iPhone 12 Ear Speaker Not Working After iOS 18 Update? [Fix]

Many iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro users have reported a frustrating issue: the earpiece speaker stops working after updating to iOS 18. If you’ve recently updated your device and can only hear calls through speaker mode or your volume is unexpectedly low, you’re not alone.

This is annoying issue as iPhone 12 works Only on Speakerphone and ear speaker does not respond.

In this blog, we’ll explain what’s causing this problem, what other users are experiencing, and the solutions that have worked so far.

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What’s the Issue?

After updating to iOS 18:

• Calls can’t be heard through the ear speaker — only through speaker mode.
• Media volume is lower than usual.
• In some cases, earpiece sound returns randomly or after toggling hearing aid settings.

Despite trying Apple-recommended solutions and performing resets, many users are stuck with the same issue.

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Is It a Software Bug or Hardware Failure?

There is growing debate around the actual cause:

• Some users say the issue resolved itself after days without any intervention.
• Others noted success by turning off certain accessibility settings, such as:
  • Settings > Accessibility > Vocal Shortcuts > Turn Off
• However, a few users who contacted Apple Support were told that:
  • The iOS 18 update may have triggered a power surge, potentially damaging the ear speaker hardware.
  • This explanation has left users frustrated, especially since many devices showed no signs of damage before the update.

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Apple’s Official Service Program for iPhone 12

If you own an iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro, you should check if your device qualifies for Apple’s official Service Program for No Sound Issues. According to Apple:

“A very small percentage of iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro devices may experience sound issues due to a component that might fail on the receiver module.”

You can check eligibility here:
Apple Service Program – iPhone 12 No Sound Issues

If your device qualifies, Apple may replace the ear speaker at no cost.

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How to Fix iPhone 12 Ear Speaker Not Working After iOS 18 Update

If your device is not eligible for the service program, here are a few things to test:

1. Reset All Settings
   Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings
   (No data loss, but settings will be reset)
2. Turn Off Accessibility Features
   Especially vocal shortcuts or hearing aid settings.
3. Use Apple Support Diagnostics
   Book a Genius Bar appointment or run diagnostics via the Apple Support app. Some users found no hardware issues this way, suggesting a software conflict.
4. Replace the Ear Speaker
   If the speaker hardware is confirmed faulty, some users opted for a replacement — which fixed the issue permanently.

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Final Thoughts

The iPhone 12 ear speaker issue after iOS 18 is more than just an isolated case. Whether it’s caused by software glitches or a flawed update process that affects hardware, users deserve transparency and better support.

If you’re affected:

• Check for warranty or recall coverage
• Contact Apple Support
• Consider sharing feedback directly with Apple

Have you found another fix? Share your experience to help others dealing with this frustrating issue.