Fix Google Pixel 4a Low Volume While Charging With RAVPower 26800mAh

When you plug your Google Pixel 4a into a power bank, the phone often plays a familiar sound and then suddenly the volume drops. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to listen to a podcast or check a message while the device is charging. In this article we will look at why this happens, identify the symptoms, and walk through a step‑by‑step troubleshooting guide that covers both software and hardware solutions. The focus will be on the RAVPower 26800 mAh power bank, a popular high‑capacity charger that many Pixel 4a owners use.

What Is Happening?

The Pixel 4a, like most modern Android phones, has a feature called “Charging Sounds” that emits a short tone when the device connects to a charger. This sound is meant to reassure you that the charger is recognized and that power is flowing. However, on some devices the sound can be audible only at a low volume or, worse, it can cause the phone to automatically lower the media volume.

When this occurs during a charge, you might hear the sound but no audio will play from your music, videos, or calls, and the notification icon may show a muted bell. The issue can be isolated to the charging process or it can affect the phone even when it is fully powered on and not charging.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you notice any of these symptoms, you are likely dealing with a software setting or a hardware conflict between the phone and the power bank.

Common Causes

Software Settings

1. Charging Sounds Enabled – By default, Pixel phones play a short tone when a charger is connected. In some software builds this tone can trigger a temporary volume reduction.
2. Do‑Not‑Disturb (DND) During Charge – If you have an automation that turns DND on while charging, the phone will silence notifications and media.
3. Audio Output Routing – Android may redirect audio to the internal speaker or the headset jack during charging, especially if it detects an external speaker through the USB‑C port.

Hardware & Power Bank Issues

1. Low‑Quality USB‑C Cable – A damaged or non‑standard cable can cause the phone to misread the charger and lower the volume.
2. Insufficient Current Delivery – The 26800 mAh battery may output a lower current under heavy load, leading the phone to reduce volume to conserve power.
3. Power Bank Firmware – Some power banks have built‑in software that controls how devices are charged, and this can interfere with audio.

OS Bugs

Android updates occasionally contain bugs that interfere with the audio subsystem during charging. Checking for updates or installing a stable beta build can sometimes resolve the problem.

Quick Fixes Before You Dive Deep

If the problem is minor, you might be able to solve it without extensive troubleshooting.

If none of these steps fix the problem, it is time to proceed with a detailed troubleshooting guide.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Verify the Charger and Cable

1. Test with a Different Cable – Use a new USB‑C to USB‑C cable that is known to be high quality.
2. Use a Different Power Bank – If you have another charger, plug the Pixel 4a into it to see if the low volume occurs.
3. Check the Power Bank Output – The RAVPower 26800 mAh has a 5 V/2.4 A output on its main port. Confirm that the power bank is supplying this current.

2. Examine Audio Settings

1. Open Settings > Sound.
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap on “Advanced sound settings”.
3. Check “Audio output” – Make sure it is set to “Phone speaker” when not connected to headphones.
4. Test a media file – Play a song or a video. Note the volume level before and after connecting the power bank.

3. Disable Charging Sound

1. Go to Settings > Sound.
2. Find “Charging Sounds” and toggle it off.
3. Reconnect the power bank – The tone should no longer play, and the volume should remain unchanged.

4. Turn Off Do‑Not‑Disturb During Charge

1. Navigate to Settings > Sound > Do‑Not‑Disturb.
2. Look for “Automatic rules” and ensure that “During charging” is not enabled.
3. Confirm that notifications and media sound when the phone is plugged in.

5. Update the Phone’s Software

1. Open Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.
2. Download and install any available updates.
3. Restart the phone after installation.
4. Test the charging sound and volume again.

6. Inspect the Power Bank Firmware

1. Download the RAVPower Companion App (if available) from Google Play.
2. Open the app and check for firmware updates.
3. Apply any updates to the power bank, following the on‑screen instructions.
4. Test the connection again.

7. Reset Network and Audio Settings

1. Open Settings > System > Reset options.
2. Select “Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth” – this will not erase personal data.
3. After reset, reconnect to your Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth devices.
4. Test the audio while charging.

8. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)

1. Back up all important data.
2. Open Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
3. Restore the phone from backup.
4. Check if the low volume issue persists.

RAVPower 26800 mAh Specific Considerations

The RAVPower 26800 mAh is a high‑capacity battery that can deliver up to 5 V/3 A on its fast‑charge port. However, the standard 5 V/2.4 A port is used for most Android devices. Some users report that the phone’s audio driver interprets the 2.4 A output as a low‑power mode and temporarily lowers volume to reduce consumption.

How to Enable Full Output

1. Plug the power bank into the fast‑charge port (the one with the LED that turns orange for 3 A).
2. Ensure the cable supports 3 A – use a cable that is rated for at least 3 A.
3. Check the phone’s charge icon – it should show “Fast Charging” or “3 A”.

If the phone still lowers the volume, it might be due to a software flag that limits volume during charging. Disabling charging sounds and DND usually resolves this.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Cases

1. Use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to Inspect Audio Output

If you are comfortable with a computer, you can use ADB to query the audio status.

1. Enable USB debugging – Settings > About phone > Tap “Build number” seven times, then return to Settings > System > Developer options > USB debugging.
2. Connect the phone to a PC – Use a USB‑C cable.
3. Open a terminal and type adb shell dumpsys audio | grep volume.
4. Review the output – Look for any volume adjustments when the phone is connected to a charger.

2. Test with a Minimal Audio App

Install a lightweight audio player that does not rely on background services (e.g., “MP3 Player” from the Play Store). Play a track while the phone is charging. If the track plays normally, the problem is likely linked to the default audio routing or the system audio framework.

3. Check for Third‑Party Apps Interfering

Some apps such as battery savers, music equalizers, or notification blockers can alter audio settings during charging. Disable or uninstall these apps to see if the volume behavior improves.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have followed all the steps above and the issue remains, it is time to consult a professional:

1. Visit an authorized Google service center – They can run diagnostic tests on the Pixel’s power management chip.
2. Check the power bank’s warranty – If the RAVPower device is defective, you can request a replacement.
3. Consider a different power bank – If the 26800 mAh unit continues to cause problems, a different brand or a smaller capacity may be more compatible.

Conclusion

A low volume while charging on a Google Pixel 4a with a RAVPower 26800 mAh power bank is usually a software or cable issue that can be resolved with a few settings tweaks. By disabling charging sounds, turning off automatic Do‑Not‑Disturb, verifying the cable, and ensuring the phone is updated, most users can restore normal audio. When those steps do not work, a deeper look into the phone’s audio routing and the power bank’s firmware can reveal hidden conflicts. Finally, if all else fails, professional support is available to diagnose hardware faults.

By following the systematic troubleshooting guide above, you should be able to identify and fix the low volume problem quickly and keep your Pixel 4a listening well while it charges.