How To Fix Microphone Not Working on iPhone [Full Guide]

Having an iPhone microphone that suddenly stops working can be very frustrating. Whether you are trying to make calls or use voice assistant features, not having a functioning microphone makes normal use difficult.

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Fortunately, there are several quick troubleshooting steps you can try to get your iPhone’s microphone working again. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through each solution so you can resolve your iPhone microphone issues.

Quick Answers:

Here are some quick answers to common questions on how to fix an iPhone microphone not working:

Check your iPhone’s microphone settings under Privacy & Security to make sure access is enabled for desired apps.
Look in Screen Time and make sure the microphone is set to “Allow” under Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean out any dust, lint or debris from the microphone opening.
Try resetting all settings – this can often resolve software issues causing microphone problems.
For total microphone failure, hardware issues like a damaged microphone or wiring problem likely require professional repair by Apple support.
Prevent issues by keeping iPhone away from moisture, avoiding high microphone volumes, and using a protective case.

Steps to Fix iPhone Microphone Not Working

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix an iPhone with microphone problems:

Step 1: Check iPhone Microphone Settings

The first thing to check is your iPhone’s microphone settings. Go to:

Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone

Make sure that the microphone is enabled and set to allow access to desired apps. If the microphone was accidentally restricted, change the settings to enable full access.

Step 2: Allow Microphone Access in Screen Time

If you use Screen Time parental controls, it’s possible the microphone was restricted here. Go to:

Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions

Under Allowed Changes, check that the microphone is set to “Allow”. Enable full microphone access if needed.

Step 3: Remove Debris and Clean the Microphone

Physical blockages can prevent the microphone from working properly. Use a soft dry brush or compressed air to gently clean out the microphone opening on your iPhone. Remove any dust, lint, or other debris.

After cleaning, restart your iPhone and test the microphone again. Sometimes a simple restart can fix temporary software glitches causing microphone problems.

Step 4: Reset All Settings

If you’ve tried the above steps and the microphone still isn’t working, resetting all settings may help. Go to:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset All Settings

This will clear any problematic settings that could be disrupting the microphone and return your iPhone to factory default settings without deleting data.

Test the microphone again after resetting the settings. Oftentimes this resolves stubborn issues that other basic troubleshooting could not.

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Hardware Problems Requiring Repair

If your iPhone’s microphone still doesn’t work after trying all of the above steps, it’s likely due to a hardware problem that requires professional repair.

Some common hardware issues that can cause microphone failure include:

Faulty microphone component
Damaged microphone chipset
Issues with microphone wiring
Microphone socket damage

In these cases, you will need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for diagnosis and repair options. The microphone may need to be replaced or other internal repairs are done to get it fully functional again.

While software glitches cause some microphone problems, hardware issues are often the culprit behind total microphone failure requiring professional service. Don’t attempt DIY repairs on an iPhone, as this can end up costing you more in the long run.

Preventing Future Microphone Problems

To help prevent microphone issues going forward, here are some useful tips:

Avoid exposing your iPhone to moisture or liquids which can damage the microphone.
Don’t use compressed air too forcefully when cleaning the microphone port.
Update to the latest iOS version for bug fixes.
Avoid dropping your iPhone which can loosen internal connections.
Use a protective case to prevent damage from bumps and shock.
Don’t use your iPhone microphone at extremely high volumes.

Following these microphone care tips will help extend its lifespan and reduce issues. But even with proper care, microphone problems can still occur over time. Using the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide will get your iPhone’s microphone working again in most cases. Contact Apple support if issues persist after trying these fixes.

FAQs:

Why did my iPhone microphone suddenly stop working?

Some common reasons an iPhone microphone can suddenly stop working include:

Accidental setting changes disabled the microphone
iOS bug or glitch
Dust/debris blocking the microphone
Liquid damage to microphone components
Internal hardware failure

How can I tell if my iPhone microphone is not working?

Try making a voice call or voice memo. If the other person can’t hear you, or the voice memo records silence, your iPhone microphone is not working properly. You can also try a microphone test app.

What should I do if my iPhone microphone is muffled?

First, clean out the microphone port gently using compressed air
Make sure no accessories are blocking the microphone
Check for any damage to microphone openings
Reset all settings
May require professional repair if a hardware issue

Why does my iPhone microphone work in some apps but not others?

Check that microphone access is allowed for problematic apps in Settings
Reinstall the app having issues
Restart your iPhone
The app itself may have a bug affecting microphone use

How much does it cost to repair an iPhone microphone?

Costs vary depending on the specific issue, but iPhone microphone repairs typically range from $50 – $150+ at Apple. Hardware repairs are generally at the higher end of this range. AppleCare+ can help reduce repair costs.

Conclusion:

A non-working iPhone microphone can certainly be annoying and limit your phone’s capabilities. But in many cases, it’s an issue that can be fixed with basic troubleshooting steps like adjusting settings, cleaning the microphone, or resetting your iPhone. Hardware problems may require professional repair to get the microphone fully functional again. Following proper maintenance tips can help avoid issues down the road. With the solutions provided in this guide, you should be able to get your iPhone’s microphone working again so calls, recordings, Siri and other voice features function smoothly. https://www.youtube.com/embed/srIQRNJl3fY