How you turn off Silent Mode depends on the iPhone model. Models with a traditional Ring/Silent switch use the physical switch. Supported newer models use an Action button instead, and Silent Mode can also be controlled in Settings on those devices.
iPhone with a Ring/Silent Switch
- Find the Ring/Silent switch on the left side of the iPhone.
- Flip the switch toward the front of the iPhone.
- Check the on-screen Silent Mode indicator.
When the switch is positioned toward the back and orange is visible, Silent Mode is on. Moving it toward the front turns Silent Mode off.
iPhone with an Action Button
On supported models, the Action button replaces the Ring/Silent switch. If the Action button is assigned to Silent Mode, press and hold it to switch between Silent and Ring. You can configure its function in Settings > Action Button.
Turn Silent Mode Off in Settings
On Action-button models, Apple also provides a Silent Mode control under Settings > Sounds & Haptics. Turn Silent Mode off there if the Action button has been assigned to a different function.
Silent Mode Is Not the Same as Focus
Turning off Silent Mode does not automatically turn off Do Not Disturb or another Focus. If calls or notifications are still being silenced, open Control Center and check the current Focus settings.
Check Ringtone and Alert Volume
If Silent Mode is off but alerts are still difficult to hear, review Settings > Sounds & Haptics and the ringtone/alert volume. Silent Mode and volume are separate controls.
Some Sounds Can Still Play in Silent Mode
Apple notes that alarms, audio apps, many games, and certain regional or emergency sounds can still use the speaker even when Silent Mode is enabled.
Summary
On an iPhone with a Ring/Silent switch, move the switch toward the front. On an Action-button model, use the Action button when assigned to Silent Mode or turn Silent Mode off under Sounds & Haptics. Check Focus separately if calls remain silenced.