How to do if the microphones on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch aren't working, quickly fix and fix annoying microphone problems. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to talk on the phone and your iPhone's microphone doesn't work. If the other party can't hear you, your calls aren't hearing well, or Siri can't understand your commands, here's how to troubleshoot your iPhone's microphone and get it working again.
Causes of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch microphones not working
There are many reasons why your iPhone's microphone may not work. The problem could be with Bluetooth or the app, your iOS is out of date, or something is blocking or interfering with the microphone preventing it from working normally.
How to do when your iPhone microphone is not working
These solutions apply to all iPhone and iOS models and versions, including iPhone 5, iPhone 6 / 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 8 and later. Try these steps as they are in order.
1. Restart your iPhone. Restarting your iPhone can help you solve many problems, including microphone problems.
2. Verify that the microphone is not blocked. All iPhones have at least three microphones. Check the bottom (primary), front, and rear microphone openings to make sure they are not covered, blocked or obstructed in any way.
3. Remove the screen protector and / or case. Even if the screen protector or case isn't blocking the microphone openings, they can still interfere with the microphone. Try removing it and see if that fixes the problem.
4. Disconnect any accessories. Unplug all accessories (Bluetooth headphones, earphones, headphones, etc.) connected to the phone and try using the microphone again to see if it works.
5. Try a new headset. Bad or cheap headphones are often the culprit when a microphone doesn't work. Try using a new earbud or a pair of earbuds and see if the problem is resolved.
6. Restart the messaging apps. If your microphone doesn't work with apps like WhatsApp and Skype, try closing the app and reopening it.
7. Give apps access to the microphone. If you're using an app like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype, make sure the app has permissions to access the microphone. To do this, go to your iPhone's Settings, tap the app to view settings, and make sure the microphone is on On.
8. Clean the microphones. Check if the microphone openings are blocked by lint or dust. If so, you can use a clean, dry toothbrush to gently brush the opening. Do not shoot compressed air into a microphone opening at close range, as this can damage the microphone.
9. Test your microphones. Testing the microphones individually will help pinpoint and / or rule out problems with any specific microphone.
- Main microphone: Tap the app Voice memos from your iPhone home screen. Tap the icon Register to record your voice. Stop recording and play it back. If you can hear your voice, this indicates that the microphone is working.
- Front microphone: Tap the app Camera from your iPhone home screen. Choose the option Video and tap the icon registration (in selfie view) to record your voice. Stop recording. Go to the app Gallery to play the video. If you can hear your voice, this indicates that the front mic is working.
- Rear microphone: Tap the app Camera from your iPhone home screen. Go to video option and tap the Record button to record your voice. Stop recording. Go to the app Gallery to play the video. If you can hear your voice, this indicates that the microphone is working.
If the microphones on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch aren't working, go to the next steps.
10. Update your iOS. Sometimes an outdated iOS can interfere with the proper functioning of the microphone, and updating the iPhone's iOS can fix the problem. To check if your iOS is up to date, go to Settings of your iPhone> General > Software update to check for the latest updates and install them.
11. Restore default settings on iPhone. Unexpected changes to settings can cause the microphone to stop working. You may be able to fix it by resetting your iPhone to factory defaults. Doing a reset doesn't erase any data (except Wi-Fi passwords), but always back up your iPhone before performing a reset, in case you want to restore your old settings. Don't choose Erase all content and settings, as this will remove all personal content from your phone, including contacts, apps, photos, music, credit cards, and more.
12. Contact Apple for assistance. If all of this failed to get the microphone to work on your iPhone, contact Apple iPhone Support. If your iPhone is under warranty, Apple can help you fix the problem or replace your phone. Alternatively, you can request support for iPhone, either for free or for a fee, depending on the warranty.
Sometimes iOS updates have bugs that can cause hardware problems with your phone. If the microphone stopped working after an update, contact Apple Support.
