So, your phone's on vibrate mode, but nothing's shakin'? Try these tips from our in-house tech experts for a quick fix.
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Check the silent and vibrate modes
Update your device's software
Check the Silent and Vibrate modes
iOS devices
Here's how to check if your device is in the correct mode:
- Verify that the "Silent Mode" is off:
- If your phone has a "Ring switch", move the switch forwards so that the orange bar is hidden.
- You can also use "Control Center" to check if the "Silent Mode" is turned on.
- Double-check that the “Do Not Disturb” mode is off:
- Go to "Settings" > "Focus" > "Do Not Disturb".
- Verify that it is turned off.
If the problem is the vibrate mode:
- Go to "Settings" > "Sounds & Haptics" (for older iPhones, go to "Settings" > "Sounds").
- You can select if you want your phone to vibrate when it’s on Ring and/or Silent modes.
- When you turn off both settings your phone won’t vibrate anymore.
If the problem is the speaker mode:
- Go to "Settings" > "Sounds & Haptics" (for older iPhones, go to "Settings" > "Sounds").
- Slide the “Ringer and Alerts” slider back and forth a few times.
- If you're still unable to hear anything, or if your speaker button on the "Ringer and Alerts" slider is dull, refer to the next step.
- If you can hear something, try making a phone call with the speakerphone on.
- If you're using an iPad or iPod touch, make a call using FaceTime.
- If you hear some crackling or if you can’t hear anything at all, then the issue could be related to your network — try calling later in a different location.
Android devices
Here's how to check if your device is in the correct mode:
- Check if "Silent Mode" is off:
- Go to "Settings" > "Sounds".
- The Silent Mode button is gray when it’s turned off — if it is blue, click the button to turn it off.
- Check if the “Do Not Disturb” mode is off:
- Go to "Settings" > "Sounds" > "Do Not Disturb".
- The button should be gray when it’s turned off; if it's blue, click the button to turn it off.
Update your device's software
iOS devices
- Back up your device with iCloud or on your computer
- Plug your device into a power source and make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update".
- You may see 2 software updates, pick the one you want to install.
Android devices
- Go to "Settings" > "System" > "System update".
- You’ll be able to see your update status — follow the steps that appear on the screen.