How to fix the iPhone X microphone that is not working (easy steps)

You’re having a phone call but the conversation did not end well because you’re having trouble hearing each other’s voices during the call. You tried again and make another call but still ended up with the same bad call experience. Something must have gone wrong with your iPhone and probably the microphone is to blame. Too bad it’s a new iPhone and yet here you are having such trouble. But wait, there’s something you can do to try fixing the problem at home before rushing out to the Genius Bar. Outlined in this context are possible solutions to microphone problems on the iPhone X, particularly the ones associated with software errors. Consider trying these workarounds if your iPhone  was working fine before you bumped into such an issue with the microphone. Read on and find out your options.

Before we move on, if you have other issues with your iPhone, visit our iPhone X troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most commonly reported issues with the device. Browse through the page to find issues similar with yours. If you still need our assistance after that, then fill up our Android issues questionnaire to contact us.

Test the microphones on your iPhone X.

The best way to start is by performing microphones testing. Doing so will help you determine whether or not the problem is due to hardware damage. If any of the microphone tests failed, then your iPhone  X likely needs service. Else, you need to deal with audio/sound problem that is attributed to a software error on your iPhone X.

So here’s what you should do first:

  1. Test the front and rear microphones with these steps:
  1. Shoot two quick videos.
  2. Use the front camera to take the first shot and the rear camera for the second shot.
  3. Afterwards, play them back.

If you hear audio in the videos taken by the front and rear camera, the video’s respective microphone is working fine.

  1. Test the bottom microphone with these steps:
  1. Open the Voice Memos app.
  2. Then record a new memo by pressing the large red button in the middle of the screen.
  3. Play the memo back then see if you hear the audio. If it’s audible, the bottom microphone is working.

If the microphone test shows that the microphones are working, then this is when you need to troubleshoot software problems that might have prevented the microphone system from working properly on your device.

Clean the microphone.

Other factors like dirt, dust, and debris that are stuck in the microphone slot can also cause occurrence of similar issue on the iPhone. Muffled sounds or no sound at all are the usual symptoms. To make sure this isn’t what’s giving you this headache, clean the microphone using a dry, unused toothbrush. Brush out to clean the microphone grill at the bottom of your pocket lint. Slide the toothbrush over the microphones to remove dirt and dust.

If cleaning the microphone doesn’t help, then try the next applicable solution.

Reset all settings.

Errors on the iPhone’s audio settings can also inflict the same trouble when using the microphone. If the problem started after making some changes to your iPhone settings, then most likely you’ve done something wrong or probably altered some options with incorrect values. To fix the problem, you can just revert the changes back to the previous configuration but if this isn’t possible like when you aren’t sure of which setting or option to edit, then you can just go for a settings reset. This however will delete all your other customized settings. All your data and personal information remains intact though so it would  still be worth a shot. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down then tap Reset.
  4. Tap to select the Reset All Settings option.

All your settings are reset to default/original values and then your iPhone will reboot. After the reboot, do some tests to see if the microphones are already working properly. If the problem persists, try the next workaround.

Update iOS to the latest version.

Installing an iOS update can be the key to fixing the microphone problem if it’s triggered by software bugs in the first place. Having said that, check for any update to install on your device with these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Software Update.

If an update is available, you will see an update notification. Before you download and install the new update, back up your iPhone data for safekeeping. Then follow the onscreen instructions to continue with download and installation of iOS update on your iPhone X.

Reset your iPhone X to factory defaults (master reset).

The last option to consider if the problem persists and your iPhone X microphone is still not working properly after performing all prior solutions is a master reset. This will wipe everything from your iPhone’s internal memory including your personal settings and information so creating a backup is necessary before you proceed. It’s a potential solution to major system errors inflicted by some bugs that are tough enough to withstand the previous methods. If you wish to proceed, follow these steps:

  1. Back up your iPhone data.
  2. Open the Settings app.
  3. Tap General.
  4. Scroll to and tap Reset.
  5. Select the option to Erase all content and settings.
  6. Enter your device passcode if prompted.
  7. Confirm iPhone reset.

Your phone reboots automatically when the reset is finished. You then can continue with the initial device setup and start using your iPhone as usual again.

Seek more help

Don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support for other options and recommendations if none of the given solutions is able to fix the problem. There might be a more intricate software issue that caused your iPhone X microphone to fail or stop working properly, which already required an official fix patch from Apple itself.

Alternatively, you can take your iPhone to a service center and have it assessed by an Apple technician for any possible indications of hardware damage. There’s a higher chance that the microphone component has been damaged or busted. Should this be the case, service would be necessary. And don’t forget to avail for warranty either for service or unit replacement, whenever needed.

Connect with us

If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the new Apple iPhone X smartphone, feel free to visit our Tutorial Page. There you can find a list of how-to contents, step-by-step tutorials, as well as answers to FAQs regarding iPhone 8. If you have other concerns or encountered some troubles while using the phone, you can reach us through this form. Just be sure to tell us more details of the problem or device issue(s) you may have and we will be more than happy to assist you further.

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