By default, the volume buttons on the side of an iPhone may control either media volume only or both media and the ringer, depending on a single setting. If pressing the buttons doesn’t change how loud your calls and alerts ring, or changes it when you don’t want it to, the Change with Buttons switch is the fix. This guide explains the setting, how to set ringer volume precisely, and related options. It applies to current iPhones and older models like the iPhone 7.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics and turn on Change with Buttons. Now the side buttons adjust the ringer and alert volume whenever no audio is playing. Turn it off to lock the ringer at the level set by the slider.
How to Turn Change With Buttons On or Off
- Open Settings.
- Tap Sounds & Haptics (Sounds on some older models).
- Under Ringtone and Alert Volume, drag the slider to set the level.
- Turn Change with Buttons on or off.
How the Buttons Behave
| Situation | Change with Buttons ON | Change with Buttons OFF |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing playing | Adjusts ringer and alerts | Adjusts media volume |
| Music or video playing | Adjusts media volume | Adjusts media volume |
| During a call | Adjusts call volume | Adjusts call volume |
The on-screen volume indicator shows a bell icon (Ringer) or a speaker icon (media) so you know which one you’re changing.
Why You Might Turn It Off
With the setting off, you can’t accidentally turn your ringer down to near-silent in a pocket or bag. Set a comfortable level with the slider and it stays there.
Other Ways to Control the Ringer
- Silent mode: use the Ring/Silent switch, or the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and later, or the Silent Mode control in Control Center (iOS 18 and later).
- Control Center volume slider controls media volume, not the ringer.
- Siri: “Set ringer volume to 50%” may work on recent iOS versions.
- Focus modes silence calls and alerts without changing the volume.
Ringer Still Too Quiet?
- Check that Silent Mode is off.
- Make sure a Focus or Do Not Disturb isn’t on.
- Check Settings > Accessibility > Face ID & Attention and turn off Attention Aware Features if the ringer lowers when you look at the phone.
- Remove a case that covers the speaker, and clean the speaker grille.
- Disconnect Bluetooth devices; calls may ring through a headset or car.
Alerts sounding twice? Here’s how to stop text alerts from repeating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t the volume buttons change the ringer?
Change with Buttons is off, or audio is playing (the buttons then control media volume).
Does this affect alarms?
Alarms use the Ringtone and Alert volume, so adjusting it with the buttons also changes alarm loudness.
Does this setting exist on iPad?
Yes, in Settings > Sounds.
Summary
- Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
- Set the ringer slider.
- Turn Change with Buttons on to use side buttons, or off to lock it.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.