEPTION is POOR (few bars), the sound degrades and CUTS OUT at times, as audio data no longer pass correctly. It’s normal behavior linked to the network, not a defect of your device. This typically happens in POORLY COVERED PLACES: a basement, an elevator, an underground parking, a remote area, a building with thick walls, or a region with poor coverage. The test that confirms: MOVE to a place with BETTER RECEPTION (near a window, outside, in another room, an open area)—if the sound STABILIZES and no longer cuts out, it was indeed the network. Reassure yourself: your phone works, it’s just the coverage that’s lacking in that place. Don’t look for a non-existent failure. If the problem is RECURRENT in a specific area (at home, at the office, in a place you frequent often), it’s that the NETWORK COVERAGE is insufficient there: report it to your OPERATOR (who can confirm a coverage issue in the area, or advise you), and explore a useful solution in this case—the WIRELESS CALLS (« WiFi calls » or « WiFi Calling »), a feature offered by many phones and operators: it allows you to make your calls using your WiFi connection rather than the mobile network, which is very practical where mobile coverage is poor but you have WiFi (at home, for example). Check if this option is available on your phone: it can solve your cutouts in poorly covered areas. In summary: if the sound cuts out especially with poor reception, it’s the network (the coverage), not your phone—move to a better reception to confirm, see with your operator if it’s recurrent in an area, and explore WiFi calls that can help you out. No panic: it’s not a failure of your device.

How to clean the earpiece or microphone without damaging them?

CLEAN gently, with a very soft and dry brush or a light breath of air, and never push a sharp object into the openings: they are fragile; remove surface dirt gently, which often suffices to restore good sound. Let’s see. GENTLY: the openings (earpiece, microphone) are fragile; clean gently; gentleness above all; essential. A VERY SOFT BRUSH: a soft and DRY toothbrush, for example; dislodge surface dirt; without being aggressive; effective. A LIGHT BREATH of air: blow gently (or a rubber bulb); chase away dust; without forcing; useful. NEVER a sharp object: no needle, pin, toothpick pushed in; risk of damaging components; forbidden; capital. ON SURFACE: remove dirt on the surface of the openings; without pushing, without forcing; often sufficient; advice. PREFERABLY DRY: clean dry rather than with liquid (risk of infiltration); avoid moisture in the openings; prudent; important. Remove FILM/CASE first: check that they don’t block the earpiece/microphone; sometimes it’s that, not the dirt; test; advice. TEST after: make a call after cleaning; see if the sound improves; check; useful. If it CHANGES nothing: if cleaning doesn’t help, the cause is elsewhere (network, accessory, hardware); continue the diagnosis; methodical. The ADVICE: clean gently with a very soft and dry brush or a light breath of air, remove surface dirt without forcing, and NEVER push a sharp object (the openings are fragile); also check that film/CASE doesn’t block, and test after. In summary, to clean the earpiece or microphone without damaging them, the key word is GENTLENESS, as these small openings (the earpiece at the top of the phone, the microphone at the bottom, sometimes other microphones) are FRAGILE and give access to delicate components. The ABSOLUTE RULE: NEVER push a SHARP OBJECT (needle, pin, paperclip, toothpick) into these openings to try to unclog them—you risk damaging the internal components and WORSENING the problem. That’s the mistake not to make. The good methods, all GENTLE: use a VERY SOFT and DRY BRUSH (a soft-bristled toothbrush works well) to gently dislodge dust and dirt on the surface of the openings, by brushing gently. You can also use a LIGHT BREATH of air (blow gently on it, or use a small rubber bulb like those for cleaning cameras) to chase away dust. Gently tap the device (openings facing down) to dislodge residue. The goal is to remove surface dirt, without forcing or pushing anything. Prefer to clean DRY: avoid liquids in the openings (risk of infiltration that could damage); if you use a slightly damp cloth, don’t put liquid directly in the holes. A complementary reflex BEFORE concluding a dirt problem: check that a PROTECTIVE FILM or CASE doesn’t BLOCK the earpiece or microphone (sometimes, it’s not dirt, but a poorly positioned accessory that clogs: remove it to test). After cleaning, TEST: make a call to see if the sound has improved. If gentle cleaning CHANGES NOTHING, it’s that the cause is elsewhere (network, accessory, or deeper hardware issue): continue the diagnosis (check the network, test without accessory, restart), and have the device checked if the problem persists. In summary: clean the earpiece and microphone GENTLY (very soft and dry brush, light breath of air, on surface, dry), NEVER push a sharp object (fragile components), check that film and case don’t block, and test after. Gentle cleaning often suffices to restore good sound; if it doesn’t help, the cause is elsewhere.

When should I have my phone repaired for this problem?

