To turn up volume on wireless earbuds, use the dedicated touch controls or buttons built into the earbuds themselves. For most popular models, this involves a swipe gesture on the earbud's surface, while others require a tap-and-hold action that you may need to enable first in a companion app.
How to turn up volume on wireless earbuds: Quick reference
The table below lists the specific touch or gesture controls for popular wireless earbud models. If your earbuds are not listed, or if you prefer a universal method, you can always adjust volume using the connected device's physical buttons or on-screen slider.
- Apple AirPods Pro (2nd and 3rd Gen) and AirPods 5: Swipe up on the stem of either earbud.
- Google Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Buds Pro 2: Swipe forward on either earbud.
- Sony earbuds (e.g., LinkBuds S, WF-1000XM4): Assign the touch sensor function to "Volume Control" in the Sony | Headphones Connect app.
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Enable touch control volume in the Bose app (software version 4.2.4 or later), then tap and hold the right earbud for louder.
- Universal method: Use the volume buttons or on-screen slider on your connected smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Model-specific volume controls
Below are detailed step-by-step instructions for adjusting volume directly on the most common wireless earbud models.
Apple AirPods Pro
On AirPods Pro (2nd and 3rd Gen) and AirPods 5, simply swipe up or down on the stem of either AirPod to raise or lower the volume. This gesture works regardless of which earbud you use.
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Note that Pixel Buds A-Series do not have on-earbud swipe controls; you must adjust volume via the connected device or by saying "Hey Google."
Samsung Galaxy Buds
Samsung Galaxy Buds models require you to customize the "Touch and hold" gesture within the Galaxy Wearable app. Open the app, select your earbuds, and assign the gesture to "Volume up" or "Volume down." Once set, tapping and holding the designated earbud will adjust the volume.
Sony earbuds
For Sony models such as the LinkBuds S and WF-1000XM4, open the Sony | Headphones Connect app. Navigate to the touch sensor settings and assign the "Volume Control" function to either the left or right earbud. After this setup, you can use the assigned touch sensor to increase or decrease volume.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
Once enabled, tap and hold the right earbud to make the volume louder, and tap and hold the left earbud to make it softer.
Using your connected device to adjust volume
All wireless earbuds can have their volume adjusted using the volume controls on the connected smartphone, tablet, or computer. Press the physical volume up button on your device, or use the on-screen slider in your media player or system settings. This method works universally and is especially useful for earbuds without on-earbud controls, such as the Pixel Buds A-Series.
Using voice assistants for volume control
Voice assistants provide a hands-free way to adjust volume. For Apple AirPods, activate Siri and say, "Turn up the volume." For Pixel Buds and other Android-connected earbuds, say "Hey Google, increase the volume." The assistant will then raise the volume on your earbuds to the requested level.
Troubleshooting low volume on wireless earbuds
If the volume is still too low even at maximum settings, try these common fixes:
- Check device volume settings: Ensure the volume on your connected smartphone, tablet, or computer is not muted or set to a low level. Sometimes the device volume is independent of the earbud volume.
- Ensure proper fit and seal: A loose fit can cause sound leakage and make the volume seem quieter. Adjust the earbuds to create a tight seal in your ear canal.
- Clean the earbuds: Debris or earwax blocking the speaker mesh can reduce volume. Gently clean the earbuds with a soft, dry cloth or a small brush.
- Reset your earbuds: Performing a factory reset can resolve software glitches that affect volume. Refer to your user manual for the specific reset procedure.
- Update firmware: Check for firmware updates in your earbuds' companion app. Manufacturers release updates that fix bugs and improve performance, including volume issues.
- Contact support: If none of the above steps work, reach out to the manufacturer's customer support for further assistance with troubleshooting wireless earbuds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn up the volume on my wireless earbuds if they don't have physical buttons?
Use the volume controls on your connected device, or use a voice assistant like Siri or Google Assistant to command a volume change. Some models also allow you to assign touch gestures for volume control through their companion app.
Why is the volume on my wireless earbuds low even at maximum?
This is often caused by a poor ear seal, blocked speaker grilles, or independent volume limits on the connected device. Check the fit, clean the earbuds, and verify that your phone's media volume is also turned up.
Can I control volume directly on my wireless earbuds without a phone?
Yes, if your earbuds have built-in touch controls or buttons for volume. Models like AirPods Pro (swipe stem), Pixel Buds Pro (swipe forward), and customized Samsung Galaxy Buds or Sony earbuds allow direct on-earbud volume adjustment.
Are there any specific settings I need to adjust to increase the volume on my wireless earbuds?
For some models, you must enable volume control in the companion app. For example, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds require enabling touch control volume in the Bose app, and Sony earbuds need the touch sensor assigned to "Volume Control" in the Headphones Connect app.
Can I use my wireless earbuds to answer calls while adjusting volume?
Yes. For instructions on managing calls, including volume control during a conversation, see our guide on answer calls with wireless earbuds. For initial setup, refer to our article on pairing wireless earbuds.
For the wider topic, see troubleshooting wireless earbuds.
