Low volume suddenly

[cbreze]

As the title suggests, I’m having a volume issue with my pixel 4A. A Google search is showing this is not unheard of as others have reported similar issues With various pixels. It makes the phone unusable and I’m sorry for that because it means I have to go back to my iPhone until the pixel 7 comes out and I decide whether I want to invest in that device. Has anyone else had the volume issue? Or heard of any possible fix.? I’ve been all over the Internet and have not found any fixes. I’ve tried sound boosting apps from the play store, several actually and none of them help at all.

 

[B. Diddy]

The low volume problem happens on both the main speaker and wired or Bluetooth headphones? I assume it also happens in Safe Mode?

 

[cbreze]

The low volume problem happens on both the main speaker and wired or Bluetooth headphones? I assume it also happens in Safe Mode?

I don’t use Bluetooth but I’m noticing it coming from the two speakers. As for safe mode, I haven’t tried that yet but it’s been factory reset twice which completely removed all apps and any possible offending apps, so I don’t think that would help. I’ll try it just to be sure when I get back to the house.

 

[B. Diddy]

It'd be interesting to see if the sound is also low through the headphone jack (or via Bluetooth), which would suggest more of a problem with the system's sound processing, rather than perhaps just with the speakers themselves.

Also, if you did the factory reset and immediately set the phone back up as before, it's still possible that some 3rd party app you habitually use is causing the issue -- that's why Safe Mode is worth a try.

 

[cbreze]

It'd be interesting to see if the sound is also low through the headphone jack (or via Bluetooth), which would suggest more of a problem with the system's sound processing, rather than perhaps just with the speakers themselves.

Also, if you did the factory reset and immediately set the phone back up as before, it's still possible that some 3rd party app you habitually use is causing the issue -- that's why Safe Mode is worth a try.

OK, tested the headphones and they seem normal although I never use them so not 100% sure what normal is. I have no apps on the phone other than what the OEM provides after a factory reset. Safe mode same low volume issue. Can't think of much else to try. Bummer since it has always been working so smoothly until this. No drops , bumps or anything that preceded this issue. Just noticed I was missing notifications and when I investigated found the low volume.

 

[B. Diddy]

Also make sure your Google Play system update is current (in Settings>Security​, different from the monthly security patch). I just got the September update on my Pixel 6 Pro.

 

[cbreze]

Also make sure your Google Play system update is current (in Settings>Security​, different from the monthly security patch). I just got the September update on my Pixel 6 Pro.

Hadn’t thought of that, checked and on august update. No help from “check for update” button.

 

[cbreze]

@B. Diddy, thanks for your suggestions. I’m going to try flashing a different ROM today and see if that will affect my volume issue. Nothing to lose since the phone is basically not very usable as it is.

 

[J Dubbs]

@B. Diddy, thanks for your suggestions. I’m going to try flashing a different ROM today and see if that will affect my volume issue. Nothing to lose since the phone is basically not very usable as it is.

I wonder if uninstalling updates from the app that handles the sound would help? I know pixels come with a sound booster, I just got an update for that app a few days ago. Every time you factory reset, the play store starts automatically updating apps... if you had an update causing the problem it would come back after every factory reset unless you go in and turn off auto updates in the play store as soon as you boot into the home screen after the reset. That's what I typically do... because I prefer to do it manually.

Maybe uninstall any updates to the sound booster app or any other sound related app you find (make sure auto updates in the play store is turned off first). You could also clear the data and force stop those apps to reset them.

 

[Mr Bojangles1]

Do you have an equalizer? I've noticed on my phone it I turn on bass boost the volume decreases significantly. Just a thought

 

[cbreze]

Do you have an equalizer? I've noticed on my phone it I turn on bass boost the volume decreases significantly. Just a thought

Good thought but no I don’t have that.

 

[cbreze]

I wonder if uninstalling updates from the app that handles the sound would help? I know pixels come with a sound booster, I just got an update for that app a few days ago. Every time you factory reset, the play store starts automatically updating apps... if you had an update causing the problem it would come back after every factory reset unless you go in and turn off auto updates in the play store as soon as you boot into the home screen after the reset. That's what I typically do... because I prefer to do it manually.

Maybe uninstall any updates to the sound booster app or any other sound related app you find (make sure auto updates in the play store is turned off first). You could also clear the data and force stop those apps to reset them.

