To turn on speaker phone during a call on any modern smartphone, tap the speaker icon that appears on the call screen. This instantly routes the audio through the device's built-in loudspeaker, allowing you to talk hands-free without holding the phone to your ear.
How to turn on speaker phone during a call
Once a call is connected, the call screen displays several controls. Tapping this button activates the speakerphone, and the icon usually changes color or highlights to confirm it is on. To turn it off, simply tap the same button again to return audio to the earpiece. This universal method works on virtually all modern smartphones, including models that are not the latest flagships. On landline phones, press the 'Speaker' button on the phone's keypad to switch to speakerphone mode.
Activating speaker phone on an iPhone
On an iPhone, the speakerphone option is part of the call audio controls. During a call in the Phone app or FaceTime, tap the Audio button on the call screen. A menu appears listing available audio devices; tap Speaker to route the call through the iPhone's loudspeaker. The same menu lets you switch back to the earpiece or select a connected Bluetooth device. On iPhone, the speakerphone button is located in the bottom right corner of the call screen.
Routing a call to a HomePod
If you have a HomePod, you can send a call there for a speakerphone-style experience. First, confirm your iPhone or iPad has Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth turned on, and that both devices are on the same Wi‑Fi network. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity and turn on Transfer to HomePod. During a call, tap Audio in the Phone or FaceTime app and choose your HomePod from the list. You can also hold your iPhone near the top of the HomePod to transfer the call automatically.
iPhone call audio modes
On supported iPhones (iPhone XR, iPhone XS models, and later) running iOS 16.4 or later, you can choose a microphone mode during a call. Tap the screen during a call, then tap Mic Mode and select Voice Isolation to minimize background noise. If your iPhone has iOS 18 or later, Automatic Mic Mode is also available. Note that Wide Spectrum mode is not available for phone calls.
Activating speaker phone on an Android phone
On Android devices, the speakerphone button is typically found on the in-call screen. Tap it once to activate speakerphone. On Android, the speakerphone icon typically resembles a speaker or has the word 'Speaker' written on it. Because Android manufacturers customize the phone app, the exact look and placement of this button can vary. For example, some phones place it at the bottom of the call screen, while others put it in a pull-up menu. If you cannot find it, check the call screen's overflow menu (often three dots) for a "Speaker" option. On Windows Phone, tap the three-dot menu at the bottom right corner of the screen and select 'Speaker'. The built-in speakerphone is a standard call audio device supported by Android, along with Bluetooth headsets, 3.5 mm headsets, and some USB audio devices (depending on the device model and manufacturer). On Android, additional speakerphone settings like audio balance, equalizer, or noise cancellation may be found in the Phone app's Settings or Call Settings.
What to do if speaker phone has no sound
If you turn on speakerphone but hear no audio, start with the simplest fix: press the physical volume-up button on the side of your phone during the call. The speakerphone volume may be turned all the way down. On Android, you can adjust the speakerphone volume by tapping the volume controls on the call screen interface. On an iPhone, you can also check Settings > Sounds (or Settings > Sounds & Haptics) and make sure the volume slider is not set too low. On iPhone, you can control the speaker volume with the physical volume buttons by toggling 'Change with Buttons' in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringer and Alerts. If you can hear sound through the earpiece but not the speaker, the speakerphone function is working, just adjust the volume. If there is still no sound, try ending the call and making a new one, as a temporary software glitch can sometimes mute the speaker. For persistent issues, restarting the phone often resolves the problem. Note that on some older devices, including basic flip phones, the speakerphone button may be a dedicated physical button on the keypad rather than a screen icon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is speakerphone?
Speakerphone is a feature that routes call audio through a device's built-in loudspeaker instead of the small earpiece speaker. This allows you to talk without holding the phone to your ear and lets others in the room hear the conversation.
Can I use speakerphone for all calls?
Yes, speakerphone can be used for any type of call, including regular voice calls, video calls, and conference calls. It is a standard option on all modern smartphones and many landline phones.
Does speakerphone use more battery?
Yes, using speakerphone generally consumes more battery than a normal earpiece call because the loudspeaker requires more power. However, the difference is usually small and unlikely to be noticeable during a typical call.
Can I use speakerphone without being on a call?
Most smartphones allow you to activate the speakerphone independently of a call. This is useful for listening to music, watching videos, or using voice assistants hands-free. On Android, you can often find a speakerphone toggle in the quick settings menu. On iPhone, the speaker is automatically used for media playback when no headphones are connected.
Why does my speakerphone sound muffled or echo?
A muffled sound often means the speaker grille is blocked by a case or debris. Check that the small speaker opening at the bottom or back of your phone is clean and unobstructed. Echo can occur if the microphone picks up sound from the speaker; lowering the volume or moving the phone away from your face usually resolves this.
For the wider topic, see using basic flip phones.
