How Do You Put an iPhone on Silent?
How you silence an iPhone depends on the model. On iPhone 15, 15 Plus, and earlier (including iPhone SE), flip the physical switch on the left side of the phone down until you see orange — that puts it on silent. On iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and every iPhone 16 model, there is no physical switch. Instead, press and hold the Action Button to toggle between Ring and Silent.
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How to Silence an iPhone With the Physical Switch
Look at the left side of your iPhone, just above the volume buttons. If you see a small switch, flip it toward the back of the phone. When you see orange underneath the switch, your phone is silenced. Flip it back the other way to turn the ringer back on.
While silenced, your iPhone will still vibrate for incoming calls and notifications — it just will not make any sound.
How to Silence an iPhone With the Action Button
If your iPhone does not have a physical switch, you have an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or an iPhone 16 model, which uses the Action Button instead. Press and hold the Action Button on the left side of the phone to toggle between Ring and Silent. This only works if the Action Button is still set to its default Mute action — if you have reassigned it to something else, like the flashlight or a shortcut, it will trigger that action instead.
Which iPhones Have the Switch, and Which Have the Action Button?
The physical Ring/Silent switch is on iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and all earlier iPhone models, including every generation of iPhone SE. The Action Button replaced the switch starting with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and it carries over to every iPhone 16 model.
More Tips from J's Tech Corner
J's Tech Corner is a tip series from NorthWoods Wireless — your local cell phone dealer near me serving Suring WI and Oconto County. Not sure which iPhone you have or how to use a feature? Stop in and we will walk you through it.
Find more tips on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@NorthwoodsWireless) or visit nthwds.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my iPhone still vibrate when it's on silent?
Yes. Silent mode only turns off ringer and notification sounds — your iPhone will still vibrate for calls and notifications unless you have also turned off vibration in Settings.
How do I know if my iPhone is on silent?
On models with the physical switch, you will see orange showing through the switch when silent mode is on. On models with the Action Button, there is no visual indicator on the button itself, but you will see a bell icon with a line through it briefly appear on screen when you toggle it.
Can I use the Action Button for something other than Silent mode?
Yes. The Action Button is fully customizable and can be set to the flashlight, camera, a shortcut, accessibility tools, and more instead of Mute. Check out our other J's Tech Corner video on setting up the Action Button for the full walkthrough.
Where can I find a cell phone store near me open now to get help with my iPhone?
NorthWoods Wireless is located at 827 E Main St., Suring WI and is open Monday through Friday 9–5 and Saturday 9–12. We are a Cellcom authorized cell phone dealer serving Oconto County and the surrounding Northwoods Wisconsin area.
Questions? Stop in or call (920) 590-1110 — we're happy to help.
