iPhone 6s Plus Microphone Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It

If your iPhone 6s Plus microphone isn’t picking up sound, calls sound distant or static-filled, or people can’t hear you at all—don’t panic. This issue is surprisingly common, and it’s often tied to software bugs, misconfigured settings, or minor hardware glitches. This guide walks you through all the possible fixes, from quick checks to deeper troubleshooting.

1. Clean the Microphone and Headphone Jack

Before trying anything complicated, check the basics:

Inspect the microphones: Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dry toothbrush to gently clean around the microphone areas:
- Bottom microphone: Next to the charging port
- Front microphone: Near the earpiece
- Rear microphone: Between the camera and flash
Check the headphone jack: If something’s jammed in there, your iPhone may think external audio is connected.

Also, remove any case or screen protector that might be blocking the mics.

2. Test All Three Microphones

Your iPhone 6s Plus has three microphones. Here’s how to test them:

Bottom mic: Open the Voice Memos app and record a short message. Play it back and listen for clarity.
Front mic (FaceTime mic): Open the Camera app and record a video using the front camera, then play it back.
Rear mic: Record a video using the back camera and check the audio.

If one of these recordings is faint, static-filled, or silent, that specific mic may be the issue.

3. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes a quick reboot is all it takes:

Hold the Sleep/Wake button until the slider appears.
Slide to power off.
Wait 30 seconds, then hold the Sleep/Wake button again to turn it back on.

4. Turn Off Noise Cancellation

The Phone Noise Cancellation feature can sometimes cause microphone problems:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual.
Toggle Phone Noise Cancellation off.
Test your mic again with a voice memo or call.

5. Check Microphone Access for Apps

If your mic only fails with certain apps (like Instagram, Zoom, or WhatsApp):

Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone.
Make sure the toggle is on for the apps you’re using.

6. Update iOS

Outdated software can cause random microphone issues:

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Make sure your device is backed up before updating.

7. Reset All Settings

If the problem started after changing settings and you’re not sure what triggered it:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
Tap Reset All Settings (this won’t delete your data).
Enter your passcode and confirm.

8. Remove Third-Party Accessories

Cheap or bulky third-party cases and headphone adapters can cause microphone problems:

Try removing all accessories.
Use Apple-certified or original gear when testing again.

9. Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If all else fails and you’re sure it’s a software issue, consider wiping your device:

Back up your data first using iCloud or iTunes.

To reset:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
Follow the prompts and set it up as new.

Alternatively, you can reset via iTunes:

Connect your iPhone to your computer.
Open iTunes or Finder and select Restore iPhone.

10. Still Not Working? It Might Be Hardware

If none of the above steps work, and your iPhone has been dropped or exposed to water, the microphone hardware could be damaged. In that case:

Visit an Apple Store or authorized service provider for inspection.
Microphone replacement may be needed if the component is beyond repair.