How to Fix Apple Music Volume Low in 8 Ways

By James Blair Updated on 2026-10-19 / Post for Apple Music Tips

Is Apple Music volume too low or too quiet on your iPhone, computer, or Bluetooth headphones? If you've run into this, you may be wondering how to make Apple Music louder without sacrificing sound quality. Fortunately, you can try several simple fixes before changing your listening setup.

In this guide, we'll explain why Apple Music sounds low, show you how to increase its volume and make Apple Music louder on iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows.

how to make apple music louder

Part 1. Why Is Apple Music Volume Low?

If you're wondering, "Why does Apple Music sound low even at maximum volume?", several factors may be responsible.

1. Low Volume Control Settings: Your device's volume limit or headphone safety settings may be restricting maximum output. iPhones and iPads have volume limiters to protect your hearing, but these settings can make your music quieter than desired. If this feature is enabled, it's important to turn it off to achieve higher volume.

2. Audio Format & Sound Effect Issues: Features like Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio deliver high-definition sound with wider dynamic range, but this often results in lower overall volume - especially on smaller speakers or basic headphones. This explains why many users find Apple Music Dolby Atmos too quiet. To fix this, you can convert Apple Music songs to MP3, WAV, or other popular format (see Method 8 for step-by-step instructions).

2. Incorrect Volume Settings: Apple Music, your device, and your connected headphones or speakers may have separate volume controls.

3. Wrong Equalizer Settings: The EQ settings in the Apple Music app can also affect volume. Some EQ presets are designed to highlight different frequencies, which can inadvertently lower the overall volume. For example, presets that boost bass might reduce mid-range and high frequencies, making the music sound quieter.

5. Incompatible Connection of External Devices: When using external devices like Bluetooth speakers or wireless headphones, the connection quality can affect the volume. Poor Bluetooth signal strength or outdated software on external devices might lead to low sound output. Additionally, some Bluetooth codecs may compress the audio, lowering its volume.

6. Differences Between Songs: Music tracks are mixed and mastered differently. As a result, one song may sound quieter than another even when the volume setting stays the same.

Apart from the reasons mentioned above, other Apple Music basic volume controls such as Sound Check, Volume Balance, etc. may also cause the Apple Music volume to sound low. But don't worry, you can try the following 8 solutions to make Apple Music louder!

Part 2. How to Make Apple Music Louder on iPhone/Android/Mac/Windows

If Apple Music volume is too low, start by checking your playback volume and device settings. You can then adjust the equalizer, review Sound Check and Dolby Atmos, or troubleshoot your headphones and speakers. The following eight fixes cover common ways to make Apple Music louder on different devices.

Fix 1. Check Your Device and Apple Music Volume

Before changing any advanced settings, make sure the volume is turned up on both Apple Music and your playback device. Some headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and car stereos also have independent volume controls.

apple music volume control on apple music app

  • On iPhone/iPad: Play a song and press the volume-up button. You can also open Control Center and adjust the volume slider.
  • On Android: Play a song, press the volume-up button, and make sure you're adjusting media volume rather than ringtone volume or notification volume.
  • On Mac: Open Apple Music and move the playback volume slider to the right. Then check the system volume under System Settings > Sound.
  • increase apple music volume on mac

  • On Windows: Increase the volume using the speaker icon in the taskbar. If Apple Music still sounds lower than other apps, open Volume Mixer in the system sound settings and check whether Apple Music has a lower volume level.
  • On External Speakers/Headphones/Devices: Check whether your headphones, speakers, or car stereo have independent volume controls. Increase their volume if necessary, and make sure the correct audio output device is selected. If Apple Music still sounds too quiet after you check these settings, continue with the following fixes.

Fix 2. Disable Volume Limit on Your Devices [iOS]

The iOS Volume Limit Setting is a feature that allows you to set a maximum volume level for your device. This contributes to protecting your hearing or preventing others from turning the volume up too loud. But it may also cause the Apple Music volume low issue. Read the following tutorial to close it.

