Apple Music works on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Windows computers, and Android phones. And while it offers millions of songs and great playlists, some people find that the music sounds too quiet. (Wondering why? We'll explain.)
But don't worry—you don't have to be stuck listening to your favorite tracks at a low volume. We've put together easy ways to make Apple Music louder so you can get the full experience.
A few quick things before we start: some of these tips might be familiar if you like to change your phone or computer settings. But many people don't know these tricks yet. Also, these tips will work on almost any device where you use Apple Music—like iPhones, Android phones, Macs, or Windows computers. And they often work for other music apps too. Just remember to keep your volume at a safe level and take care of your hearing!
Part 1. Why Is Apple Music So Quiet?
Dolby Atmos and Dynamic Sound:
Apple Music uses Dolby Atmos to create a more open, immersive sound with a wide dynamic range. This means the quiet parts of a song can be very soft, and the loud parts much louder. Because of this, some Dolby Atmos mixes may sound quieter than usual.
For example, on certain TVs or sound systems, you might notice soft passages that feel like a quiet whisper during louder scenes.
Sound Check Volume Normalization:
Sound Check tries to keep all songs at a similar volume to avoid sudden changes. But for songs already mastered quietly, it can make them sound even softer.
For example, a low-volume track might get turned down further, making it hard to hear.
Headphone Safety Limits:
iPhones and iPads have a setting to protect your hearing by limiting max volume when using headphones. If your Bluetooth device is mistakenly identified as headphones, this limit can reduce your volume without you knowing.
For example, Bluetooth speakers might be treated like headphones, causing the volume to drop unexpectedly.
Device-Specific Volume Issues:
On some devices like iPhones or MacBooks, Apple Music may sound quieter than other apps. This can happen due to software updates or device settings that affect volume. Dolby Atmos mixes and EQ settings can also change how loud music seems on different devices.
For example, after an update, Apple Music might play noticeably quieter than Spotify on the same device.
Equalizer Presets Affect Volume:
Apple Music's Equalizer has presets that change how music sounds. Some, like "Acoustic," "Classical," "Jazz," "Pop," or "Vocal Booster," can lower volume by reducing certain frequencies.
For example, the "Acoustic" preset cuts bass and lower mids to create a more natural sound, which can make music seem softer even if the volume is turned up.
Part 2. How to Make Apple Music Louder
Additional Tips:
- Use the Health app to monitor your headphone audio levels for safe listening.
- Ensure Bluetooth devices are classified correctly (as headphones or speakers) to avoid unnecessary volume limits.
Method 1: Adjust Device Volume Settings
Start with the basics: make sure your device volume is turned all the way up. Check your iPhone's side buttons and mute switch, or your Android's volume settings. If you're using built-in speakers, avoid blocking them with your case, hand, or soft surfaces. Even clearing out dust from the speaker grille can make a noticeable difference in clarity and loudness.
For iPhone/iPad (iOS):
- Make sure the speaker isn't blocked by your case, hand, or a surface. Bulky or raised cases can muffle the sound.
- Flip the Ring/Silent switch (on the side) to Ring mode (no orange showing). Silent mode may mute audio.
- Clean the speaker grille at the bottom of your device with a soft brush or dry cloth to remove dust or debris.
- Press the Volume Up button repeatedly until the on-screen indicator shows full volume.
- Open the Apple Music app and play a song. Adjust further if needed.
For Android Devices:
- Ensure the speaker area is clear and clean it gently if necessary.
- Press the Volume Up button on the side until the volume reaches maximum.
- Open Apple Music and play a track to confirm it sounds as loud as expected.
For Mac:
- Check that nothing is covering the Mac's speakers. Clean them gently if needed.
- Use the Volume Up (F12) key until the volume hits the maximum level.
- Open Apple Music and play a song to check the sound. Adjust as needed.
For Windows PC:
- Make sure your speakers aren't blocked and clean them if necessary.
- Click the speaker icon on the taskbar and slide the volume to the top, or use your keyboard's volume controls.
- Play a track in Apple Music to test the volume and adjust again if necessary.
