Samsung Galaxy S23 Call, Speaker & Microphone Issues – Real Fixes (UK)

If your Samsung Galaxy S23 is experiencing call problems, low speaker volume, distorted audio, or microphone failures, you need a diagnosis-driven approach—not generic advice. This guide gives you the exact technical steps used by professional mobile technicians in the UK to isolate, test, and resolve hardware and software faults on the Galaxy S23.

1. Diagnose the Fault Before Applying Fixes

Call, speaker and microphone failures usually fall into three categories: software misconfiguration, firmware corruption, or hardware degradation (e.g., blocked mesh, water exposure, wear on audio IC pathways). To pinpoint the fault:

  • Test both speakers individually: Open *#0*# → Tap Speaker and Sub Speaker. If one fails, the issue is hardware or debris build-up.
  • Test microphone array: Open *#0*# → Tap Mic. Record and play back audio. If the playback is muffled or silent, the upper or lower mic might be blocked.
  • Test call audio routing: Use WhatsApp, Messenger, or Google Meet. If VoIP calls work but normal calls do not, the fault is network-layer or CSC config-related.

2. Fixing Call Audio Issues on the S23

2.1 Disable Volte / Wi-Fi Calling Conflicts (UK Networks)

UK carriers such as EE, Vodafone and O2 use different VoLTE profiles. If firmware or CSC mismatch occurs, calls may drop or have no audio.

Try disabling:

  • Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → VoLTE Calls
  • Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Calling

Reboot and test. If it works, the issue was an IMS provisioning conflict.

2.2 Reset IMS & Network Profiles

Dial:

  • *#*#4636#*#* → Reset Radio & IMS Services

Then:

  • Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings

This rebuilt all carrier configs including APN, IMS and SIP stacks.

3. Fixing Speaker Problems on the Galaxy S23

3.1 Remove Physical Obstructions from Speaker Grill

The S23’s lower speaker is highly susceptible to dust accumulation. Avoid sharp tools—use:

  • Soft anti-static brush
  • Dry compressed air (short bursts only)
  • Isopropyl alcohol wipe around the mesh (do not saturate)

3.2 Disable Audio Effects Causing Distortion

Some sound-enhancement features can cause clipping:

  • Settings → Sounds & Vibration → Sound Quality & Effects
  • Turn off Dolby Atmos temporarily
  • Turn off Equaliser

Test again. If distortion is gone, reconfigure each profile individually.

4. Fixing Microphone Problems on the S23

4.1 Check App-Specific Mic Permissions

Go to:

  • Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager → Microphone

Ensure the calling or recording app is set to “Allow while in use”. If apps have been migrated from an older phone, permission corruption is common.

4.2 Remove Noise Reduction Conflicts

Disable Samsung’s ambient noise filtering:

  • Settings → Accessibility → Hearing Enhancements → Noise Reduction

Turn it off and test again. Noise filtering sometimes over-suppresses your voice during calls.

5. Firmware & Software-Level Fixes

5.1 Clear Audio & Call Framework Caches

Wipe the cache of:

  • Phone App
  • Call Settings
  • Bluetooth System (if using earbuds)
  • Samsung Voice Services

Path: Settings → Apps → (Enable Show System Apps) → Storage → Clear Cache

5.2 Boot to Recovery & Wipe System Cache Partition

  1. Power off device
  2. Hold Volume Up + Power
  3. Select Wipe Cache Partition
  4. Reboot

This flushes corrupted audio drivers without deleting data.

6. Bluetooth Interference & Routing Bugs

If audio is routed to a paired device you’re not using:

  • Turn off Bluetooth
  • Forget old car stereos or earbuds
  • Check Quick Panel → Media Output to confirm routing

7. Water Exposure & Moisture Effects

The S23 is IP68, but microphone and speaker membranes can still trap moisture, causing:

  • Muffled sound
  • Low volume
  • Intermittent echo

Use Samsung’s built-in water ejection routine via *#0*# → Speaker Test. If moisture remains, allow natural drying for 12–24 hours.

8. When It’s Definitely Hardware

These symptoms almost always indicate a hardware failure:

  • No sound from bottom speaker even in *#0*# test
  • Mic tests produce complete silence
  • Constant crackling even at low volume
  • Liquid ingress warnings alongside audio issues

UK options:

  • Samsung Experience Store (official repair)
  • Samsung Doorstep Repair (UK regions covered)
  • Authorised repair shops using genuine audio modules

Conclusion

Most Samsung Galaxy S23 call, speaker and microphone issues in the UK stem from misconfigured audio routing, carrier IMS conflicts, blocked grills, or corrupted audio frameworks. By running the diagnostic tests and applying the targeted fixes above, you can isolate the exact fault and resolve it confidently without unnecessary resets or repairs.

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