iPhone microphone not working
Your voice is not recorded or sounds unclear. Test a recording and check whether one app is affected before assuming microphone failure.
Try this first
1 quick checks · ~4 min
Find your situation
See all the clues. Choose the one that matches what you observe.
Step-by-step solutions
Remove obstructions and record a voice memo
Use a short phrase without private information.
Remove cases or protectors covering microphone openings. For visible debris, follow Apple’s safe-cleaning guidance; do not insert objects or liquids.
Record your voice in Voice Memos and play it back. If it is clear, check whether the failure is limited to the original app.
Check permission when only one app fails
Allow access only to the app you intend to use.
Check whether the affected app has permission to use the microphone.
- Settings
- Privacy & Security
- Microphone
Test it again. If permission is granted and Voice Memos works, contact the developer before resetting iPhone.
Compare video audio
Do not confuse silent playback with no recorded sound.
Record yourself speaking in Camera and test the other camera too when the problem concerns video. Play the recordings.
If no playback can be heard, check the speaker or a working audio output before concluding that your voice was not recorded.
Still not working?
If recordings still lack your voice after removing obstructions, request Apple service and specify which tests fail. Do not open the phone to clean internal microphones.
Sources
Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.
Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.