Random problems are inevitable in mobile devices with symptoms striking both the software layer and hardware components. Even those that belong to the highest tiered gadgets have no exemptions. As a matter of fact, many of today’s leading smartphones like Apple’s new iPhone 7 flagship smartphone is already joining other popular variants to have shown early issues particularly on the microphone. Despite the company’s effort to make its latest flagship iPhone as flawless as it could be, some flaws were still able to surface.
Among the first few relevant problems raised by a number of iPhone 7 owners to-date include but not limited to no sound, static or noisy background, and microphone sound that keeps cutting out. Prior claims have it that the iPhone 7 has failed to meet many users’ expectation particularly on high quality output from the microphone audio system. Although not all have ended up with such a dilemma as there are also several other users who have not yet encountered any issues with the iPhone 7 audio functions, particularly on the microphones. That being said, these can be deemed among other isolated iPhone issues. If by any chance you come across this page while searching for potential solutions on relevant problems with the iPhone 7 microphone, then this content might be able to help.
Read on to find out how do these problems emerged and what triggers them to surface on such a powerful and sophisticated iOS device. You may also refer to the highlighted solutions and suggested workarounds used to deal with audio and microphone problems on your iPhone. Your chance of getting the problem fixed with any of these subsequent solutions is higher considering that there is no prior incidents that might have caused physical or liquid damage to the iPhone 7 microphone or audio components.
Before going any further though, if you have other concerns with your new iPhone, make sure you drop by our iPhone 7 troubleshooting page for we have already started supporting the device. Moreover, if you need further assistance, you can always contact us by completing our iPhone issues questionnaire and providing us with sufficient information about the problem.
What causes the iPhone 7 microphone problems to occur?
A common perception when it comes to microphone issues is that the iPhone microphone might have been damaged and is therefore not working or fails to function as intended. In contrary, many actual cases of microphone issues on the new iPhone 7 were tied to some software issues. For example, an audio app is malfunctioning, gets corrupted and glitches. As a result, the faulty app is not able to respond accordingly. To give you a hint on what might have gone wrong on your iPhone 7 microphone, here’s a rundown of the most common factors that can likely trigger software-related symptoms to manifest on the iPhone 7 microphones.
Faulty updates
It is highly recommended to keep an app or your device software updated not only to optimize iOS but also the get all new features and enhanced functions for your device. However contrary to what updates are supposed to do some versions also comes with certain bugs that could cause an app or device itself to become inoperable after implementing the update. One of the reasons as to why this could happen is that fact that not all devices are configured according to what the software update requires so as to keep things fine after the update installation. Generally, users would reconfigure or make changes to the iPhone settings based on their own preferences. That being said, there is a higher chance that the iPhone settings are configured in such as way that contradicts with the actual update’s required settings. This conflict therefore results t post-update issues including those that are occurring on the iPhone 7 microphone or audio functions.
Corrupt files or buggy apps
There are other cases where the problem is not actually on the iPhone 7 microphone but rather to certain audio apps or files that you are attempting to use. What usually happens is that the file or app you are trying to use with the microphone gets corrupted and not working properly. For example, when making a phone call using FaceTime or Phone app and the other end (recipient) is having a hard time hearing your voice as it sounds so distant, static, keeps cutting out and the like. In this case, it could be that the app (FaceTime or Phone) gets corrupted and is not working as intended. It could be on your end or the recipient’s end for that matter. To isolate whether or not the problem is on the microphone or certain apps, try to test the iPhone microphone using different applications and compare the results.
Misconfigured audio settings
With the iPhone’s default settings, everything should work perfectly fine. However, given that users would tend to change anything they would want to modify on the iPhone settings, it is always possible to messed up on something. You can easily determine if the problem is caused by the recent changes you’ve made to your iPhone’s audio settings especially if the symptoms begin to show right after new changes were implemented. Needless to say, you can likewise get the problem fixed by reverting changes or configure the settings again back to its previous format.
Third-party iPhone accessories
Some users who were dealing with similar problems on the iPhone’s microphone output have found a connection between the symptoms and the use of third-party casing or relevant accessories. There are some casings that won’t actually fit the iPhone’s physical built thereby blocking the microphone components of the iPhone. As a result, problems such as static or noisy background while on a phone call as well as distant sound have manifested. If you are using a third-party casing or other iPhone accessories, then try to remove it now to see if doing so will fix the problem.
