Buzz
Get your iPhone microphone working again
Having trouble with your iPhone's microphone? Whether it's not picking up sound during calls or recordings, there are simple ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue. Follow these steps to restore your iPhone mic functionality.
Instructions
Reboot your iPhone.
A quick reboot can resolve many issues. Here's how:
- For iPhones without a Home button, press and hold the Power button along with the Volume Up button until the Power slider appears.
- For iPhones with a Home button, press and hold the side button until the slider appears.
- Drag the slider to power off the device.
- Wait for 30 seconds, then power it back on.
Verify your permission settings.
Ensure your apps have microphone access. This setting can be managed within your iPhone's preferences. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Privacy & Security.
- Select Microphone.
- Confirm that the app you're trying to use has permission enabled.
Try a different headset.
Connect a wired or Bluetooth headset. If your iPhone's internal microphone is malfunctioning, plug in an external microphone and test it. Try recording a Voice Memo or make a camera recording.
- If you’re using a Bluetooth headset, switch to a wired one, or vice versa, and test again.
Check your mic with the Camera app.
Launch the Camera app and switch to video mode. Hit the record button, then speak into the microphone. Play back the video and check if your voice is audible.
- If you can't hear anything, return to the Camera app. This time, switch to the rear camera (or the front camera) and record again. Play the video and listen carefully.
Remove any cases or accessories.
Take off your iPhone case and any accessories. If you're using a bulky case, it could be obstructing the microphone. Once removed, test the mic by recording a Voice Memo.
Look for any debris.
Dust or dirt can block your iPhone’s microphone and speakers. Inspect the ports and openings. If you spot any debris, clean your iPhone using a dry, soft-bristled brush. For detailed instructions, visit this guide.
Ensure your iPhone is up to date.
Keep your iPhone updated. Just like when your iPhone camera isn’t working, an outdated software version may be the issue. Here’s how to check for updates:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
Reset All Settings.
Restore all settings to their default configuration. This resets network, privacy, and location settings without deleting your data, but it’s always wise to back up your iPhone first. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
