The volume buttons on the side of your iPhone can change the volume of whatever music or podcast you’re listening to without unlocking your device. Those buttons can increase or decrease your volume a set amount, but they could leave you choosing between a volume that is slightly too loud or a bit too quiet. Thankfully, you can bring the volume bar back to your device’s lock screen, giving you more precise control over your iPhone’s volume without unlocking your device.
Apple removed the volume bar from your lock screen when the company released iOS 16 in 2022. But when the company released iOS 18.2 in 2024, that update allowed you to bring the volume bar back to your iPhone’s lock screen.
If you like using the volume bar, you can bring it back to your lock screen. Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps.
Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
How to get the volume bar on your iPhone
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Accessibility.
3. Tap Audio & Visual under Hearing.
4. Tap the toggle next to Always Show Volume Control.
Now, the next time you’re listening to music or a podcast at the gym or on the bus, you can change the volume by using the slider on your lock screen.
For more on iOS, here’s what features were included in iOS 26.2 and iOS 26.1. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
Watch this: Best Phones of 2025
