iPhone Microphone Not Working? Here’s How To Solve The Problem (The Easy Way)


iPhone XS Price 2021Pin

Ironically enough, using the iPhone to make phone calls is probably one of the features of the device people use the least. Texting, playing games, taking photos, and browsing the web are much more used features.

But if your iPhone microphone ever goes dead, you’ll quickly realize how critical that little piece of tech is. So, is your iPhone microphone not working? Here’s how to fix the problem.


We’re more likely to use the iPhone’s speakers, camera, and other sensors more often than the iPhone’s microphone. That’s because many of us make calls on our iPhone infrequently–or at least a lot less often than we use the camera or text people.

But the iPhone microphone is critical for more than just phone calls. Other features on the iPhone that require the microphone includes video recording, FaceTime calls, dictation, and Siri just to name a few. If your microphone isn’t working, your iPhone becomes severely impaired.

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to solve most iPhone microphone not working problems.

iPhone Microphone Not Working? Do This First

OK, before we get to the fixing stage, first you want to make sure of a few simple things. The most obvious (yet most overlooked) is that you want to make sure your iPhone is not accidentally on mute when on a call.

If you are talking on your iPhone via the Phone app, on FaceTime, on Skype, or Zoom or any number of other communication apps, you want to make sure you haven’t accidentally tapped the mute button in those apps.

I know, you may THINK you would remember tapping the mute button, but sometimes your chin can hit it if the iPhone is up to your ear. So if someone on your call says they can’t hear you, check to make sure you haven’t accidentally muted yourself first.

iPhone Microphone Not Working? Here’s How To Test If Something Is Wrong

iPhone Microphone Not Working? Here’s How To Solve The Problem (The Easy Way)Pin

If someone on a call says they can’t hear you and you’ve already confirmed you are not on mute, the next thing you want to do is test your microphone again to see if the problem is reproducible. There are a few ways you can do this:

  • Call another person and see if they can hear you.
  • Record a short video with the camera app and see if sound is recorded too, or if it’s just video.
  • Open any app with a text field (such as the Notes app) and tap the dictation button on the keyboard and start speaking. If the microphone works you ghoul see the waveform on the keyboard move and the words you speak should appear typed in the text field.
  • Try using “Hey Siri” (make sure you have “Hey Siri” enabled).

If any or all of the above fail to signal that your voice is being heard, you likely have a problem with your iPhone microphone. If that’s the case, work though the methods below to fix it. One of them is bound to work.

iPhone Microphone Not Working Fix #1: Disable Bluetooth

How Long Do AirPods Take To ChargePin

If you inadvertently have a pair of Bluetooth headphones, such as AirPods, actively in use with the iPhone, the headphones will act as the microphone, not the built-in microphone in the iPhone. So make sure your wireless earbuds aren’t currently active by disabling Bluetooth.

To do this:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Toggle the Bluetooth switch to OFF (white).

iPhone Microphone Not Working Fix #2: Turn Off Noise Cancellation

The iPhone uses noise cancellation features to make it easier for the microphone to pick up your words even if there is a lot of background noise. However, in some environments–and depending on how you hold the iPhone while talking–this could make you sound muffled. So it’s worth tagging noise cancellation off to see if that fixes things.

Here’s how:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Accessibility.
  3. Tap Audio/Visual
  4. Toggle the Phone Noise Cancellation switch to OFF (white).

iPhone Microphone Not Working Fix #3: Check Microphone Settings For Third-Party Apps

iphone storage sizesPin

As a privacy feature, iOs requires iPhone users to explicitly grant an app access to the microphone before the app can use it. It’s possible is the microphone seems to not work in only certain apps, you rejected microphone access to those apps upon their first launch.

So check if the apps you are using have access to the microphone by doing this:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Privacy.
  3. Tap Microphone.
  4. Make sure the toggle next to the app name you want to have access to the microphone is switched to ON (green).

iPhone Microphone Not Working Fix #4: Make Sure Nothing Is Covering Your Microphone

If all of the above checks out and you still aren’t being heard via your microphone, it’s time to make sure nothing is obstructing it. Two things come to mind particularly:

  • iPhone case: some badly-fitted iPhone cases can obstruct the iPhone microphone. The microphone is located at the bottom of the iPhone by the speaker holes. So make sure your case isn’t covering those holes up.
  • Dust and dirt: are the speaker holes clogged with dust or dirt? If so, the particulates could be blocking the microphone. If this is the case, use a dry toothbrush VERY VERY GENTLY to unclog the holes. But DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE or you could damage your iPhone. Alternately, you could try cleaning methods similar to how you clean your iPhone’s Lightning port.

iPhone Microphone Not Working Fix #5: Update, Reset, Restore Your iPhone

How Much Is My iPhone Worth? A Quick GuidePin

If none of the above work, it’s worth trying three final things in defending order:

  1. Updated your iPhone to the latest iOS by going to Settings > General > Software Update. You could have a software bug Apple has patched with an update.
  2. If that doesn’t work, you can try resetting your iPhone.
  3. If that doesn’t work, you can try doing a full restore on the iPhone.

And if all that doesn’t work, it’s time to take your iPhone to an authorized repair center because it’s possible your iPhone microphone could be physically damaged and need to be replaced.

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

    +

    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

    +

    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

    +

    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

    +

    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

    +

    Data: 20GB