Microphone Not Working on iPhone or iPad

1. Check the simple things

• Take off the case, and check nothing covers the microphone openings: on the bottom edge, and next to the rear camera on most models.
• Gently brush the openings with a soft, dry, clean brush.
• Disconnect AirPods and other Bluetooth devices, which can take over as the microphone.

2. Find out which microphone is failing

iPhones have more than one microphone. Record a short clip in Voice Memos, then a video with the front camera, then one with the rear camera, and play each back. If only one is silent or muffled, that microphone is blocked or faulty.

3. Allow the app to use the microphone

1. Open Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone.
2. Turn on the switch for the app you're using.
3. Close the app fully (swipe it away in the app switcher) and open it again.

4. Allow the microphone for websites

• Safari: open Settings › Apps › Safari › Microphone (on older versions, Settings › Safari › Microphone) and choose Ask or Allow. On the website itself, tap the Aa or page-settings button in the address bar, then Website Settings.
• Chrome or another browser: allow it under Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone as in step 3.

5. Check Screen Time restrictions

If someone set up Screen Time on the device, the microphone may be locked. Open Settings › Screen Time › Content & Privacy Restrictions › Microphone and make sure changes are allowed.

6. See what's using the microphone

An orange dot at the top of the screen means the microphone is in use. Open Control Centre to see which app, and close any you don't need.

7. Restart and update

1. Restart the iPhone or iPad.
2. Install updates under Settings › General › Software Update.

Still not working?

If recordings stay silent or muffled in every app after these steps, the microphone probably needs repair. Contact Apple Support or an authorised service provider.

Frequently asked questions