Probably many smartphone owners have faced the problem of loudness. For example, I was not happy with two things. The first is the quiet sound of the speaker when there is an incoming call, and the second is very loud noise in headphones during an incoming call.

A little about how Android controls volume

If no headset is connected to your gadget (headphones, hands-free, etc.), then the volume settings will be the same, and as soon as you connect the headset, the settings will be different. For a general understanding, I will tell you a few examples.

Example 1. You listen to music on your phone, turn on the loud speaker at full power, and when you connect a headset to it and turn on the loud speaker again, the volume may differ (it may be louder or lower, depending on which phone model or firmware version).

Example 2. You are watching a movie in headphones, the volume (meaning the volume of the multimedia) is set to 40% and then after a while you have an incoming call, then the volume in the headphones will change to the general volume, in which case you can get a powerful sound blow to your ears. Believe me, I was blown off the couch more than once in such cases, the fact is that the programmers have poorly adjusted the volume modes.

Example 3. You are talking on the phone and you need to switch to speakerphone mode, and you notice that the speaker is not as loud (or vice versa) as when listening to music; or your partner has begun to hear you poorly, this is because the microphone may have different sensitivity in different modes. Also, when you connect a headset in the same situation and turn on the speakerphone mode - again, different settings. This is how Android controls volume.

We learn the theory of the engineering menu

So let's look at what and how you can do if you tinker a little over the "Engineering menu".

Before making any changes, we recommend that you read the entire article, and comprehend, and then experiment. Also take a piece of paper and write down all the defaults in case something goes wrong. You can start the engineering menu using telephone dialing: we write the following combinations on it (Fig. 1):

picture 1

* # * # 54298 # * # * or * # * # 3646633 # * # * or * # * # 83781 # * # * - smartphones based on MTK processor

* # * # 8255 # * # * or * # * # 4636 # * # * - Samsung smartphones

* # * # 3424 # * # * or * # * # 4636 # * # * or * # * # 8255 # * # * - HTC smartphones

* # * # 7378423 # * # * - Sony smartphones

*#*#3646633#*#* – Fly smartphones, Alcatel, Philips

* # * # 2846579 # * # * - Huawei smartphones

Congratulations, you have entered the engineering menu (Fig. 2). Please note that the menu on different phones may differ slightly in structure. Find the "Audio" section and go into it. After entering, we see a bunch of unknown lines (modes) (Fig. 3). Here's what these modes mean in Android:

figure 2 figure 3

— Normal Mode(settings section in normal or normal mode) - this mode is active when nothing is connected to the smartphone;

— Headset Mode(headset mode) - this mode is activated after connecting headphones or external speakers;

— LoudSpeaker Mode(loudspeaker mode) - it is activated when nothing is connected to the smart, and you turn on speakerphone while talking on the phone;

— Headset_LoudSpeaker Mode(loudspeaker mode with a headset connected) - this mode is activated when headphones or external speakers are connected to the smart phone, and you turn on the loudspeaker while talking on the phone;

— Speech Enhancement(telephone conversation mode) - this mode is activated in the normal telephone conversation mode, and nothing is connected to it (headset, external speakers) and the speakerphone is not turned on.

At three o'clok last section it's better not to poke your nose:

— Debug Info- it is not clear for what - infa on the backup of information or its debugging;

— Speech Logger- I did not fully understand, most likely, keeping a Log during negotiations or recording chatter. If you check the box next to "Enable speech log", then after completion phone call corresponding files are created in the root directory of the memory card. Their name and structure is as follows: Wed_Jun_2014__07_02_23.vm (Wednesday_July_2014__time07_02_23.vm).

What these files are for and how they can be useful to us is not clear. The / sdcard / VOIP_DebugInfo directory (which is the storage location for files with backup information) is not automatically created, if you create it manually, it will remain empty after a conversation.

— Audio logger- good sound recording software that supports quick search, playback and saving.

