Ringer volume stuck at zero? Using Square?

[exapplerep]

If your phone volume has been working properly but, periodically, the ringer volume drops to zero and you can't seem to adjust it back to where you want it without rebooting your phone, this may be the answer.

On my phone, I use the Square app (and their card swiper) to accept credit card charges. Apparently, when I'm done with the charge I press the soft-home button and remove the card swiper. But what I didn't realize was happening is that, by leaving the app running, the app has hijacked my ringer and all other sounds the phone normally makes. I think (but am not positive) making a phone call did permit audio through the earpiece.

I ended up having to reboot the phone until I realized what had happened. Tonight I decided to check all other running apps and saw that Square was still running. As soon as I swiped it away, all normal audio settings were restored.

So, if you run Square and also have some strange audio settings appearing from nowhere, check that you've actually quit the Square app.

Hope this helps others.

Barry
2014 Nexus 5 - Android 5.1.1 (Back from Marshmallow, thank the stars!)