Buzz
Pressing the volume buttons on your iPhone typically adjusts both media and ringtone volumes simultaneously. If you wish to lower media volume while keeping ringtones loud, achieving this isn't straightforward without a workaround. Fortunately, Redditor /u/DC5tine has provided a solution to this issue.
Separately control media and ringtone volume on your iPhone
To achieve this, you’ll need to utilize Apple’s Shortcuts app. Begin by adding /u/DC5tine's Adjust Volume shortcut to the app via this link. Next, open the Shortcuts app and either search for "Adjust Volume" or locate it by scrolling. Long-press the shortcut, tap Share, and choose Add to Home Screen. Once added, tap the Adjust Volume icon on your home screen, and you’ll see two options: Media and Ringtone. Choose the desired option, adjust the volume using the slider, and tap Done. It’s that simple!
Currently, the shortcut has one limitation: it cannot detect your iPhone's current volume level. This is due to iOS restrictions that prevent Shortcuts from accessing such data. When adjusting volume via the shortcut, the slider defaults to 50%, which is merely a placeholder and does not reflect or alter your iPhone's actual volume.
The Adjust Volume shortcut is compatible with all media types, such as Instagram Reels, TikTok videos, YouTube content, or any other audio or video playback. By using this shortcut to modify media volume, your ringtone volume stays unaffected. Additionally, you can use the shortcut to adjust ringtone volume independently, leaving media volume untouched.
In essence, this shortcut enables you to modify one volume setting without influencing the other. On a Mac, achieving similar functionality requires a third-party tool to set individual volume levels for each app.