Method 2: Disable Sound Check
Sound Check levels out song volumes so everything plays at a similar loudness. While useful for consistency, it often reduces the punch of louder tracks. If your music sounds too soft or flat, go to Settings > Music and turn off Sound Check—you may instantly notice more volume and depth.
For Mac:
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Click Music in the menu bar and choose Preferences or Settings.
- Go to the Playback tab.
- Check or uncheck Sound Check to enable or disable it.
- Play a song to compare the change.
For iPhone/iPad (iOS):
- Open Settings > Music.
- Toggle Sound Check on or off based on your preference.
- Play a track in Apple Music to hear the difference.
Method 3: Disable Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos adds spatial audio effects, but on some devices, it can lower volume or make tracks feel distant. If you're not using premium headphones or simply prefer a more direct sound, try turning it off under Settings > Music > Dolby Atmos. Many users find their music sounds louder and clearer without it.
For iPhone/iPad (iOS):
- Go to Settings > Music.
- Tap Dolby Atmos and set it to Off.
For Mac:
- Open Apple Music.
- Go to Music > Preferences or Settings > Playback.
- Under Dolby Atmos, choose Off.
For Apple TV:
- Open Settings > Apps > Music.
- Turn Dolby Atmos off.
For HomePod:
- On your iPhone, open the Home app.
- Tap the Home icon > Home Settings > your name.
- Tap Apple Music, then toggle off Dolby Atmos.
Turning off Dolby Atmos will play songs in stereo, which may improve volume consistency and clarity.
Method 4: Change Music Equalizer (EQ) Settings
EQ presets can boost volume and enhance sound. For example, "Late Night" compresses audio to raise quieter parts—perfect for noisy environments or small speakers. Go to Settings > Music > EQ and try different presets until your sound feels just right.
For iPhone/iPad (iOS):
- Open Settings > Music > EQ.
- Choose a volume-boosting preset like Late Night or Loudness:
- Late Night raises quieter parts but compresses dynamic range.
- Loudness increases volume with less compression.
- Open Apple Music and play a song to test. Adjust as needed.
For Android Devices:
- Open the Apple Music app and tap your profile icon.
- Navigate to Settings > Sound & Vibration > Audio Effects (availability varies by device).
- Select a preset like Bass Booster or Loudness Enhancer.
- If available, adjust sliders to boost volume and frequencies.
- Play music to test and fine-tune.
For Mac:
- Open Apple Music.
- Click Window > Equalizer.
- Choose a preset like Loudness or Rock, or adjust sliders manually.
- Play music and tweak EQ settings for best results.
For Windows PC:
- Start playing music in Apple Music.
- Go to the View tab > Show Equalizer.
- Choose a preset like Loudness, or manually boost midrange and bass.
- Listen as you adjust and make further changes as needed.
Method 5: Check Headphone Safety Settings
iOS includes a safety feature that can limit volume when using headphones. If your music seems unusually quiet, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety and review the "Reduce Loud Sounds" setting. You can turn it off or increase the volume cap—but keep in mind it may reset after updates.
For iPhone/iPad (iOS):
- Open Settings > Sounds & Haptics (or Sounds on older models).
- Tap Headphone Safety.
- Toggle Reduce Loud Sounds on or off. If on, choose your preferred decibel cap (e.g., 85 dB).
- You can also toggle Headphone Notifications on or off—but this may not be adjustable in all regions due to local laws.
Part 3. Other Ways to Make Apple Music Louder
If your volume still isn't where you want it after adjusting in-app and device settings, try these additional methods to amplify your Apple Music experience.
Option 1: Connect Apple Music to an Amplifier or External Speaker
Using an amplifier or external speaker is one of the best ways to make Apple Music sound louder and clearer. Whether it's a Bluetooth speaker, smart speaker like HomePod or Sonos, or a wired audio system, these devices deliver much better sound than your phone or tablet alone.
At home, connecting to a quality speaker can fill the room with rich audio. You can use Bluetooth, AirPlay (on Apple devices), or Chromecast (on supported Android and smart devices) to stream music directly. You can also connect via an audio cable for a wired setup.
