A working microphone is essential on an iPhone, whether for phone calls, voice memos, FaceTime, or recording video. If yours isn’t working properly, there are several common causes worth checking before assuming something is seriously wrong with the hardware.
This guide covers how to diagnose and fix microphone issues on iPhone, from app permissions to physical blockages.
Clear the Microphone Openings
Start with the basics. Remove any screen protector, film, or case from your iPhone, then check for and clear away any debris from the microphone openings themselves. Built-up lint or dust in these small openings is a surprisingly common cause of muffled or non-functional audio.
If the Microphone Doesn’t Work in a Specific App
- Go to Settings, then Privacy, then Microphone
- Confirm the app in question is enabled in this list
- If the app has permission but still isn’t working, or doesn’t appear in the list at all, the issue may be on the app developer’s end, and reaching out to them directly is the next step
Test the Microphone
The microphone on your iPhone plays a role in nearly everything you do with the device, from phone calls to voice memos to video chat. If something isn’t working, testing the mic directly helps narrow down where the actual problem is.
Test the mic for phone calls. Open the Voice Memos app and record a short clip, speaking into the microphone near the bottom of the phone. Play it back and check whether it sounds clear.
Test the speakerphone or video mic. Open the Camera app and record a short video while speaking, since this uses the microphone near the top of the phone. Play it back and check the audio quality.
Disconnect Any Audio Accessories
Your iPhone may be trying to route audio through a connected accessory, like an earbud or portable speaker, rather than its own built-in microphone, which can result in poor or missing audio. To rule this out, make sure nothing is plugged in and temporarily turn off Bluetooth. Open Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon to disable it.
How to Fix an iPhone Microphone That Isn’t Working
Restart the Phone
A simple restart resolves a surprising number of microphone issues. If you’re having trouble, this is one of the easiest things to try first. For more general audio troubleshooting beyond just the mic, see our guide on why does my sound keep cutting out.
Check for Blocked Microphone Openings
Covered or blocked microphone openings are a common cause of mic problems. The iPhone 11 and similar models include multiple microphones positioned around the device, so check that none of them are covered by a case, screen protector, or your hand while using the phone.
Unplug Any Accessories
Disconnect any Bluetooth headsets, earbuds, or wired headphones connected to your phone, then test the microphone again to see if it works properly without them.
Restart Communication Apps
If the microphone isn’t working in a specific app, like WhatsApp or Skype, closing and reopening the app can resolve temporary glitches that prevent it from accessing the microphone correctly.
Confirm App Microphone Permissions
If you’re using an app like WhatsApp or Skype, go to Settings, then Privacy, then Microphone, to see which apps have requested microphone access. Confirm the app you’re having trouble with actually has that access turned on.
Clean the Microphone Openings
Check whether the microphone openings are clogged with lint or dust. If so, gently brush them out using a dry, clean, soft-bristled brush, being careful not to push debris further into the opening.
Conclusion
If your iPhone’s microphone isn’t working properly, working through these steps should resolve most common causes, whether it’s a blocked opening, an app permission issue, or interference from a connected accessory. If none of these fixes work, it’s worth taking your phone to a technician or an Apple Store for a closer look, since the issue may be hardware related at that point.
For more on related iPhone microphone topics, see our guides on how to clean AirPods microphone, where is the microphone on iPhone 11, how to record audio on iPhone, and why does my mic sound muffled.
