Apple iPhone 6 microphone not working, callers can’t hear [Troubleshooting Guide]

This article tackles a microphone problem with the Apple iPhone 6 (#Apple #iPhone6) along with the recommended workarounds used by other #iPhone users who have experienced the same problem on their handset. You may use this content as your troubleshooting guide whenever needed.

Apple iPhone 6

To make it more specific, we’ve picked a problem from one of our readers who relayed to us an issue with the microphone on his iPhone 6, which seems to be not responding.

Read on for more information and learn how to fix the problem should you also encounter it on your device.

Problem Description: “The microphone seems not to be responding. When I receive or make a call, the caller cannot hear me unless I put the call on speaker. I have cleaned the microphone a couple of times but no luck. A quick solution would help as this is a software issue.”

What could possibly cause the microphone not to work on your iPhone 6?

Various factors may have triggered microphone problems to occur on your iPhone. But the best approach is to think of what was done or has happened before the onset of the problem. For example, if the problem arises right after you’ve downloaded or installed certain apps in your device, then you can try to temporarily disable or uninstall the suspected apps as they seemed to be the culprit.

Meanwhile, if your iPhone is new and that you noticed the microphone is not working from the very first time you attempt to use it, then apparently it’s a factory defect.

An easy solution would be going to where you purchased your iPhone from (phone carrier), tell them about the microphone problem, and from there you may either request for a replacement unit or avail for repair warranty.

Workarounds/Recommendations

Below are potential solutions to microphone problems with iPhone 6, particularly if the microphone is not working properly. You may try any of these methods whenever you want. Just don’t forget to test your device after performing each of the given steps to see if the problem is fixed. Otherwise, proceed to the next workaround(s) until you find the fix.

Important Note: Before you begin troubleshooting the problem, please ensure your phone’s volume is set to a higher level or not muted.

Step 1: Test the microphone on your iPhone. Begin by checking if the microphone is working or not. Here’s how to test your iPhone 6 microphone.

  1. Open Extras.
  2. Tap Voice Memos.
  3. Speak into the microphone and play back your recorded voice. By listening to your own voice, you can gauge the quality of your phone’s microphone. If the result is not good and that you suspect the microphone is not functioning on your iPhone, then you can try any of the following solutions.

Step 2: Check/remove the factory cover. Some iPhone owners who have encountered the same problem have fixed it by simply removing the factory cover of their iPhone. Having that said, try to remove the factory cover (original plastic protector) on the face of your iPhone 6. You can find the original plastic cover at the back of your phone in between the flash and camera.

Step 3: Reset/restart your iPhone. Press and hold the Home and Sleep/Wake buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo shows up. This method works best if the problem is triggered by a software glitch like corrupted software or faulty apps.

Step 4: Enable Noise Cancellation. Some iPhone 6 users, who have experienced the issue about the microphone that is not working, have solved the problem by enabling Noise Cancellation. It’s an iPhone feature designed to reduce background ambient noise while on a phone call when you’re holding the receiver to your ear. Thus, the feature only works when the iPhone is held up to your head while on a call.

Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Accessibility.
  4. Toggle Noise Cancellation switch to

Notes:

  • If the microphone problem exists while Noise Cancellation is enabled on your iPhone, then try to disable or turn off the feature and see what happens afterward.
  • In addition, cleaning the microphone may also help in this case. You can use a toothpick or a paperclip to clean the inside the edge of the hole. If you see some dirt or dusts blocking the sound from the microphone, you can use your lungs to suck it.

Step 5: Contact Apple Support or take your iPhone to an authorized Apple service center, for hardware check and/or repair.

Connect with Us

You may also visit our troubleshooting page for iPhone 6 to view other related problems along with the possible solutions and recommended workarounds to deal with them. Or, you may reach our iOS support team by filling up the form with more significant details of the problem you have with your iPhone 6 or other iOS devices. Be sure to provide us with as much information about the problem for us to be able to assist you better.