For iPhone or iPad (iOS)
You can connect your iPhone or iPad to a speaker or amp using Bluetooth, AirPlay, or a wired cable.
How to pair with Bluetooth or AirPlay:
- Choose a speaker or amplifier that supports Bluetooth or AirPlay.
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.
- Put your speaker or amp into pairing mode.
- Select the device name from the Bluetooth list on your screen.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center.
- Tap the AirPlay icon (a triangle with circles) and select your AirPlay-compatible speaker.
For Android Devices
Android phones can also connect to amps or external speakers using Bluetooth or a standard 3.5mm audio cable.
How to pair with Bluetooth or Chromecast:
- Choose a speaker or amplifier that supports Bluetooth or Chromecast.
- On your Android device, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth and turn it on.
- Put your speaker or amplifier into pairing mode (for Bluetooth) or make sure your Chromecast device is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network (for Chromecast).
- For Bluetooth, select the device name from the Bluetooth list on your screen.
- For Chromecast, open the Apple Music app, tap the Cast icon (usually a rectangle with waves), and select your Chromecast-compatible device.
Pro Tip: How to Connect with a Cable:
- If your device doesn't have a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, connect the appropriate adapter first:
- For iPhone/iPad, use a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter.
- For Android devices without a headphone jack, use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter if needed.
- Plug the 3.5mm audio cable into your device or adapter.
- Connect the other end of the audio cable to your amplifier or external speaker.
- Make sure your amplifier or speaker is set to the correct input source (e.g., AUX or Line-In).
- Open the Apple Music app and play a song.
Adjust the volume using the amplifier's or speaker's controls to achieve louder, richer sound.
Option 2: Boost Apple Music Volume Using 3rd-Party Software
Apple Music doesn't offer built-in volume boosting beyond system limits, but desktop apps like Audacity let you amplify quieter parts without losing balance, giving you precise control over your music's sound.
Tool Required: ViWizard Apple Music Converter
Along with Audacity, you'll need ViWizard Apple Music Converter. It's a great solution if you want more control over volume and want to customize Apple Music tracks for use outside the Apple ecosystem. It converts streaming songs, iTunes purchases, and uploaded tracks while preserving lossless audio and metadata like track titles and album art. ViWizard keeps the volume levels consistent on your PC or Mac, making your entire music library louder.
After conversion, import the files into Audacity or similar editors. While Apple Music won't let you edit volume directly, these tools unlock your songs for full customization—making your listening experience truly personal.
A full-featured Apple Music converter that easily converts Apple Music songs, albums, playlists—including iCloud Music Library content, personalized recommendations, and curated playlists—into MP3, M4A, M4B, WAV, AIFF, and FLAC so you can keep your Apple Music forever or transfer it to any device without restrictions.
Step 1Install ViWizard and Log In to Apple Music
Begin by downloading and installing ViWizard Apple Music Converter on your Windows or Mac computer. After launching the app, sign in to the built-in Apple Music web player using your Apple ID linked to your Apple Music subscription. This grants the converter access to your entire music library for seamless conversion.
Step 2Choose MP3 as the Output Format
Go to the settings menu (usually at the top-right corner) and select MP3 as your output format. MP3 ensures wide compatibility and easy editing later. You can also customize audio quality by adjusting bit rate, sample rate, and channels. To keep synced lyrics with your tracks, enable the option to save lyrics if available. Save your preferences before moving on.
Step 3Select and Add Songs for Conversion
Browse your Apple Music library within ViWizard and pick the songs, albums, or playlists you want to convert. Use the "+" button to add them to the conversion queue. Once your selection is ready, click Convert to start downloading and converting your music. ViWizard processes multiple tracks simultaneously, making it efficient to build your personal MP3 library.
Step 4Access and Manage Your Converted Files
After conversion finishes, open the History section to view your completed downloads. From here, you can quickly access the output folder containing your DRM-free MP3 files. These files retain key details like album art, track info, and synced lyrics (when available), making them easy to organize and edit with your favorite audio tools.
You May Be Interested
Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
Leave a Comment (0)