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

1. Back up your device with iCloud or on your computer
2. Plug your device into a power source and make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update".
4. You may see two 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.