To unmute your iPhone 12, flip the Ring/Silent switch on the left side of the phone toward the front of the device so the orange indicator is no longer showing. This turns off Silent mode, allowing your iPhone to play sounds again.
How to unmute my iPhone 12 with the mute switch
The most direct way to unmute your iPhone 12 is to locate the Ring/Silent switch on the left side, just above the volume buttons. When the switch shows orange, Silent mode is on. Flip it toward the front of the phone to hide the orange indicator and turn off Silent mode. Once Silent mode is off, your iPhone will play sounds again, though it may still vibrate depending on your vibration settings. If the switch is in the upward position and the phone is still muted, it's possible that there may be an issue with the switch itself. It's worth toggling the switch back and forth a few times to ensure that it's not stuck in one position.
Adjusting volume settings
If your iPhone 12 is still quiet after turning off Silent mode, check your volume settings. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and use the volume slider to make the phone louder or quieter. For message sounds, go to Settings > Notifications > Messages > Sounds, then tap None to mute message tones or choose another sound to unmute them.
During a call, you can access the volume, mute and speaker controls directly on the call screen to adjust audio as needed. Resetting iPhone Settings path: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This process will revert all settings to their default values without affecting your personal data or media. Keep in mind that resetting your settings will require you to reconfigure certain preferences, such as Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and display settings.
Frequently asked questions
Does iPhone 12 have an Action button?
No. Apple’s support pages describe iPhone 12 as an “other model” that uses the Ring/Silent switch, not an Action button. Some newer iPhone models have an Action button instead, but that does not apply to iPhone 12.
Will alarms still sound in Silent mode?
Yes. Alarms set in the Clock app still sound even when Silent mode is on.
Can you mute only one sound type system-wide?
Apple says the general sound controls are separate, and for Messages it notes “You can’t mute only one” in that context. You can adjust individual app notification sounds in Settings > Notifications, but there is no system-wide setting to mute a single sound type.
How do I unmute my iPhone 12 during a call?
During a call, tap the microphone icon on the call screen to unmute your microphone. This allows the other party to hear you again.
What should I do if the mute switch is stuck or not working?
If the switch feels stuck or does not toggle smoothly, gently clean around it with a soft, dry cloth to remove any debris or dust. If the issue persists, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Related reading: How To Unmute My IPhone 11 and Where Is The Mute Button On IPhone 11.