If you approach these modes wisely, you can adjust the volume of Android smartphones or tablets as you like. When you enter any of the modes, your view will be available various settings volume (Type). Here is a list of the basic settings you need to know (Figure 4):

picture 4

—Sip- settings for internet calls;

— Mic- microphone sensitivity settings;

— Sph- settings conversational dynamics(the one that we put on the ears);

— Sph2- settings for the second spoken speaker (I don't have one);

— Sid- we skip, when you change these parameters during negotiations on your smartphone or tablet, you can hear yourself instead of the interlocutor;

— Media- setting the volume level of multimedia;

— Ring- setting the volume level of the incoming call;

— FMR- FM radio volume settings.

Further, under the item for choosing settings, we have a list of volume levels (Level) (Fig. 5). For a better understanding - there are 7 such levels, from level 0 to level 6. Each level corresponds to one "click" on the volume rocker of a smartphone or tablet. Accordingly, level 0 is the quietest level, and level 6 is the loudest signal level. Each level can be assigned its own values, which are in the Value is 0 ~ 255 cell, and should not go beyond the range from 0 to 255 (the lower the value, the lower the sound). To do this, erase the old value in the cell, then enter the new (desired) value and press the “Set” button (the one next to the cell) for assignment (Fig. 6). Be careful when using maximum values, as the speakers can produce uncharacteristic unpleasant sounds such as rattles and other unpleasant effects.

figure 5 figure 6

Warning! Rewrite all factory defaults before making any changes (in case something goes wrong).

You should know this!

Editing modes in the engineering menu

Example 1. How do I increase the volume of an incoming call?

To do this, you need to go to the engineering menu, print the "Audio" section, enter the "LoudSpeaker Mode" and select "Ring" in the volume settings - the volume settings for the incoming call. Then sequentially change (increase) the values ​​of all signal levels (level 0 - level 6). You can also increase the value of the Max Vol section for greater effect. 0 ~ 160, if it is not maximum (I set it to 155 for myself, with a higher value the speaker starts to "wheeze").

Example 2. How do I increase the volume while talking on the phone? (Increase the volume of the small speaker that we put to the ear).

Again we go into the engineering menu already known to us, print out the "Audio" section, go to the special "Normal Mode" mode, select Sph in it - this parameter is responsible for changing the value of all signal levels in the range from level 0 to level 6. Set the required us level. In the Max Vol. 0 ~ 160, also can be changed to a higher volume power value.

Example 3. Increase the volume and sensitivity of the smartphone's spoken microphone

To adjust and set the required volume level as well as the sensitivity of the spoken microphone, you need to go to the "Engineering menu"> "Audio"> "Normal Mode"> select Mic - microphone sensitivity settings, and for all levels (level 0 - level 6) we assign one and the same value, for example 240. Now the interlocutor should hear you better.

Example 4. How do I increase the volume of audio recording while filming?

Let's say that it becomes necessary to increase the volume of sound recording during video recording, then in engineering menu for our loudspeaker (LoudSpeaker Mode), change the microphone sensitivity settings (mic), increase all values ​​at all levels (level 0 - level 6), for example, set 240 at each level. I remind you about pressing the (set) button - reload your favorite gadget and rejoice.

By the way, do not forget to press the “Set” button after each editing of a certain parameter. This action should fix and accept your command for execution. Otherwise, the user-set parameters are not activated. In addition, a certain number of mobile devices require a reboot in order for the changes to take effect (turn off and turn on the device).

Good luck with your experiments, if something is not clear - write in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you.

Code table for entering the engineering menu

Note: the table is constantly updated

Quite often, user messages appear on the Xperia Problems page Xperia phones who complain about poor audibility during a conversation. Therefore, it was decided to create a small guide to solve this problem.

"They don't hear me well and I don't hear the interlocutor well" is one of the most common problems Sony Xperia.

Basically, poor audibility during calls on Sony Xperia happens due to incorrect work software, those algorithms that, on the contrary, should help to hear better and will be heard, but we will consider all the options.

The main reasons for the problem when me / the interlocutor is hard to hear

The first and the most common reason for insufficient audibility is the "Noise reduction" and "Improvement of the subscriber's voice" settings (not available on all firmwares). You need to go to Settings - Call and at the very bottom find these items and disable them. After that, you need to restart the smartphone and check if the situation with audibility has changed. It should be noted that given opportunity disappeared in the firmware on Android base 6.0 Marshmallow on some newer Xperia devices. For example, on the Xperia X and Xperia X Performance.

