In my OPPO Reno15 Pro Max phone - the volume is almost always automatically set to mute especially when I play YouTube. How to remove this setting?

This issue on your OPPO Reno15 Pro Max (running ColorOS) is usually caused by an overlapping software feature, a conflicting accessibility setting, or a corrupted app cache. There is no single "always mute YouTube" switch, but you can remove the restriction using these specific fixes: [1, 2]

1. Disable the "Select to Speak" Accessibility Hijack

ColorOS features an accessibility shortcut that is known to occasionally hijack media volume controls, dropping the volume slider back to zero as soon as a video starts playing. [1]

Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap on Additional Settings (or System Settings), then select Accessibility.
Look for Select to Speak.
Turn the Select to Speak Shortcut toggle to OFF. [1, 2]

2. Turn Off "Absolute Volume" (For Bluetooth Users)

If you play YouTube while connected to Bluetooth earphones or speakers, a volume syncing glitch can cause the phone to force-mute the stream. [1, 2]

Go to Settings > About Device.
Tap on Version, then tap the Build Number 7 times until a prompt says "You are now a developer!"
Go back to the main Settings menu > Additional Settings > Developer Options.
Scroll down, locate Disable Absolute Volume, and toggle it ON.
Unpair your Bluetooth device, restart your phone, and pair it again. [1, 2, 3, 4]

3. Review "Modify System Settings" Permissions

A third-party application might have permission to forcefully adjust your media volume in the background. [1]

Open Settings > Apps > Special App Access.
Tap on Modify System Settings.
Review the list of apps. If you see any unneeded tools, background equalizers, or games with this permission granted, toggle them OFF to block them from altering your audio. [1, 2]

4. Clear YouTube Cache and Data

If the muting solely happens on YouTube, the app's configuration files may be glitched. [1, 2]

Long-press the YouTube app icon on your home screen and tap App Info (or go to Settings > Apps > App Management > YouTube).
Tap on Storage Usage.
Tap Clear Cache, then tap Clear Data. (Note: Clearing data will sign you out temporarily, but won't delete your account history).
Restart your phone. [1, 2, 3]

💡 Quick Hardware Check

If none of the software solutions fix the issue, temporarily remove your phone case. Tight-fitting third-party cases can apply constant pressure near the "Volume Down" button, triggering a physical mute right when the device vibrates or plays deep bass tones from a video. [1, 2]