Step 1. Head to the Settings app on iOS devices.

Step 2. Select the Music icon.

Step 3. Under the 'PLAYBACK' section, opt to turn off the 'Volume Limit'.

turn off volume limit to make apple music louder

Fix 3. Disable Headphone Safety Feature

When listening to Apple Music with AirPods or other headphones, please check if you have the Headphone Safety feature enabled. Headphone Safety refers to listening at safe volume levels to protect your ears while using headphones or earbuds.

Note:

Headphone safety features help reduce the risk of hearing damage. Avoid raising the volume to an uncomfortable level simply to compensate for noisy surroundings.

Step 1. Head over to the Settings app on phones and choose 'Sounds & Haptics'.

Step 2. Under the 'Headphone Audio' section, click on the 'Headphone Safety' tab.

Step 3. Get the 'Reduce Loud Sounds' off. Then you can boost the volume to make Apple Music sound louder.

disable headphone safety for airpods

Fix 4. Use Apple Music Equalizer

An equalizer (EQ) changes the balance of different sound frequencies. Depending on the music and your headphones or speakers, an appropriate EQ preset can make vocals or other details easier to hear. However, Apple Music Equalizers do not guarantee a higher overall volume.

On iPhone/iPad

Step 1. Navigate to Settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Pick the 'Music' icon to a new page.

Step 3. From the 'AUDIO' section, choose 'EQ'.

Step 4. Enable 'Late Night' from the EQ list.

turn on apple music eq settings on ios

On Android

It's a pity that the Apple Music Equalizer is offline on Android devices. But you can still adjust the equalizer on your Android settings to increase Apple Music volume.

Step 1. Go to Settings on your Android devices.

Step 2. Tap Sound & Touch > Sound Effect > Graphic Equalizer. Then you can select a Preset option or adjust it manually to make Apple Music louder.

android equalizer

Note:

The actual settings may vary from different systems and models, you can try to find related settings if you can't find the one mentioned above.

On Mac

Step 1. On the Apple Music Mac app, pick 'Window' and then 'Equalizer'.

Step 2. From the pop-up window, set the present as 'Bass Booster'.

Step 3. Drag the right Preamp slider up to a desired level to increase Apple Music volume.

turn on apple music eq settings on mac

On Windows

Step 1. Launch the Apple Music/iTunes on your Windows computer.

Step 2. Tap the View at menu bar > Show Equalizer. Then choose a preset option or drag the slider to adjust manually.

Step 3. Click the On option to enable the equalizer setting.

adjust apple music equalizer on pc to increase the volume

Fix 5. Turn Off Apple Music Dolby Atmos/Lossless Audio Quality

Wondering why Apple Music Dolby Atmos sounds lower and quieter? Some stereo versions of songs can sound louder than their Dolby Atmos counterparts. The difference depends on the mix and playback setup, so switching to stereo is worth testing when a particular track sounds unusually quiet.

Note:

Because Lossless Audio preserves a wider dynamic range, quiet moments in a track may sound softer compared to compressed lossy formats.

On iPhone/iPad

Step 1. Go to the Settings app > Music.

Step 2. Scroll down until you view 'AUDIO'. Then switch the 'Dolby Atmos' option off.

Step 3. Click on the below 'Audio Quality' tab.

Step 4. Disable 'Lossless Quality'.

reset apple music audio quality to increase volume on ios

On Android

Step 1. Open Apple Music and tap Settings hidden at the top right three-dot icon.

Step 2. Turn off the Spatial audio under the Audio section.

apple music spatial audio on android

On Mac

Step 1. On Apple Music, tap on 'Music' and choose 'Preferences or Music' > 'Settings'.

Step 2. Switch to the 'Playback' section.

Step 3. Set 'Dolby Atmos' off.

Step 4. De-select the 'Lossless audio' option.

reset apple music audio quality to increase volume on mac

On Windows

Step 1. Open the Apple Music app on your computer.