The second common reason the fact that you / the interlocutor is hard to hear may occur due to the settings mobile network... You need to go to Settings - Mobile network - Mobile network settings and try to change the Preferred network type from one to another (LTE (preferred) / WCDMA / GSM to WCDMA (preferred) / GSM). Many Xperia owners commented that this improved the audibility of conversations.

The third the reason lies in the "Ok Google" voice search. There are cases when users complained about the lack of sound during a call (the interlocutor cannot hear you). This is true not only for Sony Xperia, but also for any other Android devices. To test the impact of voice search, you need to go to Google Now - Settings - Voice search- Recognize "Ok Google" and disable this feature. Then you need to reboot the device.

Fourth the reason that when talking to Sony Xperia you or the other person can be hard to hear after a firmware update. It happens that the new software has some bugs or the update “got up” on the phone not as it should. Therefore, if none of the above helped, then you must try to do Hard reset (full reset) Xperia devices. To do this, go to Settings - Reserve. copy and reset - Master reset - Reset phone settings. After that, ALL data from the phone memory will be deleted and software the phone will return to its original form. This usually always helps.

The fifth The reason for poor audibility during conversations is moisture trapped in the earpiece and microphones. This applies to waterproof Sony smartphones Xperia. After the Sony Xperia has been in water, the membranes protecting the speakers and microphones should be allowed to dry out for a while.

Sixth the reason is the most unpleasant and it is connected with hardware problems. If you or the interlocutor are hard to hear, and possible reasons, named above, have already disappeared, then, most likely, the matter is in a manufacturing defect of the speaker or microphone. In addition, problems with poor hearing can occur due to internal damage to the smartphone due to drops or bumps. Then you should contact the service center.

Write in the comments if this manual was helpful and helped you to get rid of the problems with poor hearing. Also share in the comments if you find any more. probable causes bad connection.

If you experience sound quality issues during calls, try the following in the order presented. After each step, check to see if the problem is resolved before moving on to the next step.

Check the signal strength in the status bar and make sure the device is connected to the network. If the signal is weak or no signal, move to an open area or go to a window.

Make sure not to cover the microphone with your hand. If you are using protective case for your Xperia ™ device, remove it and see if the sound quality has improved. Make sure there is no dust or water in and around the microphone.

Turn off your device and then turn it on again. This will stop all running applications and free up memory. Sometimes this will automatically fix the problem.

Disable sound enhancement features.

Disabling noise canceling

1. On the Main screen tap.
2. Find and tap Settings> Call.
3. Find and drag the slider next to Noise reduction to the left.

Setting the Equalizer to Normal Values ​​During Calls

1. From your Home screen, tap.
2. Find and tap Settings> Call> Equalizer.
3. Tap Normal.

Disabling the slow speech feature

1. From your Home screen, tap.
2. Find and tap Settings> Call.
3. Find and drag the slider next to Slow speech to the left.

• Call another phone to make sure the problem is not with the speaker of the phone you were calling at the time the problem occurred. If possible, call with a different SIM to make sure the problem is not with the SIM you are using, which may be faulty or outdated.

If the suggested solutions don't work, try the following steps.

• Run Xperia ™ Diagnostics to verify that the microphone and speaker are working.

  Test execution

  1. Find and tap Settings> Support.
  2. Click the Checks tab, and then select a test from the list.
  3. Follow the instructions to complete the test, then tap the check mark or notification icon depending on whether the test passed or not.

• Use Safe Mode to find out if downloaded apps are causing problems. In safe mode, the device boots with the software and applications that were installed at the time you purchased the device. If your device performs better in safe mode, it is likely that one or more applications are negatively affecting your device. You can get out of safe mode and restart your device to remove the apps that are causing the errors. If the problem is recent and you're not sure which application might be causing it, try uninstalling the last downloaded application first.

  Enabling Safe Mode

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Press and hold the Power key.
  3. When the Xperia ™ logo appears, release the Power key, then press and hold the Volume Down key until Safe mode .

  To exit safe mode, restart your device.

