Why calls sound muffled but music is fine
Your phone has (at least) two speakers: the big bottom loudspeaker for music, and the small ear speaker at the top for calls. If calls sound distant but music plays loud and clear, the ear speaker mesh is clogged — usually with pocket lint, makeup, or earwax pressed in over months.
Safe cleaning method
1. Use the Ear Speaker mode
Run our gentle ear-speaker cleaning program — a low-intensity 165 Hz pulse designed for the smaller, more delicate call speaker. Hold the phone with the earpiece facing down.
2. Soft brush for the surface
After the sound treatment, gently sweep the earpiece slit with a clean, dry soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45° angle. This lifts loosened debris the sound shook free.
3. What NOT to do
Never poke the mesh with needles, pins or toothpicks — you’ll puncture it. Never use liquids, alcohol or compressed air at close range; you can drive debris deeper or damage the membrane.
Test your fix
Call your voicemail or play a voice memo. Voices should sound crisp, not “in a tunnel.” If one side is still muffled after two cleaning rounds, the mesh may be physically damaged — a repair shop can replace it cheaply.