You go to send a voice note and it records… nothing. Or you answer a call and the other person says you sound like you’re speaking through a sock. When your iphone microphone not working hits calls, Voice Memos, or WhatsApp, it’s a proper pain, especially if it’s your work phone.
The good news is most microphone faults are either a simple blockage (lint loves mic holes) or a setting that’s quietly hijacked your audio. If you’ve tried the quick checks below and it still won’t behave, that’s when we start thinking hardware repair.
The quick answer (before you lose your patience)
If your iphone microphone not working is happening across multiple apps, start with cleaning the mic openings, checking Bluetooth routing, and confirming microphone permissions. Those three fix the majority of cases I see at the bench.
If it still fails after testing in Voice Memos and the Camera app, or it’s recently had a drop, liquid exposure, or a DIY clean gone wrong, it’s likely a repair job, not a settings tweak.
Quick checks when iPhone microphone not working
Work out which mic is struggling (it matters)
iPhones don’t have just one mic. Different features use different microphones, so the pattern of the fault helps pinpoint the cause.
| What fails | Typical symptom | Likely mic involved |
|---|---|---|
| Normal calls (held to ear) | Caller can’t hear you | Bottom mic (near charging port) |
| Speakerphone / FaceTime | Fine on normal call, bad on speaker (or vice versa) | Top/front mic |
| Video recording | Sound missing or muffled on video | Rear mic (near camera) |
A quick, reliable test is Apple’s own guidance: record in Voice Memos and test video audio in Camera, as outlined in Apple Support (UK): If the microphones on your iPhone aren’t working.
1) Take the case off and clean the mic openings (gently)
This sounds too basic, but it’s the number one fix. Pocket fluff builds up like it pays rent.
- Remove your case and any clip-on lens covers.
- Look at the tiny holes by the charging port and the mesh near the earpiece.
- Use a soft, dry brush (a clean toothbrush is fine) and a light touch.
- Avoid pushing pins or metal tools into holes, it’s an easy way to damage the mic or mesh.
If you’ve recently tried to fix cracked iPhone screen damage with a thick screen protector or a heavy-duty case, double-check it’s not covering a mic grille.
2) Check Bluetooth and audio routing (the sneaky one)
Sometimes your iPhone is listening to your AirPods, car kit, or a Bluetooth speaker you forgot you paired months ago.
- Turn Bluetooth off briefly (Settings > Bluetooth).
- On a call, tap the audio button and choose iPhone.
- Unplug any wired headset.
I’ve had customers swear their mic is dead, then we turn off Bluetooth and it’s instantly sorted.
3) Confirm app microphone permissions (WhatsApp is common)
If your microphone works in calls but not in WhatsApp voice notes, it’s often permissions.
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone, then make sure WhatsApp is allowed. If you want extra WhatsApp-specific checks, this guide is a decent starting point: Fix WhatsApp Calls Not Working Issues on iPhone.
4) Restart, update iOS, and test again
A simple restart clears a lot of audio glitches. After that, check for an iOS update (Settings > General > Software Update). I’ve seen odd mic behaviour after updates that clears on the next point release.
If you’re following Apple’s steps from outside the UK, the same article exists here too: If the microphones on your iPhone aren’t working.
5) Try switching off Phone Noise Cancellation
If call audio is strange (especially on older models), Phone Noise Cancellation can occasionally make things worse.
Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Phone Noise Cancellation (toggle off), then test a call again.
WhatsApp voice notes vs normal calls: what it usually means
When WhatsApp voice notes fail but normal calls are fine, it points to permissions, Bluetooth routing, or the app itself rather than a dead microphone.
When normal calls fail but Voice Memos records clearly, it can be call routing (audio being sent elsewhere) or a network call setting rather than the mic. Testing in Voice Memos and Camera gives you a clean “is the mic physically working?” answer.
When it’s a repair (not a setting)
If your iPhone fails the Voice Memos test (no sound or heavy distortion), it’s time to stop poking at settings and think repair.