Tried your suggestion and I’d swear it increased the sound a tiny bit, but I’m kinda hearing things by now. Lol. So probably more me being hopeful than actual volume gain.
I did try Graphene os for a bit just to see if de-googling the phone would help and no luck. However, I did get some better volume by installing a super loud ringtone app from the store. The only issue with that is while it does noticeably boost the volume the tones are all terrible, stuff like foghorn, train horn etc. but at least I won’t miss notifications. I’m pinning a lot of hope on pixel 7 being a good solution. I’ve heard they are using a subpar chip for the modem so I’ll be waiting to see on that before making any purchase. I can always go back to my iPhone 13 which randomly drops its data signal and makes me miss my WhatsApp messages, or do as an older brother did and say F it and get a dumb phone flip phone. Now there’s an idea!

EDIT: forgot to mention my do not disturb feature has decided to go all wonky also. It doesn’t turn off or go on as scheduled and won’t let one certain app break through. I’m thinking this device has had its run and time for a pixel 7.

 

[J Dubbs]

Tried your suggestion and I’d swear it increased the sound a tiny bit, but I’m kinda hearing things by now. Lol. So probably more me being hopeful than actual volume gain.
I did try Graphene os for a bit just to see if de-googling the phone would help and no luck. However, I did get some better volume by installing a super loud ringtone app from the store. The only issue with that is while it does noticeably boost the volume the tones are all terrible, stuff like foghorn, train horn etc. but at least I won’t miss notifications. I’m pinning a lot of hope on pixel 7 being a good solution. I’ve heard they are using a subpar chip for the modem so I’ll be waiting to see on that before making any purchase. I can always go back to my iPhone 13 which randomly drops its data signal and makes me miss my WhatsApp messages, or do as an older brother did and say F it and get a dumb phone flip phone. Now there’s an idea!

EDIT: forgot to mention my do not disturb feature has decided to go all wonky also. It doesn’t turn off or go on as scheduled and won’t let one certain app break through. I’m thinking this device has had its run and time for a pixel 7.

I picked up a dumb flip phone to use with my TracFone backup line.... there was some things I liked about it, mainly the flip aspect and size, which is a big part of the reason I picked up a Samsung Z Flip 3, but there were just too many things I was used to doing on smartphones that it couldn't do. So I put the SIM in my Moto Z3 Play instead

The pixel 6a seems to be a great phone... it's getting rave reviews. I just picked one up for my wife on sale for $400, I haven't set it up yet but I expect her to be quite happy with it. It would make a great backup phone if you still decided to pick up a 7

 

[cbreze]

I picked up a dumb flip phone to use with my TracFone backup line.... there was some things I liked about it, mainly the flip aspect and size, which is a big part of the reason I picked up a Samsung Z Flip 3, but there were just too many things I was used to doing on smartphones that it couldn't do. So I put the SIM in my Moto Z3 Play instead

The pixel 6a seems to be a great phone... it's getting rave reviews. I just picked one up for my wife on sale for $400, I haven't set it up yet but I expect her to be quite happy with it. It would make a great backup phone if you still decided to pick up a 7

If the 7 doesn’t turn out to be all I’m hoping for I was considering a 6A. Would be cheaper and that would be a plus. I hear the 7 will have face unlock but only one frontal camera so I’m not sure how well that would work. A lot definitely remains to be seen about the pixel 7.
On another note, my 4A now randomly is not alerting me to emails. This just started this morning. I think I will do another factory reset and if that doesn’t fix it, I’ll have to go back to the iPhone until I decide about the pixel 7. I can’t remember the last time I had this many issues with one phone.

 

[Mr Bojangles1]

Before you flash another rom you should revert back to stock and make sure it's updated to latest version. Flash stock on both slots. And then flash the custom rom

 

[J Dubbs]

If the 7 doesn’t turn out to be all I’m hoping for I was considering a 6A. Would be cheaper and that would be a plus. I hear the 7 will have face unlock but only one frontal camera so I’m not sure how well that would work. A lot definitely remains to be seen about the pixel 7.
On another note, my 4A now randomly is not alerting me to emails. This just started this morning. I think I will do another factory reset and if that doesn’t fix it, I’ll have to go back to the iPhone until I decide about the pixel 7. I can’t remember the last time I had this many issues with one phone.

