iPad Microphone Not Working

Test it here first

Open this page in Safari, press START and speak. A moving level bar means the iPad's microphone works and you only need to fix the app. No movement means the microphone is blocked, covered or switched to another device.

1. Screen Time restrictions

iPads used by children or managed by a school often have Screen Time limits that block the microphone without any message.

1. Open Settings › Screen Time › Content & Privacy Restrictions.
2. Set Microphone to Allow Changes, and check under Allowed Apps & Features that FaceTime and the camera are allowed.
3. A school-managed iPad may have restrictions you cannot change; ask the school's IT team.

2. App permissions

1. Open Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone and turn on the app (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, a classroom app).
2. For websites, use the page-settings button in Safari's address bar, then Website Settings › Microphone › Allow.

3. Cases, keyboards and how you hold it

• The iPad microphones are on the top edge, near the front camera. A keyboard case, a hand or a stand can cover them, especially in landscape.
• Remove the case and test again.
• Gently brush the microphone openings with a dry, soft brush.

4. Headsets and accessories

• A USB-C headset, adapter or Bluetooth headset takes over the microphone. Unplug or disconnect it to test the built-in microphone.
• Some USB-C hubs report a microphone input even when nothing is plugged in. Remove the hub if the iPad's microphone goes silent when it is attached.

5. Restart and update

1. Restart the iPad and update iPadOS in Settings › General › Software Update.
2. If nothing helps, Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPad › Reset › Reset All Settings resets settings without deleting your data.