Is your iPhone microphone not working? A malfunctioning microphone is more than an inconvenience. It can make your phone virtually unusable.
The microphone is one of the most important pieces of hardware on our iPhones. It’s not just for calls, but also Siri, voice memos, messages, and many other uses.
Fortunately, there are several quick fixes that can get your microphone running perfectly in no time. Check out the troubleshooting tips featured below in our quintessential guide.
Signs of iPhone Microphone Problems
Microphones malfunctioning can happen on your iPhone, iPad, or any iOS device. They can occur when you try making calls, using FaceTime and Siri, or recording audio. Additional examples include:
- Others can’t understand you during a FaceTime or regular phone call.
- Siri says, “sorry I didn’t get that” when you make requests or doesn’t hear the whole command.
- When playing back recorded audio, you don’t hear anything or it’s unclear.
- If you’re unable to change audio sources during Facetime or calls.
Know the Location of Your Microphones
You have three microphones on your iPhone. There are two on the front and one in the back between your camera lenses. Depending on your iPhone model, the exact location may slightly vary:
You can test the primary microphone located on the bottom of your phone by opening Voice Memos. Press record and speak into the mic. End the recording and play it back. If you don’t hear your voice clearly, then this microphone is malfunctioning.
To check your front microphone, open up your camera and record a video with the front camera. To check the rear microphone, do the same, except use the back camera. When you play back either video, you should be able to hear yourself clearly in the video recordings.
Sometimes, your voice might sound muffled during a call. Make sure your rear microphone isn’t obstructed by anything. Likewise, if you’re having difficulty with Siri, be sure the front receivers aren’t obstructed or dirty.
Quick Fixes for Your iPhone Microphone Not Working
If you’re having trouble with your microphones, don’t panic just yet. There are plenty of easy tips that can help fix this functionality.
- Make sure there are no Bluetooth headsets connected to your microphone that may be preventing its normal function. Turn off Bluetooth and try testing again. In some cases, you may need to delete Bluetooth devices by using the Forget this Device setting.
- Disconnect any headphones or other external accessories that may have microphone features or interfere with the connections.
- Remove any screen protectors, cases, or films which may be covering one of your microphones.
- Quit using any apps that might be utilizing your microphone connection.
- Check if there’s a problem with your cellular/Wi-Fi connection or apps. For example, you can try a test call using Skype.
- For connection problems, try switching from cellular to Wi-Fi or vice versa. In some cases, you may need to take out your SIM card and put it back in again.
For app malfunctions, check to see if there are any new updates. If not, delete and reinstall the app.
Sometimes, apps may not have permission to access the microphone. Make sure they’re enabled for whichever one you’re trying to use.
Try a Hard Reboot of Your Device
If these techniques aren’t working for you, you may need to do a hard reboot of your phone. Think of hard reboots as more thorough restarts of your phone that clear out more of its memory. Don’t worry, doing this won’t erase your data.
For iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and More Recent Device Models
Press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release Volume Down. Then, press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on your screen.
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Press and hold the Volume Down button and Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
For iPhone 6 and Earlier Models, and for iPad
Press and hold the Home button and Side button at the same time until the Apple logo shows up on the screen.
Update Your iPhone
iPhone updates are crucial. Anytime Apple issues an update, you should install it right away.
Most importantly, updates tend to feature vital security patches. However, every time you update your device, you also perform a deep system check and reset. This goes through your entire phone, fixing any bugs and other issues you may be experiencing.
You can also try a complete system restore, although you will lose all the data on your iPhone. Only resort to that as a final option. Make sure you sync your phone to iCloud before you do a restore.
To sync with iCloud, head to Settings, Your Name, followed by iCloud. Hit iCloud Drive, and then Sync this Device. Wait a few seconds while the process is completed.
Microphone Still Not Working? Test Your Accessories
If you’re still having issues with your iPhone microphone not working, check and see if you have any luck fixing the accessories. You can connect with Bluetooth devices, headphones, or other devices and see if they work.
If they work normally, then you’re likely experiencing a hardware malfunction with your built-in microphones. However, if you’re still unable to hear your voice, or it sounds unclear, there may be another problem going on somewhere in the iOS. In that case, your best option will be to take your iPhone over to your nearest Apple repair shop.
If the Geniuses at the Apple Store determine that what’s happening with your microphones is a hardware problem, then that should be covered if your device is still under warranty. You get a standard one-year warranty when you buy a brand-new Apple product.
You might also have bought an AppleCare+ plan or an extended warranty. A hardware problem affecting your device’s microphones should also be covered by either of those.
If your device is no longer covered, that’s when you might have to pay for the fix out of pocket. Hopefully, the repairs will not cost very much.
If the cost seems to be prohibitive, you can sometimes find affordable DIY kits online. However, if your microphone malfunctioning is just one of multiple issues happening with your iPhone, then maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Check out this helpful guide on how you can upgrade your iPhone in just a few easy steps!