I just had a similar "go round" with my Z Flip 3... it had some glitches after the update to 12 that I was tired of dealing with, and couldn't fix, so I decided to factory reset it. Man that thing gave me fits resetting it... the most trouble I've ever had with a phone But I did eventually whup it's butt into shape and so far it's working great. Sometimes you just have to let these phones know who's in charge

Samsungs aside though, have you already tried reflashing the stock pixel software from Google's site onto your phone? And when you factory reset don't restore anything, start fresh. With the multiple issues you're having, it sounds like a software issue vs hardware.

 

[cbreze]

I just had a similar "go round" with my Z Flip 3... it had some glitches after the update to 12 that I was tired of dealing with, and couldn't fix, so I decided to factory reset it. Man that thing gave me fits resetting it... the most trouble I've ever had with a phone But I did eventually whup it's butt into shape and so far it's working great. Sometimes you just have to let these phones know who's in charge

Samsungs aside though, have you already tried reflashing the stock pixel software from Google's site onto your phone? And when you factory reset don't restore anything, start fresh. With the multiple issues you're having, it sounds like a software issue vs hardware.

Well smashing it with a hammer would be a feel good moment but then, it wins.
Yeah I reflashed the stock software twice already. I have always been of the opinion to do a proper factory reset requires a total re-set up from stock. I think the pixel 7 releases soon so looking forward to getting some good user experiences.
Regarding both Sammy folds and having played with both for a time I’m one of those who just would never be able to get past the crease as well as the cheap feeling screen which reminds me of the old windows pro from 20 or so years ago using the stylus and pressing the screen and seeing it indent. I can never get past the iPhone notch either. To OCD I suppose. That and the fact it is Samsung, I’ve never had great experiences with any of their devices.
So come on 7!!! Roll them bones.

 

[spamcomesinacan01]

As the title suggests, I’m having a volume issue with my pixel 4A. A Google search is showing this is not unheard of as others have reported similar issues With various pixels. It makes the phone unusable and I’m sorry for that because it means I have to go back to my iPhone until the pixel 7 comes out and I decide whether I want to invest in that device. Has anyone else had the volume issue? Or heard of any possible fix.? I’ve been all over the Internet and have not found any fixes. I’ve tried sound boosting apps from the play store, several actually and none of them help at all.

My un-rooted Android 13 Pixel 6A's maximum volume dropped suddenly by half I'd guess. I'd fixed this issue before, but wasn't sure which tweak had helped or if the phone had fixed itself. By this time I only remembered messing with the two "sounds" (system?) apps so I started with those. I disabled app ;updates in the play store. I went into the settings and under Apps enabled "show system apps" and found two apps named "sounds" and cleared their storage and cache and uninstalled updates where possible. Nothing changed. I restarted and still there was no improvement. Then I looked in the play store app management and listed the updated apps by recent updating. Only Android System WebView had been updated at the approximate time that the issue began. When I uninstalled the update the music volume increased to the level from before the issue, but only for two seconds. I clicked uninstall repeatedly and each time the volume increased for a moment. I restarted the phone and manually reinstalled the update in the play store and the volume increased and stayed loud. It's seems fixed. I don't know if what I did with the sounds apps mattered at all, nor if the Android System WebView update was the issue or if it is something about the update process. I hope this helps you and anyone else that reads this.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central, and thanks for the tip! Android System Webview can definitely cause odd bugs (and often only on certain devices), so it's always a good idea to try uninstalling its updates to see if the problem goes away. Google frequently updates ASW, so these bugs often get resolved quickly with a subsequent update. It helps if you send them feedback after encountering a bug like this.

 

[GFire60]

I've had my Pixel 7 for about 6 months and it was working fine until this past month in which I've been plagued with this same volume drop problem. This typically occurs after 20-30 minutes of listening via my wired earbuds. My previous phone was a Moto G7 that had this same problem but I was able to fix by disabling the pre-installed digital nanny app, Digital Wellbeing. I again disabled the app but this didn't solve the problem. On another forum it was suggested that Google Assist be disabled for anything sound or microphone related but this didn't help either. I've also tried 3 different aux-usbc connectors without improvement. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.