Missing calls because you cannot hear your phone ring is frustrating, especially when the volume looks like it is already maxed out. On the RealMe 16, a low ringtone volume is usually caused by sound settings, system limits, or background features that quietly reduce audio output. The good news is that this problem is almost always fixable with a few adjustments.
Why Your RealMe 16 Ringtone Volume Is Too Low
- The ringtone volume is set low or muted separately from media volume.
- Do Not Disturb or Focus modes are limiting sound output.
- Sound effects or audio balance settings are misconfigured.
- A system bug is affecting the speaker volume.
- A third party app is controlling sound behavior.
1. Check the Ringtone Volume Level
Ringtone volume is controlled independently from media and notification volume. Even if videos sound loud, incoming calls can still be quiet.
Open Settings, and then tap Sound and vibration.
Tap Ringtone volume, and then drag the slider to the maximum level.
Lock the phone and test by asking someone to call you.
2. Disable Do Not Disturb Mode
Do Not Disturb can silently reduce or mute ringtone volume without making it obvious. This is common if the feature was enabled automatically or scheduled.
Open Settings, and then tap Notifications.
Tap Do Not Disturb, and then turn it off.
Make sure no schedule is enabled under the same menu.
3. Turn Off Volume Limiter or Safe Volume
Some RealMe devices include a volume limiter to protect hearing. When enabled, it can cap ringtone loudness even if the slider is set high.
Open Settings, and then tap Sound and vibration.
Tap Volume limiter or Safe volume, and then disable it.
Return to the ringtone volume slider and raise it again.
4. Check Audio Balance and Sound Effects
Incorrect audio balance or sound effects can reduce speaker output. This often happens after connecting Bluetooth devices or headphones.
Open Settings, and then tap Additional settings.
Tap Accessibility, and then tap Audio balance.
Make sure the slider is centered and no sound enhancement is reducing output.
5. Restart the Phone
Temporary system glitches can affect speaker performance. A restart refreshes audio services and often restores normal volume immediately.
Press and hold the Power key, and then tap Restart.
Wait for the phone to boot fully, and then test the ringtone again.
6. Test in Safe Mode
Third party apps like ringtone managers or automation tools can lower volume without warning. Safe Mode helps identify if an app is the cause.
Press and hold the Power key, and then tap and hold Power off.
Select Safe Mode, and then confirm.
If the ringtone is loud in Safe Mode, uninstall recently added apps after restarting normally.
Low ringtone volume on the RealMe 16 is usually a settings issue rather than a hardware fault. Once the correct sound controls are adjusted and restrictions are removed, your phone should ring loudly and clearly again.
FAQs
Why is my ringtone quiet but notifications are loud on RealMe 16?
Ringtone and notification volumes are controlled separately. Increasing one does not affect the other.
Can a software update cause low ringtone volume?
Yes. Updates can reset sound settings or enable features like volume limits, which need to be adjusted again.
Is low ringtone volume a speaker hardware problem?
In most cases, no. Hardware issues are rare unless the speaker sounds distorted or completely silent even at full volume.
