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The Download
- Check if your iPhone’s microphone is blocked by dirt or a phone case.
- Restart your iPhone to fix temporary software issues that might affect the microphone.
- Make sure your apps have permission to use the microphone in your phone settings.
This article examines the potential reasons why your iPhone microphone may not be working, along with the steps you can take to resolve the issue.
These fixes apply to all iPhone models, although some steps might only be relevant for specific iOS versions.
How to Fix an iPhone Microphone That Isn’t Working
Follow these troubleshooting tips in the order listed to diagnose the problem and get your iPhone working again.
Close and reopen the app. If your microphone isn’t working with specific apps such as WhatsApp or Snapchat, close and reopen the app to see if this resolves the issue.
Restart the iPhone. A quick reboot often resolves many issues, including microphone problems.
Check if the mic is physically blocked. Examine the microphone openings at the bottom, front, and back of your phone, making sure nothing is covering or obstructing them. Even a screen protector might interfere with the mics.
Avoid using compressed air to clean these openings as it can damage the microphones.
Unplug all accessories. Remove any Bluetooth headsets, earbuds, and headphones, then test the microphone again.
Try a new headset. Faulty or inexpensive headsets are often to blame when a microphone isn’t working. Try using a fresh headset or earbuds to see if this solves the problem.
Give apps microphone access. In the Settings app, there’s a microphone access toggle that determines whether your apps can use the microphone.
Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone to see which apps have requested microphone access. Make sure the app you’re having issues with has microphone access enabled.
Test the microphones. Testing each mic helps locate or rule out problems with any specific microphone.
- Primary microphone: Use the Voice Memos app on your phone to record your voice. After a few seconds, stop the recording and play it back. If you can hear your voice, the primary microphone is working.
- Front microphone: Record a selfie video with sound in the Camera app. Check the video when finished; if you can hear your voice, then this mic is fine.
- Back microphone: Test another video (not a selfie). If you can hear your voice, the back microphone is working.
If you find that a microphone isn’t working, continue to the next steps.
Update iOS. Bugs in an outdated operating system can cause microphone issues. Ensure you have the latest iOS version to resolve these issues.
Reset your iPhone settings. Unexpected setting changes can cause microphone problems. A quick reset may resolve this issue.
Remember, this is different from a factory reset and won’t erase all your data. It’s a good idea to back up your iPhone before resetting, to revert to previous settings if needed.
Don’t select ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ as it removes all personal data, such as contacts, apps, photos, music, and more.
Make an Apple Genius Bar appointment. If all else fails, reaching out to Apple is your next best choice.
If your iPhone is under warranty, Apple can troubleshoot the issue or replace the phone. Alternatively, take the iPhone in for service at no cost or for a fee, depending on your warranty.
Why the iPhone Microphone Is Not Working
There are lots of possible reasons:
- Microphone is blocked
- Bluetooth issue
- App-related permission
- iOS is out of date
- Hardware failure
Usually, the exact problem only reveals itself through its corresponding fix.
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