Have it checked if the sound cuts out PERMANENTLY, everywhere, with everyone, despite your checks (network, cleaning, accessories, restart), or if the problem follows an impact or contact with water: it’s probably a hardware issue (earpiece, microphone) that requires a professional. Let’s see. If it PERSISTS everywhere: if the sound cuts out despite everything, everywhere, with everyone; probably hardware; have it checked; important. After CHECKS: once network, cleaning, accessories, restart, SIM, updates ruled out; if it continues; a pro; methodical. After an IMPACT/fall: if the issue follows a fall; the earpiece/microphone may be damaged; repair; serious. After water: contact with water; components may be affected; dry then have it checked; important. The EARPIECE or MICROPHONE FAULTY: if the earpiece or microphone is faulty (ineffective cleaning); a component to repair; a pro; located. Not a NETWORK ISSUE: make sure it’s not just the network (test elsewhere); avoid unnecessary repair; check first; prudent. Don’t TINKER: don’t open the phone yourself; risk; entrust to a pro; advice. BACK UP before: back up your data before repair; as a precaution; essential; advice. Weigh repair/REPLACEMENT: depending on the phone’s age, compare the cost; decide; sensible; useful. The ADVICE: have it checked if the sound cuts out permanently, everywhere, with everyone, despite your checks, or if the problem follows an impact or water (likely hardware issue of the earpiece/microphone); make sure it’s not the network, don’t tinker, back up before, and weigh repair vs replacement. In summary, you should have your phone repaired (or checked) for this problem in several specific situations. First, if the sound cuts out PERMANENTLY, EVERYWHERE, and with EVERYONE, despite all your checks: you’ve tested the network (in different places), cleaned the earpiece and microphone, tested without a Bluetooth accessory, restarted, reinserted the SIM, installed the updates—and the sound continues to cut out. When all simple causes are ruled out and the problem persists generally, it’s probably a HARDWARE ISSUE (the earpiece or microphone faulty, a component at fault) that requires a professional. Then, if the problem appeared after an IMPACT, a FALL, or contact with WATER: these events can damage the earpiece, microphone, or internal components—in this case, a check (or repair) by a professional is necessary. Two important checks BEFORE having it repaired: 1) make sure it’s NOT just a NETWORK ISSUE (many cutouts come from poor coverage, which is not a failure: test in different places to rule it out—you’ll avoid an unnecessary repair); 2) confirm it’s not a FAULTY ACCESSORY (test without it). Once these causes are ruled out, if the issue indeed comes from the device itself, entrust it to a PROFESSIONAL: repairing an earpiece or microphone requires skills and specific tools—DON’T TRY to open the phone yourself (risk of worsening, injuring yourself, losing the warranty). Two reflexes before any repair: BACK UP your data (as a precaution, to lose nothing), and WEIGH repair against replacement depending on the AGE and value of the phone (for an old device, the cost of a repair may approach that of a replacement: get informed about the cost before deciding). In summary: have your phone checked if the sound cuts out permanently, everywhere, with everyone, despite your checks, or if the problem follows an impact or water (likely hardware issue of the earpiece or microphone); but first make sure it’s not the network or an accessory, don’t tinker with the device yourself, back up your data, and weigh repair against replacement. A professional will diagnose and repair safely.

What to remember

Sound cutting out during calls is frustrating, but often has SIMPLE and easy-to-fix causes. The most frequent cause: a WEAK NETWORK (poor reception cuts the sound—it’s then not a failure, but a coverage issue). Other common causes: a DIRTY EARPIECE or MICROPHONE (clogged openings), a FILM or CASE covering them, a POORLY CONNECTED ACCESSORY (Bluetooth, headphones), a SETTING, or a SMALL SOFTWARE BUG. The method to fix: proceed from the simplest to the most technical. First check the NETWORK (move to a better reception: cause #1—often it’s not a failure but poor coverage, and WIRELESS CALLS can help in poorly covered areas). GENTLY CLEAN the earpiece and microphone (clogged openings cause the sound to cut out) and check that film and case don’t block them. TEST without a Bluetooth accessory or headphones (to rule out a faulty accessory), test the SPEAKER (if the sound is good on speaker but cuts out on the earpiece, the issue comes from the earpiece), check the VOLUME, then RESTART the phone (for a temporary bug). Complete with SIM reinsertion and updates. To react well, LOCATE the cause with comparative tests: cuts out with poor reception → network; cuts out with an accessory → accessory; cuts out on the earpiece but not on speaker → earpiece; your interlocutor can’t hear you → microphone; test with different correspondents and in different places to refine. Important precautions: clean the earpiece and microphone GENTLY (never a sharp object that would damage the fragile components: soft brush, light breath, dry), be careful with WATER (dry, don’t recharge when wet), and have the device CHECKED by a professional if the problem PERSISTS everywhere, with everyone, despite your checks, or if it follows an IMPACT or contact with WATER (likely hardware issue of the earpiece or microphone—don’t open it yourself). Before any repair, BACK UP your data, make sure it’s not just the network (to avoid unnecessary repair), and weigh repair against replacement depending on the device’s age. In short, when facing sound cutting out during calls, don’t worry too quickly: start with the simple gestures (check the network, clean the earpiece and microphone, test without accessory, restart), which fix most cases—and often, it’s just a network or dirt issue, not a real failure. If the problem persists or reveals a hardware issue, call a professional after backing up your data.