iPhone Microphone Not Working? How to Test and Fix It
Your iPhone microphone not working can affect you in multiple ways throughout your day. You cannot make clear phone callsthe assistant has stopped responding your voice memos sound horrible. When your iPhone mic problems interrupt communication need speedy solutions.
Learn How to Diagnose Microphone Problems on an iPhone. We’ll take you through simple fixes and then move to advanced solutions. We can help you if your mic ports are filled with dirt and debris; if it’s a software glitch or a hardware damage.
Most iPhone microphone problems are fixable at home. You just need to know which steps to try first. If you have any issue related to to iphone guide then visit this page.
Common Signs Your iPhone Microphone Isn’t Working
To repair microphone fault on iPhone you need to know the signs before you begin fixing it. Your microphone malfunction iPhone will show some signs to enable you know it needs fixing.
Call and Communication Issues
If people can’t hear you during calls, this is the common sign. You may have experienced bad call quality where your voice sounds distant and broken up. FaceTime calls might fail as the other person is unable to hear you.
There are times when you can hear someone perfectly well—but not the other way around. It means your iPhone mic is not working at all. The issue could affect normal calls but not speakerphone calls or the other way around. If you have any issue related to Bluetooth is Not Working then dont worry we also provide solution of this issue here on this website.
Voice Assistant and App Problems
Siri does not respond to your voice commands when you speak. You might say “Hey Siri’ various times and nothing happens. Sometimes, Siri may ask you to repeat yourself over and over again.
Apps with microphone access may also stop working properly. Video chat apps and voice recording apps need your phone’s microphone to function properly. If these apps don’t pick up sound, there is likely something wrong with your iPhone microphone.
Audio Recording Quality Issues
The sound quality of your voice memos may be distorted, or there may be no sound at all. You notice that video sound is poor or missing when you record video in the Camera app.
Audio recordings may sound muffled or unusually quiet. At times you can hardly hear anything when you speak right into the phone. It is a clear sign of microphone input not detected issue.
How to Test Your iPhone Microphone (Step-by-Step Guide)
By testing your iPhone’s microphone, you will be able to find which particular component is unresponsive or malfunctioning. Your iPhone has several microphones placed at different positions. Each one serves different functions.
Understanding iPhone Microphone Locations
Most iPhones have three microphones. The lower microphone manages voice calls and voicemail recordings. During speakerphone calls and on FaceTime, the top mic works. When you use the back camera, the rear microphone records the sound.
New iPhones have extra mics for cancelling out background sounds. Understanding the function of each microphone can help in your repairs.
Voice Memo Test Method
Open the Voice Memos app on your iPhone. Click on the red record button and speak normally from about 12 inches away. Say or do something to test your iPhone microphone for 10 seconds.
Stop recording and play it back. Listen for clear audio with no distortion or strange quiet microphone. This test will help to sound check the bottom mic.
If the recording sounds bad or has no sound, the bottom microphone probably needs repair. If it sounds clear, that microphone works fine. Top 9 Problems iPhones Have (And How To Fix Them)
Camera App Video Recording Test
Open your Camera app and switch to video mode. Start recording with the front-facing camera. Speak clearly while recording for 15 seconds.
Use the back camera and record another video of 15 seconds. This test assesses the mic of your front camera and rear camera with a camera app.
Play both videos back and compare the audio quality. The audio from the front camera video suggests some top microphone issues. The rear camera video has bad audio, indicating there is an issue with the rear microphone.
Siri and Phone Call Testing
Try saying ‘Hey Siri’ or keep your finger on the side button. If you ask a simple question, such as “What time is it?” and Siri does not reply or keeps asking you to repeat, your microphone is faulty.
Make a test with phone calls to a friend or family member. Ask them how you sound during a regular call. After switching to speaker, ask about the sound quality again.
Test with FaceTime calls work the same way. If it sounds bad on a regular call, but sounds alright on speaker, the bottom microphone has a problem. The opposite pattern indicates top microphone issues.
Quick Fixes for iPhone Microphone Problems
Before going for complex solutions, try these easy fixes. Most iPhone mic issues are resolved with upkeep and software fix.
Clean Your iPhone Microphone Ports
A lot of microphone issues are caused by gunk in mic ports. Over time, your iPhone’s microphone openings can accumulate dust and lint. Blocked microphone holes degrade the quality of audio.