  Removing an app from the Apps screen

  1. Touch and hold anywhere on the Apps screen until the device vibrates. All applications that can be uninstalled are marked with.
  2. Select the app you want to uninstall, then tap REMOVE.

• Perform a factory reset. Sometimes it The best way if the device stops working properly. Please note, however, that this will delete all personal content saved in internal memory devices. Create backup data to be saved.

  Backing up data using a computer

  1. Make sure the Xperia ™ Companion app for Windows or Mac OS installed on your PC or Mac®.
  2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. On a computer: open the Xperia ™ Companion app. After a while, the computer will detect your device.
  4. Select item Backup on the home screen.
  5. To execute backup, follow the instructions on the screen.

  Factory reset

  To avoid damaging the device, do not restart it during the factory reset procedure.

  1. Go to your Home screen and tap.
  2. Find and tap Settings> Reser. copy and reset> General reset.
  3. Scroll down and tap Reset phone settings .
  4. Draw if necessary pattern key access, enter the password or PIN to unlock the screen.
  5. Tap Erase All to confirm.

If you experience sound quality issues during calls, try the following in the order presented. After each step, check to see if the problem is resolved before moving on to the next step.

Check the signal strength in the status bar and make sure the device is connected to the network. If the signal is weak or no signal, move to an open area or go to a window.

Make sure not to cover the microphone with your hand. If you are using a protective case for your Xperia ™ device, remove it and see if the sound quality has improved. Make sure there is no dust or water in and around the microphone.

Turn off your device and then turn it on again. This will stop all running applications and free up memory. Sometimes this will automatically fix the problem.

Disable sound enhancement features.

Disabling noise canceling

1. From your Home screen, tap.
2. Find and tap Settings> Call.
3. Find and drag the slider next to Noise reduction to the left.

Setting the Equalizer to Normal Values ​​During Calls

1. From your Home screen, tap.
2. Find and tap Settings> Call> Equalizer.
3. Tap Normal.

Disabling the slow speech feature

1. From your Home screen, tap.
2. Find and tap Settings> Call.
3. Find and drag the slider next to Slow speech to the left.

• Call another phone to make sure the problem is not with the speaker of the phone you were calling at the time the problem occurred. If possible, call with a different SIM to make sure the problem is not with the SIM you are using, which may be faulty or outdated.

If the suggested solutions don't work, try the following steps.

• Run Xperia ™ Diagnostics to verify that the microphone and speaker are working.

  Test execution

  1. Find and tap Settings> Support.
  2. Click the Checks tab, and then select a test from the list.
  3. Follow the instructions to complete the test, then tap the check mark or notification icon depending on whether the test passed or not.

• Use Safe Mode to find out if downloaded apps are causing problems. In safe mode, the device boots with the software and applications that were installed at the time you purchased the device. If your device performs better in safe mode, it is likely that one or more applications are negatively affecting your device. You can exit Safe Mode and restart your device to remove the error-causing apps. If the problem is recent and you're not sure which application might be causing it, try uninstalling the last downloaded application first.

  Enabling Safe Mode

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Press and hold the Power key.
  3. When the Xperia ™ logo appears, release the Power key, then press and hold the Volume Down key until Safe mode .

  To exit safe mode, restart your device.

  Removing an app from the Apps screen

  1. Touch and hold anywhere on the Apps screen until the device vibrates. All applications that can be uninstalled are marked with.
  2. Select the app you want to uninstall, then tap REMOVE.

• Perform a factory reset. This is sometimes the best way if your device stops working properly. Please note, however, that this will erase all personal content stored in the device's internal memory. Back up the data you want to keep.

  Backing up data using a computer

  1. Make sure Xperia ™ Companion for Windows or Mac OS is installed on your PC or Mac®.
  2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. On a computer: open the Xperia ™ Companion app. After a while, the computer will detect your device.
  4. Select item Backup on the home screen.
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions to back up.

  Factory reset

  To avoid damaging the device, do not restart it during the factory reset procedure.

  1. Go to your Home screen and tap.
  2. Find and tap Settings> Reser. copy and reset> General reset.
  3. Scroll down and tap Reset phone settings .
  4. If necessary, draw your screen unlock pattern, enter your password or PIN to unlock the screen.
  5. Tap Erase All to confirm.