But why suffer when these quick and easy fixes can resolve the iPhone microphone not working issue in minutes.
Inspect the microphone on your iPhone
iPhones have multiple microphones to enhance sound input. On modern models, they’re located at the bottom (near the speaker grill), rear (near the back camera), and in the front (inside the earpiece grill). The list below tells you the exact number.
iPhone 8, X, and later – 3 microphonesiPhone 6s, 6s+, 7, and 7 plus – 4 microphonesiPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 plus, and SE (1st generation) – 3 microphonesiPhone 4 and 4s – 2 microphonesOriginal iPhone, iPhone 3G, 3GS – 1 microphone
Now let’s perform some quick microphone tests. Note: These tests assume your iPhone’s speakers are working properly. You can also use headphones if your speakers are damaged.
1. Test the primary bottom microphone
Suppose someone on the other end has difficulty hearing you over standard calls and FaceTime. To address this, let’s take a moment to check whether the iPhone’s bottom microphone is working or not. Open Voice Memos and tap on the red record button. Now hold your iPhone horizontal to your mouth and speak in the bottom (near the microphone hole). After 10-15 seconds, press the same red button to stop recording. Now, play the voice note. If you clearly hear what you recorded, congratulations, your primary microphone is functioning correctly.
2. Test the front and back microphones
Open Camera and swipe to VIDEO. Press the shutter button to start recording. Now, speak into the top of your iPhone. After a few seconds, stop recording. Now, switch to your iPhone’s front-facing camera. Record a new video while speaking normally at the top side of the device. Next, play both videos. If you hear your voice clearly, the front and rear microphones are working correctly. Did your iPhone pass both microphone tests above? If so, please keep reading; we’ll most likely solve the issue. In case either test failed, you may have to contact Apple Support and get the device inspected (more on this later.)
8 Solutions to fix an iPhone microphone that isn’t working
1. Clean the iPhone microphones
The microphone holes are tiny, and thus it takes special care to clean them. Use a soft brush of any kind (it can be a toothbrush) to scrub the grills carefully. When you do so, make sure to hold the iPhone in such a way that gravity gets to do its job. For example, if you are cleaning the bottom microphone, try to hold the phone vertically so that the dirt easily falls down. After this, take a few minutes to carefully clean the 3.5 mm headphone jack or the Lightning port. Note: Make sure your case or screen protector isn’t blocking the microphone holes.
2. Restart your iPhone
In the solutions above, we looked at the hardware side of things. Now, what if the microphones aren’t functioning due to a software glitch? The first fix is to restart your iPhone. Yes, an action as simple as turning off your device and switching it back on can take care of several small problems!
3. Give the app microphone access
Applications need your consent before they can access your iPhone’s microphones. Usually, when you open the app for the first time or perform an in-app activity that requires the mic, you see a popup asking for your permission. In case you chose Don’t Allow, here’s how to reverse it:
4. Disconnect Bluetooth headset and wired headphones
We’re humans, and as such, we often forget things. Sometimes you may try to play music, watch a video, make calls, or send a voice note only to find that things aren’t working. This may be because a Bluetooth headset is connected to the iPhone and routing the voice to it, as well as using the on-headset microphone. To tackle this, here’s how to disconnect wireless earphones.
5. Disable noise cancellation
In some situations, like when on phone calls, it may help if you go against the norm and turn off noise cancellation. Here’s how: For wired headphones, unplug them. After this, the iPhone’s main microphones will be used for calls and other related functions.
6. Update to the latest version of iOS
We remind you to update your iPhone in almost all guides. It fixes bugs, introduces new features, and enhances the experience. Since you’re facing microphone troubles, it’s a good idea to check for pending software updates and install it, if any.
7. Reset all settings
Restoring your iPhone to default settings is a catch all for problems like this. Performing this action won’t delete personal data like music, photos, videos, or apps. However, all settings that you’ve changed will be removed. This includes Wi-Fi passwords, saved Bluetooth devices, your Home screen layout, notifications, privacy settings, etc.
8. Contact Apple Support
Finally, if none of the above solutions work for you, it’s time to contact the big folks! The crux is, if your iPhone microphones aren’t working due to software issues, the above steps (and restores) can take care of it. But if there’s a physical fault with the circuit board, connectors, or microphones, your options boil down to visiting an Apple Store or authorized service center. I hope these solutions were helpful and fixed your broken iPhone microphone. If you have any other questions, feel free to put them in the comments down below. Microphones are interesting! We can’t perform basic tasks like calls, video chats, or video recordings without them. And at the same time, we may be uncomfortable thinking the HomePod, Alexa, Google Home, or other smart devices might continuously be listening to our private conversations! Read next:
AirPods microphone not working? Here’s the fixes!How to Remove Microphone Icon from Keyboard on iPhone and iPadiPad Microphone Not Working? Here’s the FixStop Safari from Accessing iPhone’s Camera and Microphone
