iPhone Call Audio Low on EE/O2 – UK Fixes

iPhone Call Audio Low on EE/O2 – UK Fixes

Some iPhone users in the UK report low call audio when connected to EE or O2 networks. The problem usually manifests as reduced volume during voice calls, muffled sound, or difficulty hearing the other party clearly. Interestingly, media playback and notifications are often unaffected, pointing toward network or call-specific factors rather than hardware faults.

Why Call Audio Appears Low on EE and O2

Several factors contribute to this issue:

  • VoLTE/VoWiFi handovers: Calls on EE or O2 may switch between LTE and Wi-Fi mid-call, creating momentary volume reduction or distortion.
  • Network congestion: Peak hours in London or Manchester can temporarily reduce call quality.
  • Environmental interference: Older UK buildings with thick walls can attenuate LTE signals, leading to quieter call audio.
  • iOS settings: Low-volume or microphone enhancements can be unintentionally toggled, affecting call clarity.

These factors often overlap, making the problem appear intermittent or location-dependent.

Observations from UK Users

Real patterns reported by users include:

  • EE subscribers in central Birmingham note muffled audio in flats with thick brick walls
  • O2 users in Glasgow report lower volume when walking between Wi-Fi coverage areas during calls
  • Users in Leeds found that enabling Wi-Fi Calling temporarily improves call volume indoors

While the device itself is fully functional, the combination of network handling, building materials, and iOS call processing creates noticeable volume differences.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Check iPhone Volume During Calls

Ensure the in-call volume is maximised:

  • During a call, use the side volume buttons to increase audio
  • Verify that the speaker is not partially covered by hands or cases

2. Enable or Disable Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi Calling can improve call audio in indoor environments:

  • Settings → Phone → Wi-Fi Calling → Enable
  • Test whether the volume improves when indoors

EE and O2 handle handovers differently; sometimes disabling Wi-Fi Calling if unstable can help in areas with poor coverage.

3. Reset Network Settings

Refreshing the network stack can resolve LTE/VoLTE issues:

  • Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
  • Re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and reconnect

4. Inspect Call Audio Settings

iOS has optional features affecting audio clarity:

  • Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Phone Noise Cancellation → Enable
  • Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Ringer and Alerts → Adjust volume to max

Noise cancellation can improve voice clarity, particularly in buildings with high ambient noise or during partial network handover.

5. Test with Speakerphone and Headset

Testing different audio paths helps isolate the problem:

  • Speakerphone: If volume improves, the issue may be earpiece-specific
  • Wired or Bluetooth headset: Confirms if the problem is with the device audio or network transmission

Environmental Considerations in the UK

Older flats, converted industrial buildings, and masonry-heavy constructions often amplify the problem. Even minor signal drops can reduce audio volume due to the way iOS handles VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling handoffs. EE and O2 users report that volume seems normal outdoors but drops indoors, correlating with building density and network load.

Additional Tips

  • Use a quiet room indoors to test whether ambient noise interacts with perceived call volume
  • Keep iOS updated, as call-quality improvements are often included in minor updates
  • Monitor if the issue occurs on specific locations; consistent patterns may indicate network-related causes rather than device faults

Where AvNexo Helps

Many UK users assume low call audio indicates a hardware problem. AvNexo’s local analysis shows that in most cases, the device is functioning correctly, and volume issues stem from network transitions, indoor signal loss, or misconfigured audio settings. Addressing these factors usually restores call clarity without the need for service repair.

Summary

Low iPhone call audio on EE and O2 in the UK is primarily caused by network conditions, building interference, or iOS audio settings. Fixes include checking in-call volume, enabling/disabling Wi-Fi Calling, resetting network settings, reviewing audio and noise-cancellation configurations, and testing with alternative audio outputs. Combined, these steps solve the majority of call audio problems for users across various UK locations.


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