Step 2. Click Settings > Audio Quality > Turn off the Lossless audio.

apple music lossless audio on windows

Fix 6. Turn On/Off Apple Music Sound Check Feature [iOS]

Have you ever encountered Apple Music volume fluctuates among songs in a playlist? Sound Check is designed to level out the volume between tracks, but it can sometimes lower overall volume. Thus, you can turn it off to make your Apple Music louder. Check the how-to guide below to stop Apple Music volume changes.

On iPhone/iPad

Step 1. Launch Settings on the iOS device.

Step 2. Scroll down and hit the Music tab.

Step 3. Under the 'AUDIO' section, toggle off Sound Check to disable the Apple Music volume normalization feature.

turn off apple music sound check feature on ios

On Mac

Step 1. On the Apple Music app on Mac, choose 'Music' > 'Preferences or Music' > 'Settings' from the top menu bar.

Step 2. Switch to the 'Playback' section.

Step 3. De-select the 'Sound Check' option and choose the 'Sound Enhancer' tab.

Step 4. Drag the slider to the right 'High' tab to boost Apple Music volume.

disable apple music sound check feature on mac

Fix 7. Troubleshoot Bluetooth or Try a Wired Connection

If Apple Music sounds low only through Bluetooth headphones, speakers, or your car stereo, the issue may lie with the connection or the output device rather than Apple Music itself.

To make Apple Music louder, you can try these steps:

  • Reconnect Bluetooth: Disconnect the device, reconnect it, and test Apple Music again.
  • Check the selected audio output: Make sure the music is playing through the intended headphones, speaker, or car audio system
  • Test another device: Connect a different pair of headphones or speaker to see whether the volume changes.
  • Try a wired connection: If both devices support it, use a suitable audio cable or adapter to compare the output.
Note:

A wired connection is not necessarily louder than Bluetooth. The result depends on the device's amplifier, volume settings, connection type, and headphone sensitivity.

If you use Apple Music in your car, check both the car's media volume and your phone's volume. If you use Apple CarPlay, reconnect the phone and confirm that the car is using the intended audio source. You can also try another music app to see whether the issue is specific to Apple Music.

Fix 8. Use an Audio Volume Booster for Local Apple Music Files

If you've tried the previous methods but certain songs still sound too low, you may want more control over individual tracks. This can be useful when you want to prepare a local music collection for playback on compatible devices with different volume characteristics.

While dedicated equalizer or volume booster apps (like Louder Volume Booster) can increase perceived loudness, they often add unnecessary complexity. However, if you'd prefer a more flexible solution without relying on a separate real-time audio enhancement app, you can consider working with local audio files instead. One option is to use an Apple Music downloader that supports audio conversion, then play them in any user-friendly media player.

AudFree Apple Music Converter is an optional solution for users who want to process supported Apple Music tracks into local audio files and customize their output settings, including volume where supported. It offers formats such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B, along with music metadata options.

Additionally, this practical tool facilitates you to stream Apple Music tracks without Apple Music tracks and play them on any other device/player that can make Apple Music louder.

AudFree Apple Music Converter

audfree apple music converter
  • Convert Apple Music to M4A, WAV, Lossless, FLAC, MP3, and M4B losslessly
  • Download Apple Music tracks at 17X for unrestricted offline listening forever
  • Preserve original ID3 tags and audio quality
  • Customize output settings like audio volume to get better listening experience

How to Make Apple Music Louder via AudFree Apple Music Converter

Unlike adjusting the volume directly in Apple Music, this approach lets you prepare files for playback in other compatible music players. It is not a universal fix to make Apple Music louder for low-volume Bluetooth connections, hardware limitations, or every Apple Music playback issue. Additionally, ensure that your intended use complies with applicable copyright laws and the platform's terms of service.