Use a clean tooth brush to clean up microphone openings. Carefully brush around the microphone holes without pushing debris further in. Never use compressed air, as that can damage internal fibres.
You can also clean with a cotton swab that is dry and clean. Don’t put anything inside the microphone holes and be very gentle. To get the best results from your iPhone microphone, clean all locations of the microphone on your iPhone.
Remove Cases and Screen Protectors
Many phone accessories block microphone holes without your knowledge Screen protectors that are too thick or poorly designed may be obstructing the microphone.
The suggestion is to momentarily remove your case or screen protector and check your microphone again.
Try making a phone call or recording a voice memo with no accessories connected.
If your microphone does not work with the case, then switch the protection. Search for a case designed for your iPhone with proper microphone cutouts.
Restart Your iPhone
A basic restart of your iPhone could fix the software problems interfering with your microphone. Restarting resets only temporary files and system processes that cause faults in the computer.
On iPhones that do not have a home button, press and hold the side button and either volume button. Slide the power-off slider when it appears. After waiting 30 seconds, hit the side button to switch your iPhone on again.
When you have iPhone with a Home button, press and hold the side or top button until you see power-off slider. Follow the same process to complete the restart.
Update iOS Software
Old iOS software causes hardware problems like the microphone not working. Apple often releases updates to fix microphone malfunction issues with the iPhone.
To check for iOS updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update iOS is available, tap Download and Install. Make sure that your iPhone device is connected to Wi-Fi and charged enough.
Your apps and microphone often have compatibility issues – get the fix now! Always install updates as soon as they become available.
iPhone Microphone Settings and Permissions
At times your microphone works just fine, but the apps can’t have access to it. Adjusting microphone settings can solve mysterious microphone problems.
Check App Microphone Permissions
Go to Settings, then Privacy and Security. Next, click Microphone to see which apps have access. You will see a whole list of apps which asked for microphone permission.
Make sure the switches of the apps you are facing issues with turned on. If an app is not part of this list, delete it and reinstall it to request permissions again.
Sometimes, apps need access to your mic to function, even when you cannot see it. You may need to grant such permissions in video calling apps, voice recording apps, and even in some games.
Reset All Settings
Resetting all settings without erasing your data may clear complex permission and configuration issues. This will help when multiple apps have microphone problems or in the case of software corruption affecting your entire operating system.
To reset all settings on your iPhone, go to Settings, then General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, Reset, and finally Reset All Settings. Enter your passcode when prompted. The procedure resets files, settings, Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth, and apps.
Once the reset process is finished, your iPhone will reboot automatically. You will have to reconnect to different Wi-Fi networks and enable permissions for apps again, but your photos, chats and other data will remain safe.
Advanced iPhone Microphone Troubleshooting
When the simple solutions don’t work, these more complex solutions seek out deeper software and hardware problems. When simple troubleshooting does not help your iPhone mic problems, use these methods.
Use Apple Diagnostic Tools
Apple Support diagnostics can help find a problem with your hardware you can’t see. Test the Microphone With Apple’s IOS Voice Memos Troubleshooting Solution.
Download the Apple Support app from the App Store. Launch the app and tap on Get Support > iPhone > Repairs & Physical Damage > Audio Problems. Follow the prompts to run automated tests.
The diagnostic tests for water, hardware, and internal connectivity problems. The results of these tests will provide specific details about the condition of your iPhone microphone and what to do next.
Backup and Restore Your iPhone
Microphone problems caused by corrupted software are more serious than basic fixes. A complete restore iPhone process reinstalls the iOS and can fix deep software issues.
Before starting, backup your iCloud backup or iTunes backup. To back up to the cloud, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Connect to iTunes on your computer and select ‘Back up all data to this Mac/PC’ option.
When the backup finishes, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. It performs a factory reset which deletes all data and settings.
Restore from your backup after the reset finishes. Check your mic before installing apps to rule out a software conflict.
Test with External Microphones
If there is an issue with the external microphone it allows you to quickly find out if it is an issue with hardware or software. If external microphones work, then internal mic hardware in your iPhone has damages.
Connect a Bluetooth Headset Microphone and make the test call. Ask the other person about audio quality. Test out wired headphones that come with a mic to compare sound quality.
If your iPhone’s built-in microphones don’t work, but external microphones do, that’s hardware damage. Your iPhone will need professional microphone repair.
