To enable speaker mode on an iPhone 13, tap the speaker button on the active call screen in the Phone app. This is the direct, Apple-documented way to switch your call audio to the built-in speakerphone, freeing your hands and letting others in the room hear the conversation.
How to enable speaker mode on an iPhone 13 during a call
Speaker mode is a simple toggle that redirects your call audio from the small earpiece at the top of the phone to the louder, built-in speaker at the bottom. This is ideal for hands-free conversations, sharing a call with someone nearby, or when you simply need better audio clarity in a noisy environment.
- Open the Phone app and start or answer a call as you normally would.
- Once the call is connected, look at the active call screen.
- Tap the speaker button on the call screen to switch to the speakerphone.
Apple’s iPhone user guide confirms this is the correct method, stating, “Tap the speaker button to switch to the speakerphone.” The same in-call control applies to all recent iPhone models, and there is no iPhone 13-specific restriction on using speakerphone. The speaker button gives you immediate access to the volume, mute and speaker controls you need to manage your call.
How to switch to a Bluetooth device instead
If you have a Bluetooth headset, speaker, or car kit paired with your iPhone 13, you can route your call audio to that device instead of the built-in speakerphone. This is useful when you want a private conversation through a wireless earpiece or a more powerful audio experience through an external speaker.
- While on a call, tap the audio button on the active call screen.
- Select your connected Bluetooth device from the list that appears.
Apple’s documentation notes that during a call you can “tap the audio button to switch to a connected Bluetooth device.” This gives you a flexible alternative to the speakerphone, letting you choose the best audio source for your current situation. If no external device is connected, the audio button typically lets you switch between the earpiece speaker and the speakerphone. For Android, Google Voice documents a similar in-call control: during a call, tap Sound to change the audio device, and if no external device is connected, audio switches between the earpiece speaker and speakerphone. Google Voice also notes that built-in speakerphone is one of the supported audio options, and USB audio devices may work depending on the mobile device's model and manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I adjust the volume while in speaker mode?
Use the physical volume buttons on the side of your iPhone 13 to raise or lower the speaker volume during a call. The change applies immediately to the active call audio.
Can I use speaker mode on a FaceTime call?
Yes, the same speaker button is available on the FaceTime call screen. Tap it to route the FaceTime audio through the iPhone’s built-in speaker instead of the earpiece.
Can I enable speaker mode before answering an incoming call?
No. Apple’s documented method requires you to answer the call first, then tap the speaker button on the active call screen. There is no separate pre-answer speakerphone setup for the iPhone 13.
Does speaker mode turn off automatically?
Speaker mode stays on for the duration of the call unless you tap the speaker button again to turn it off. It does not have a built-in timer that disables it automatically.
Related reading: Where Is The Speaker Icon On An IPhone? and How To Turn On Speaker Phone.
