This guide will show you how to limit the volume on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad and Android. We’ll also cover why you might want to limit the volume on your child’s phone to protect their hearing. Or on any device for that matter.
a recent study suggested that approximately 50 percent of teenagers and young adults are exposed to unsafe sound levels from mobile devices. And 40% of that is potentially damaging sound levels. That’s more than 1 billion people at risk, so it’s probably a good idea to set a volume cap.
There is always a battle for sound in my house. Everyone is constantly turning up the volume to compete with other TVs, smartphones or tablets in use. Sound familiar? That’s a recipe for disaster, especially when my daughter flips her tablet up to 100% just to hear it on the TV even when it’s only a few inches away.
While one example of exposure to loud noise can damage our ears, repeated use of electronic devices is just as threatening. Fortunately, iOS and Android have settings for setting volume limits. There are even apps you can use to lock them behind a password or pin.
Additionally, setting a volume limit on mobile devices is useful at home for a variety of reasons. Of course, the main reason is to prevent hearing loss or damage. It’s also a good way to control general noise in your living room and limit how loudly your kids watch videos and YouTube.
We recommend adjusting volume limits and practicing safe viewing habits, but not everyone thinks about it. Whether you want to control your child’s device or protect their hearing so you can hear your thoughts, here it is.
How to Limit Volume on iPhone and iPad
All Apple devices such as iPhone, iPod or iPad have a volume limit selection setting. This allows you to choose a limit for the maximum volume allowed on any device.
It is worth mentioning that it is useful to make this setting with a pair of headphones that you or your child use most often. Choose a level that will sound good and provide a good experience, but it’s still safe. If it’s too low, kids instantly try to turn it back on.
Another option is headphones designed to provide a safe listening experience for children. Additionally, look for closed-back headphones that block external noise. As these will offer more volume without increasing the volume to unsafe levels.
One problem with Apple devices is that there is no password or pin to lock the volume limit in place. This is where restrictions come in, an area of parental controls for Apple devices. After you set the maximum volume limit according to our instructions above, use the restrictions to lock the device. This way no one can change any settings, including the maximum volume limit.
To get started, go to. Now add a pin to lock the restriction, then scroll down the “Allow Changes” section. Find the volume limit and select “Don’t Allow Changes”. Now the volume is at a safe level and kids can’t change it.
As a last resort, try downloading apps like: Volume Sanity from the App Store. This limits the volume across the board at an application level.
How to Limit Volume on Android
Next, we’ll go over the different options for setting a volume limit on Android smartphones and tablets. Not all Android devices have a volume limit option, and if not, you’ll need to use one of the many apps we’ve outlined below.
There are several apps that can limit the volume on Android devices. Most have multiple options, quick toggles to turn it on and off, and even a passcode lock so kids can’t change it later. These are a few that we recommend.
Limit sound is packed with useful settings. You can set a limit for each sound individually, turn them on or off easily, and even hide the notification at the top of the screen. This way, children don’t realize that there is something limiting the sound. If they do, you can lock them behind a password or pin for full control.
Limit Volume on Samsung Devices
Samsung’s latest smartphones (Galaxy S6, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S8, Note 5) have a limit volume option. A place where you can set the maximum level and lock it with a password. These same steps apply to most Android phones and tablets, but not all.
Again, we recommend using a pair of headphones when setting limits to ensure a reasonable volume level. Turn the headphone volume (if available) to full volume when testing to make sure it’s not too loud or too quiet.
Additionally, when you set a limit, Samsung allows a volume limit PIN to lock the setting in place as shown above. This feature is available on most Samsung smartphones running Android 7.0 or higher. Certain devices from LG, HTC, and Motorola may offer something similar. If not, try the apps mentioned above.
Other details
Of course, we also recommend investing in quality headphones or headphones approved for use by children. Another idea is to look at similar settings for a PC or laptop, your TV, or any other media device used in your home.
That is all. Now you can have peace of mind knowing your kids are listening to music or videos at safe levels. Or get your sanity back because they didn’t watch YouTube while turning the volume up to 11.