Step 1. Load Apple Music Audio Files to AudFree Apple Music Converter
load apple music to audfree apple music converter
After downloading the converter, open AudFree program and tap the track in the Apple Music web player on the screen. Then click on the '+' icon at the right side and hit 'Add to list' to load Apple Music audio files to AudFree.
Step 2. Customize Output Format and Volume for Apple Music
reset apple music output format and audio quality
Open the program's Preferences to select a format such as MP3 and configure the available audio parameters. MP3 is recommended for its high compatibility. Proceed to customize the bitrate, sample rate, audio channels, etc. to create higher-quality audio.
Step 3. Convert Apple Music Collection Losslessly
convert apple music for louder sound
Start the conversion by clicking 'Convert' and save the resulting files to your computer. Play them in a compatible music player and compare their loudness with the original tracks. If the results meet your needs, you can transfer the local files to supported devices for offline playback.
Bonus Tip:

If you also experience low-volume issues with Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music, or other streaming services, try AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder. It supports get audio from multiple music platforms, allowing you to save audio as local files in compatible formats and listen through other music players. This gives you more flexibility to manage playback and adjust volume using your preferred audio tools.

Part 3. FAQs About Making Apple Music Louder

How Do I Make Apple Music Louder on Apple Watch?

If Apple Music sounds too low on your Apple Watch, check your headphone volume and audio output. Some Apple Watch models support music playback through the built-in speaker, but not all. When available, use the Digital Crown to adjust the volume. If you're using AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones, make sure they're connected and check their volume settings. You can also go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety on supported watchOS versions to review headphone safety options.

If the volume remains low, reconnect your headphones, test another audio source, and check whether the issue affects all playback or only Apple Music. You can also consult the Apple Watch User Guide for controls specific to your watchOS version.

View Also: How to Play Apple Music on Apple Watch

How to Make Apple Music Louder on Xbox/TV?

To play Apple Music on Xbox with a louder sound, you can try adjusting the volume settings on your Xbox or on your TV if you have connected your Xbox to it. You can also try adjusting the volume settings within the Apple Music app itself. If these options don't work, you may need to connect external speakers or a soundbar to your Xbox for a louder audio output.

View Also:

• How to Get Apple Music on Nintendo Switch

• How to Play Apple Music on PS5

Is Apple Music Louder Than Spotify?

Apple Music and Spotify can sound different in perceived loudness because of differences in mastering, volume normalization, audio mixes, and playback settings. This does not necessarily mean that one service always produces louder audio.

To compare them fairly, use the same headphones or speakers, similar volume settings, and comparable versions of the same song. Also check Sound Check in Apple Music and the corresponding normalization settings in Spotify before deciding which service sounds louder.

View Also: How to Transfer Apple Music Songs to Spotify

Why Is Apple Music Sound So Quiet on AirPods?

If Apple Music sounds quiet through AirPods, check the iPhone's Headphone Safety settings, the current playback volume, and the AirPods' connection. You can also compare another audio app to determine whether the problem affects all audio or only Apple Music.

If the volume suddenly drops, check whether a headphone safety notification or volume adjustment may have affected playback. But please avoid increasing the volume beyond a comfortable listening level.

Part 4. Conclusion

If Apple Music sounds too quiet, start by checking your device's volume limits, headphone safety settings, and audio output. Then test EQ, Sound Check, and Dolby Atmos to see whether a playback setting is affecting perceived loudness. The best fix to make Apple Music louder depends on whether the problem affects every song, a particular track, or a specific device.

For users who need to adjust individual tracks beyond the available playback controls, AudFree Apple Music Converter offers an additional way to prepare supported local audio files with customized output settings. With the right adjustments, you can enjoy a more comfortable and consistent listening experience across your devices.

James Blair

Staff Editor

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James Blair is an experienced writer and music lover. Reviews and tips on using popular music, like Apple Music, can be found in his articles.
streaming AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder

All-in-One Music Downloader to download streaming music from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc. to MP3, FLAC, and more for offline listening.