Faulty hardware
Now this is already the worst among all possible causes. A physical or liquid damage is likely to blame especially if there were prior instances of dropping or getting the iPhone wet or exposed to any sort of liquids. Unfortunately in cases like this, a tech service would already be necessary. Your chance of getting the iPhone 7 microphone problem fixed can only be possibly obtained by taking your device to an authorized service center and have a capable technician further assess your device for any signs of hardware damage.
Solutions and Workarounds to fix iPhone 7 microphone problems
Considering that the hardware is not to blame or the microphone problem you are dealing with is not due to some sort of damages to the iPhone’s physical components, you can attempt to fix it on your end. To assist you further in doing so, we have highlighted some potential solutions as well as recommended workarounds used by other iPhone users who have dealt with similar issues on the same device. Feel free to refer to these methods whenever you need them.
If you are all set to begin troubleshooting the problem, then go ahead and give any of the subsequent solutions a try. Be sure to test your device after completing each method to find out if the problem is already fixed. If not, then proceed to the next applicable solution.
Before you begin performing any troubleshooting procedures, make sure that you’ve already done performing or verifying the following:
Step 1. Check and ensure that the iPhone’s microphone and headphone jack are free from dust, dirt or any debris.
You may need to clean up these parts as dust and dirt can also block the microphone and thereby results to unusual or unwanted sound quality output from the microphone. If necessary, use a dust blower, toothpick or needle to clean up these parts.
Step 2. Try to remove any accessories connected to your iPhone 7 headset jack or headphone.
These too can affect the sound quality produced through the headset jack. Doing so will also rule out the possibility that something might have been blocking the headphone jack and preventing the sound from coming out clearly.
Step 3. Check and ensure that the network connection is all good.
This is a must do especially if you’re having trouble with the microphone audio that keeps cutting out during a phone conversation. Sometimes, it is not the microphone that is causing the problem but rather triggered by the intermittent or unstable network connection.
Step 4. Test the iPhone 7 microphone.
If the issue on the primary microphone, which is located at the bottom of the iPhone, then you can use the apps like Voice Memos, Siri, Camera, and FaceTime for testing. Here’s how to test the microphone using these applications.
Testing the microphone with Voice Memos:
- Open the Voice Memos app.
- Tap the Record icon. Doing so will instigate or start voice recording.
- To record your voice, speak clearly into the primary microphone. Also make sure that you speak with acceptable loudness.
- To stop the recording, tap the Stop/End icon.
- Now listen to your voice recording by tapping on the Play icon.
If you can clearly hear your voice recording, then it means that the primary microphone is working fine.
Testing the microphone with Siri:
Another alternative app you can use to set the iPhone 7 microphone is Siri. It is a popular iOS app that is mainly used to process voice input commands from end-users. So instead of tapping or typing on the keypad, all you need is to speak and Siri will act accordingly.
- To get started, open Siri app.
- When Siri is running, say anything you want it to do.
If Siri could not get your voice inputs correctly, then try to check the microphone located near the iSight and ensure that nothing is blocking it. Do the same if other audio recordings do sound faint especially when trying to play an audio with your iPhone. Dust, dirt or debris may potentially block this microphone, causing the audio to sound faint.
Testing the microphone with Camera or FaceTime app:
- Open the Camera or FaceTime app.
- Start recording a video to playback.
- Play the video recording and then see if you can hear your voice clearly during the playback.
If everything seems fine with the audio playback on FaceTime or Camera app, it means that the problem is not on the iPhone’s hardware or microphone. Thus, most probably, the underlying cause is within the software layer.
Generic Solutions for iPhone 7 microphone problems
Consider the following methods as potential solutions to the iPhone 7 microphone issues that are software-related.
First Solution: Reboot (soft reset) your iPhone 7
This is the simplest yet most effective solution that is used to deal with different software malfunctions triggered by random apps glitches on the iPhone. Corrupted files as well as memory glitches are also remedied by a simple reboot, or soft reset on the iPhone. The proper way to do a soft reset on the iPhone 7 is depicted by the following steps:
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for a few seconds until the red slider shows up.
- Drag the slider to power off your iPhone completely.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds.
- After the elapsed time, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until the Apple logo appears. Your iPhone will then reboot.