When to Seek Professional Help
A professional’s help may be needed to diagnose and repair some iPhone microphone issues. Knowing when to give up DIY troubleshooting can save you time and cause further damage.
Hardware Damage Indicators
A microphone that is exposed to water cannot be repaired at home. Even if your iphone looks dry that doesn’t mean internal moisture won’t corrode components.
If you drop or impact the device, it can physically damage and disconnect internal cables. Older iPhone models microphones wear down with age.
Consult a pro pay when you have a hardware damage issue and none of the previous issues work out on your phone. When you keep checking for the hardware issues it can turn costlier.
Apple Support and Repair Options
Apple Support includes options for getting microphone repaired. When parts are in stock, Genius Bar appointments allow us to diagnose in-person and fix on the same day.
If your microphone is broken, you can send your iPhone to Apple for mail-in repair services. If you live far from an Apple Store, this option offers convenience.
Check your warranty coverage before scheduling repairs. If your microphone issue is not caused by physical or liquid damage, Apple might fix it for free.
Third-Party Repair Considerations
Often less expensive than Apple independent repair shops provide services. But, 3rd-party repairs could void your warranty and use lesser quality parts.
Research repair shops carefully before choosing one. Certified technicians with good reviews can provide warranty on their work. Inquire about the specific components they use for iPhone microphone repair.
Compare how much Apple’s products and independent shops’ products cost, but don’t forget their warranty and reliability and other factors. Paying more for the official repair is sometimes a money-saver.
Preventing Future iPhone Microphone Problems
If You do Microphone Issues on iPhone then 7 Effective Solutions are Available with Us. Your microphone will last longer and sound better if you do these.
Proper iPhone Care and Maintenance
Clean microphone openings monthly using a soft brush. By cleaning it regularly, you can stop the dirt from building up and affecting audio quality.
Choose Protective Cases Made for Your iPhone Model A quality case will help shield your phone and won’t block microphone openings or effec
Do not use your iPhone in dusty or moist surroundings. Keep your phone in clean and dry places to prevent the contamination of microphone ports.
Software Maintenance Best Practices
Don’t wait on installing iOS software updates when available. Software updates typically fix bugs that affect problems with microphone functionality.
Check the app permissions regularly so that microphone access is configured properly. Remove or update apps that often conflict with the microphone or cause crashes.
Maintain adequate free storage space on your iPhone. When there is low storage, your system performance degrades. In turn, the microphone won’t work properly. Other hardware issues may also emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Fix iPhone Microphone Issues Myself?
Using the methods in this guide, many iPhone microphone problems are fixable at home. Simple issues like dirt in the microphone ports, software glitches, and permission problems respond well to DIY remedies.
Damages arising from water or impact would require a microphone repair service from an expert. When troubleshooting doesn’t work after trying all steps, call an expert.
How Much Does iPhone Microphone Repair Cost?
The cost for official Apple microphone repair of iPhone is based on iPhone model. Repairs for manufacturing defects might not cost anything. Out-of-warranty repairs typically range from $100-300.
Third-party places usually charge around $50-150depending on your location and iPhone model. However, these repairs may void your Apple warranty.
Will a Software Update Fix My Microphone Problem?
Updates to the app could also help fix the microphone issues. If you experience iPhone mic issues after downloading new apps or updating iOS, a software fix will do the trick.
Water damage or physical damage will not get fixed with either software update. The issues require repairs of hardware parts.
How Long Do iPhone Microphones Typically Last?
Under normal use, the microphones in an iPhone are meant to last forever. In most scenarios, software-related issues, debris interference, or other accidental damage causes a microphone not to work.
If you clean and care for your iPhone microphone properly, you should be able to use it for years. Permanent microphone failure is most often caused by water exposure or physical damage.
Conclusion
The right solution can usually fix problems with your iPhone microphone not working. Begin with the simplest solutions like cleaning the ports of microphone and checking for permissions of the app. First, restart your iPhone and install the latest iOS updates.
Your phone has a number of ways to test the microphone. You can use voice memos, the camera app or make a call.
More importantly, you should test each of the microphones on your phone. By zoning in on a specific area, time is saved and the best easy solutions selected.
If DIY fixes can’t rescue your iPhone mic problems, it’s best to seek professional help. For hardware damage and complicated software problems that can’t be fixed at home, Apple Support and Apple Authorized Service Providers can help.
Remember that prevention is always better than repair. If you take care of your iPhone and maintain it properly your microphone can last for many years.
