iPhone Microphone not Working? Try These Fixes

Imagine you're on a call with your iPhone and suddenly realize the person you're talking to can't hear you. This can be quite frustrating, as it hampers your communication and tasks.

If you find yourself in this situation, there are various steps you can take to address the issue. First, you'll need to determine whether the problem stems from software or hardware. Then, try every solutions to get out of the issue - iPhone microphone not working. Let's explore the potential fixes step by step.

Part 1. Why microphone not working on iPhone?

Several factors can contribute to the microphone not working on your iPhone:
⛔ Physical Blockage: Dust, debris, or foreign objects may block the microphone or its openings, affecting sound quality.
⛔ Software Glitches: iOS updates or software conflicts can lead to microphone-related issues.
⛔ App-Specific Problems: Certain apps might have microphone access disabled or experience glitches that impact microphone functionality.
⛔ Hardware Issues: If the microphone itself is damaged or faulty, it can result in sound-related problems.

Part 2. 7 fixes to iPhone microphone not working

Here are some effective fixes to address microphone on iPhone not working issue. Try them one after another, until your issue gets fixed.

1# Clean up the microphones

First thing first, chances are that your microphone isn't functioning properly due to debris buildup. In this case, you can simply take a clean cloth or a small vacuum cleaner to carefully remove the debris from the microphone opening. Once it's cleaned, turn on your device and make a call to check if the microphone is now working as expected.

2# Test the microphone on your iPhone

The problem of your iPhone microphone not working might be related to the app you use for phone calls or voice recording. To determine if the microphone is truly not functioning, you may need to confirm it after cleaning up. You can do this by opening an app and trying to record your voice.

You can go to the Voice Memos app on your iPhone, and rap the record icon to speak something into the microphone on your device. Then play the recording to see if you can hear your voice.

If you can, then the app you were using had issues. If you can’t, the issue remains with your microphone, and keep reading on to learn how to fix it.

3# Force restart your iPhone

When your iOS devices encounter issues and aren't functioning properly, performing a force restart can often help resolve the problems. If you're fortunate, the microphone for iPhone not working might disappear after a factory reset. Depending on the specific model of your iPhone, follow these steps to do a factory restart:

• For iPhone 8 and later with Face ID:
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button > Quickly press and release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the Side/Power button until the Apple logo appears.

• For iPhone 7/7 Plus:
Press and hold the Top button and Volume Down button together > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

• For iPhone 6s, SE and earlier with Home button:
Hold down the Home button and the Top (or Side) button at the same time > Release both buttons when the Apple logo appears.

4# Check app permissions

If you're experiencing microphone issues in specific apps that require microphone access, the problem could be related to app permissions. When an app wants to use your device's microphone, it requires your permission to do so.

If you haven't granted these permissions, that could be the cause of your microphone not working problem. To address this issue and resolve the iPhone microphone issue, follow these steps to grant the necessary permissions to the apps:

Step 1. Head to the Settings app on your iPhone > Locate and tap Privacy > Choose Microphone.

Step 2. On this screen, you will see what apps can access your microphone. Ensure the toggle next to the app you want to use microphone with is enabled. If it’s not, turn it on. Then, open the app to see if you can use it now.

5# Check silent mode setting

If you find iPhone microphone not working but speaker does, your voice control in the iPhone not work, it is likely that you hit the mute button by mistake while you were on a voice call with someone. Beside, while silent mode itself shouldn't impact microphone functionality, it's worth ensuring that your iPhone is not accidentally in silent mode (mute switch on the side of the device).

6# Update iOS to the latest version

Ensure that your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version. Software updates often include fixes and enhancements that could potentially resolve microphone problems.

Go to Settings on your iPhone > Tap General > Software Update > If any update is available, download and install it.

7# Reset all settings

In case you've made various changes to your iPhone settings that might be causing iPhone microphone not working problems, a solution could be to reset all settings to their default values. This action can often resolve issues arising from conflicting settings. Here's a guide on how to perform this on your iPhone.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on iPhone > Navigate to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.

Step 2. Click on Reset All Settings > When asked, enter your password > Tap Reset All Settings again to confirm.

Conclusion

iPhone microphone not working can hinder various tasks and functionalities. By understanding the potential causes behind microphone issues and following the provided fixes, you can troubleshoot and resolve the problem effectively. From simple cleaning to software adjustments, these solutions address a range of issues that might be affecting your microphone's functionality.

If all else fails, seeking professional assistance ensures that your device's hardware is thoroughly examined and repaired if necessary.