Second Solution: Verify audio settings and make sure they are properly configured
If the onset of the problem happens after applying some changes to relevant settings, then most likely incorrect settings configuration is at fault. Or if the microphone/audio problem only occurs when using certain apps, try to check the app’s permission settings to access the microphone. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Select Microphone.
When you get to the microphone menu, review the options on apps permission and if necessary, configure them correctly.
Another settings you need to consider check is noise cancellation. This feature is used to reduce surrounding noises so as to ensure clear and noise-free background during phone conversations. However for some reasons, enabling this feature can also cause undesirable effects to other people when it comes to the iPhone’s overall audio quality output. You too might as well consider trying to turn this feature on or off and see if there are any improvement on the microphone output. Here’s how to access and configure Noise Cancellation on your iPhone 7:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Accessibility.
- Tap Phone Noise Cancellation.
- Toggle the switch to turn the feature on or off.
Third Solution: Reset all Settings on your iPhone 7
Resetting all settings might be necessary especially if you’re certain that the problem is caused by incorrect settings and that you can no longer trace which settings or options have been changed. Although this method is considered helpful in this situation, doing so will also erase all your personal settings or customized options. As a result, your iPhone settings are restored to defaults. On the positive note, doing so will likewise erase any incorrect or misconfigured settings that might have messed up with the iPhone’s microphone or audio functions. Here’s how it’s done:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- If necessary, enter the correct passcode for your iPhone to proceed.
- Tap Reset All Settings again to confirm action.
- Reboot your iPhone 7 Plus when the reset is complete.
Fourth Solution: Update iOS to the latest version available
The iPhone 7 originally comes with the iOS 10 platform. Months after its official release, minor updates have been rolled out. These updates contain bug fixes, newly added features and further enhancements to the iPhone system. It is highly recommended to keep your iPhone iOS updated so as to get all necessary upgrades and bugs fixes. Should the microphone issue you are dealing with is triggered by certain bugs which cannot be dealt with by any other workarounds, then installing the latest iOS update might be able to help. Here’s how to get started:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Look for Software update notifications usually found on the About section.
- Be sure to back up your iPhone before installing software update.
If an update is available and that you’re all set to proceed, tap the option to Download and Install.
Follow the rest of the onscreen instructions to complete the iOS update installation.
Fifth Solution: Perform a factory reset or master reset on your iPhone 7
A factory reset or master reset must only be considered as the last resort. This means that you’ve already done trying all applicable workarounds and possible solutions but still end up having the same problems on the iPhone 7 microphone or audio functions. While a factory reset is deemed an effective solution for major problems that are associated with software issues, doing so will also mean losing all your personal information as everything on your iPhone are restored to factory defaults. On the bright side, this reset will also erase all possible bugs residing within the software layer.
If you are willing to give a master reset a try on your end, back up your iPhone 7 beforehand. You can create a backup of your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes. Once you’re all set, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Reset.
- Tap the option to Erase All Contents and Settings.
- If prompted, enter the correct passcode to continue.
- Tap Erase iPhone to confirm action.
- Wait for the iPhone to complete the reset process. Your iPhone 7 will reboot once the reset is finished.
Factory Reset iPhone 7 with iTunes
Or you can also use iTunes to do a factory reset or wipe your iPhone 7 and then set it up as new. Should you wish to go for this method, secure a computer (Windows or Mac) that runs the latest version of iTunes. You will need to connect your iPhone to a computer to go for iTunes reset. Here’s how it’s done:
- Connect your iPhone to the computer using the supplied USB cable.
- Wait until iTunes recognizes or detects your iPhone.
- When your iPhone is recognized, locate the option or button to Restore and set up your device as new.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the restore process.
Once finished restoring, you can configure your iPhone 6s as new.
Escalate the problem to Apple Support for further assistance
If all else has failed to fix the problem and that your iPhone 7 microphone is still not working properly, then you should now consider escalating the problem to Apple Support or your iPhone carrier. Doing so will let them be informed of the current issue and have it included among other priority cases to be fixed in their next updates. But that is if and only if the problem is not triggered by a faulty hardware. If you suspect that a hardware damage is to blame, then you better take your iPhone to a service center for hardware assessment and/or repair.
Connect with Us
If you need more help with the use of certain functions and features of the new Apple iPhone 7 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 7. 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.