Here are the situations where I most often see genuine hardware faults:
A hard knock or drop: Even if the screen looks fine, a drop can damage mic components or flex cables. If you’ve also got screen damage, you might be looking at a wider job like iPhone screen replacement or, for other brands, Samsung Phone repair and Samsung Repairs.
Liquid exposure: A small splash can creep into mic openings. If it’s been wet, don’t keep charging it and hoping. Proper diagnostics matter for water damaged phone repair UK jobs.
Debris packed in tight: Sometimes lint is compacted so badly it needs careful workshop cleaning, not a DIY jab with a pin.
Previous repair issues: After an iPhone screen replacement or phone screen repair Essex job done elsewhere, misaligned seals, trapped debris, or damaged parts can cause odd audio problems. Same story on the Samsung side with Samsung screen repair Essex and Samsung phone repair Essex.
More than one fault at once: If your phone is also failing to charge, a damaged dock area can affect audio. That’s where broken charging port repair or phone not charging repair comes into play.
Getting it sorted in Essex or by post (what we do at Repair My Crack)
At Repair My Crack, we see this issue weekly, from simple cleans to full diagnostics. We cover mobile phone repairs Essex day in, day out, including iPhone repair Essex and iPhone screen repair Essex, plus Samsung models for Samsung phone repair Essex customers.
If you’re not local, we also offer postal phone repair UK and phone repair by post UK options. Book online at Repair My Crack phone repair, pack the phone securely, include your order number, and send it in. We aim to start work as soon as it arrives, often the same day.
We back repairs with a warranty for peace of mind, which matters if you’re comparing phone repair with warranty UK providers. You’ll also see ads shouting about lifetime warranty phone repairs. Always read the terms, “lifetime” often has strings attached.
For companies, we also handle: business mobile phone repairs UK. business laptop and tablet repairs. trusted phone repair service UK.
Costs and related repairs people ask about (screens, batteries, options)
Microphone repairs vary because the cause varies. A simple clean and test is different to a parts job. If your phone’s also been through it physically, these are the other common questions I get across the counter:
- iPhone screen replacement cost UK often sits around £99 to £329 depending on model and screen type.
- Samsung screen replacement cost UK is often £129 to £349, again model-dependent.
If you’re weighing up is it worth repairing a cracked iPhone screen, it usually is when the phone’s otherwise healthy, especially compared with replacing the handset. People also ask how long does phone screen repair take UK, in most cases it can be done the same day, depending on parts and model.
If you’re shopping around, consider alternatives to Apple Store screen repair UK such as independent specialists who use quality parts and offer a clear warranty. We do a lot of iPhone repairs, and we also handle Samsung Phone repair work, including Samsung screen repair Essex.
Battery-wise, a mic fault isn’t normally caused by the battery, but if your phone dies early or throttles, it’s worth checking battery health. We regularly do iPhone battery replacement, phone battery replacement UK, and iPhone battery replacement Essex jobs as part of general servicing. If you’re dealing with cracked screen repair UK needs at the same time, combining work can save repeat trips.
If you’ve been searching phrases like “Repair My Crack reviews. best phone repair shop in Essex”, I get it, you want to know your phone’s in safe hands.
Quick FAQ
Why can people hear me on speakerphone but not normally (or the other way round)?
Different mics are used in different modes. That pattern often helps pinpoint where the issue is.
My iPhone microphone not working only on WhatsApp, what’s the first thing to check?
Microphone permissions and Bluetooth routing. Then try a WhatsApp update.
Can a cracked screen affect the microphone?
Yes, sometimes. A bad drop can cause multiple faults, and a damaged frame can let dust into mic areas.
Should I try cleaning with a pin?
I wouldn’t. It’s one of the fastest ways to turn a simple blockage into a damaged mic.
If you’re stuck, don’t keep guessing
When your iphone microphone not working stops calls and voice notes, the aim is to prove whether it’s a quick fix or a real fault. Try the checks above, test in Voice Memos, and if it’s still dead, get it diagnosed properly. If you want a hand, book online and we’ll sort it, whether you need mobile phone repair UK locally or a postal phone repair UK service.
– James Waterston, Device Repair Specialist at Repair My Crack