iPhone Microphone Not Working

Test it here first

Open this page in Safari, press START and speak. If the bar moves, the microphone works and the problem is one app's permission or setting. If Safari cannot use the microphone, check the site setting described below.

1. Find out which microphone fails

An iPhone has three microphones: at the bottom next to the charging port (calls and voice memos), at the top near the earpiece and front camera (video calls and selfie videos), and on the back next to the cameras (rear videos).

1. Record a voice memo with the Voice Memos app and play it back: this tests the bottom microphone.
2. Record a short video with the front camera and another with the back camera, then play both.
3. If only one of the three recordings is silent or muffled, that microphone is blocked or damaged.

2. Clean and uncover the microphones

• Remove the case and any screen protector, then test again. Thick cases and badly fitted protectors often cover the microphones.
• Brush the openings gently with a dry, soft brush. Do not push pins or compressed air into them.

3. App permissions and Screen Time

1. Open Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone and turn on the apps that need it.
2. If the switches are grey, open Settings › Screen Time › Content & Privacy Restrictions › Microphone and choose Allow Changes.
3. For websites, tap the aA or page-settings button in Safari's address bar, open Website Settings and set Microphone to Allow. The default for all sites is in Settings › Apps › Safari › Microphone.

4. Bluetooth and Mic Mode

• If AirPods or a car are connected, calls may use their microphone. Tap the audio button on the call screen and choose iPhone.
• During a call, open Control Center and set Mic Mode to Standard.

5. Restart, update and reset

1. Restart the iPhone and install updates in Settings › General › Software Update.
2. If the problem continues, use Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset All Settings. It resets settings only, not your photos or apps.
3. If a microphone is still silent in a recording after all this, it is most likely a hardware fault; contact Apple Support or an authorized repair shop.