How do I turn off headphone safety?

My phone keeps turning down my volume even though I never have it at the maximum. I now have it at maximum because I can not hear podcasts. How do I turn off headphone safety? I can only assume this is what is causing the issue.


iPhone 16 with iOS 26.0.1

iPhone 16

Posted on Oct 22, 2025 12:34 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 22, 2025 12:54 PM

Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety>Reduce Loud Audio. Note that this option is not availble in all regions. I think you can't turn it off in the EU.


If you're not in a region where turning it off is not allowed, try this setting first:


Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Reduce Loud Sounds - If Allow is checked, change it to Don't Allow.


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 22, 2025 12:54 PM in response to Raddison

Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety>Reduce Loud Audio. Note that this option is not availble in all regions. I think you can't turn it off in the EU.


If you're not in a region where turning it off is not allowed, try this setting first:


Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Reduce Loud Sounds - If Allow is checked, change it to Don't Allow.


Oct 22, 2025 2:24 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

I live in Canada so I should not be restricted from turning that off. Life is lived by blowing ear drums. I have already tried the first option which did not work. Just for giggles I tried the second option, but everything was greyed out because the toggle at the top “content & privacy restrictions” was turned off. I will attempt a reset, then a hard reset. We’ll see if that works.


Thank you for the suggestions.

How do I turn off headphone safety?

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