How to fix Apple iPhone 7 Plus Microphone that is Not Working [Troubleshooting Guide]

Complains regarding the Apple iPhone 7 Plus microphone that is not working properly is becoming a widespread problem affecting several users lately. Majority of these problems have been reported after installing an iOS update while others just happened so suddenly. Among the most prevalent issues based on prior reports would include static sound or audio cut offs during phone calls, not audible sound, and sometimes no sound or audio is produced at all.

For example, some users claimed that the microphone seemed to be defective or dysfunctional during a phone call as people from the other end were having trouble hearing their voice as it seems to be static noise in the background. Others were having trouble hearing the other side during phone calls as the audio keeps cutting out. These appeared to be a random issue as other affected users said that there are also times when the microphone works perfectly fine.

Aside from phone calls, microphone problems with the iPhone 7 Plus have also transpired in video recordings. Some users have it that the audio seemed to be almost inaudible or sounded very muffled as they attempted to view their recorded videos. It was not distortion but seemed like something is barring the microphone. Aside from the muffled sound, the audio also cuts out right when the sound got loud.

What could have possibly caused these problems to occur on the iPhone 7 Plus microphone and what should users do in order to get them fixed? These are the questions that this post is attempting to address. Read on to find out the answers and potential solutions you can try on should you too are having similar problems with your iPhone 7 Plus microphone.

But before anything else, if you have other concerns with your iPhone 7 Plus, make sure you drop by our troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most commonly reported issues with this new iPhone. If you need further assistance or if you can’t find what you’re looking for in that page, fill up our iPhone issues questionnaire and hit submit. Don’t worry, it’s a free consultation service so you don’t have to worry about anything. Just give us more information about the problem and we’ll do our best to help you fix it.

Possible causes of microphone/audio problems on the iPhone 7 Plus

Microphone issues are now plaguing a number of iPhone 7 Plus users from different carriers. This denotes that the iPhone is not isolated to a carrier. The number of pertinent complaints has further augmented after installing recent updates to iOS while others were already facing this trouble prior to updating iOS.

Many people have speculated that these problems are likely due to a software glitch while others have presumed that they were triggered by a faulty hardware component on the new iPhone 7 Plus microphone or audio system. Those who believed that the software is to blame have attempted to troubleshoot the problem on their end while others headed straight to the Apple Genius bar either for unit replacement or service request. Unfortunately, most of those who opted for the latter choice have ended up getting a replacement unit but with the same microphone issue.

Microphone/audio problems on the iPhone 7 Plus that are software-related are usually triggered by any of the following culprits:

• Faulty apps or corrupted files – pertinent audio problems may arise if you are trying to play a corrupted audio file or opening faulty audio application on the iPhone. You might think that the iPhone’s microphone is not working but actually it is not. In this regard, try to test the microphone by playing various types of audio files or apps to see if the problem occurs only on certain files/apps or not working at all.

• Misconfigured audio settings – it is possible that the iPhone produces inaudible sound simply because the volume for audio files is set to a lower or lowest level. Many people have often neglected to consider this factor when dealing with audio problems on their respective mobile devices. To save time and effort in doing unnecessary troubleshooting, be sure to verify audio settings on your iPhone beforehand. Also make sure that your iPhone is not paired or connected to any Bluetooth audio devices. It is another possibility as to why you are not hearing any audio from your iPhone’s microphone. To ensure that this is not causing your trouble, disable or turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone 7 Plus and see what happens.

• Faulty updates or software bugs – this appears to be one of the most common causes based on prior reports. Software updates are supposed to bring positive outputs or enhancements to an existing device. But despite the efforts made by software developers to keep every software update as bug-free as possible, software glitches are still inevitable upon actual implementation. This can happen given the fact that users have already made several changes to various settings on their respective devices after purchase. In other words, the devices used during the software update tests prior to official release are totally different from the what end-users have. Thus, even if a new software update appears to be totally bug-free during testing does not guarantee that it will work perfectly fine during the actual implementation. This is why post-update issues manifest.

• Third-party accessories – the audio or sound quality produced by the iPhone’s microphone might not be as what you expect simply because of some accessories barring the audio component. This is highly the case if you are using third-party accessories like iPhone casing that are actually not fit for your device’s original built. To rule out this possibility, you can try to remove any casing and see if there are any improvement on the sound output without the case. As much as possible, use only the Apple-supplied (OEM) accessories.

• Faulty hardware/audio components – it is the worst possible cause to consider. Hardware damage particularly on the iPhone’s audio component can trigger any of the aforementioned symptoms to occur on your device. This can be the culprit especially if your iPhone was previously dropped or exposed to any sort of liquid, resulting to physical or liquid damage. Symptoms that have manifested while using the microphone might be the indications. Unfortunately in this case, you have no other choice but to seek professional aid or take your iPhone to an authorized technician, preferably the Apple Geniuses for further assistance. Consider yourself lucky if your iPhone is still covered by warranty as you’ll have a higher chance to get a unit replacement or avail for free service.

Before you begin troubleshooting, be sure to do the following:

• Remove or unplug any accessory that is plugged into your iPhone’s headset jack.
• Check the microphone, receiver and headphone jack for any debris, dust or dirt. If necessary, try to clean it using a dust blower, toothpick or needle. Be sure to do it gently and with prudence. Dust and dirt can cover the microphone and thereby affect the overall sound quality received by the microphone.

Potential Solutions and Recommended Workarounds to deal with microphone/audio problems on the iPhone 7 Plus

Given that there were no previous incidents of dropping or liquid exposure that might have possibly caused potential damage to the iPhone’s microphone or audio system, any of the aforementioned problems can  still get fixed by some workarounds. You may consider giving any of the recommended procedures highlighted subsequently  to troubleshoot the problem on your end before taking a trip to an Apple Genius for hardware check-up.

Be sure to test your device after you complete any of these steps so as to determine whether the problem has already been fixed. Otherwise, proceed to the next applicable method(s) for further troubleshooting. These methods might have brought positive results to others but it does not guarantee the same output to all. Nevertheless, it would not hurt to give them a try on your end and see if they’ll work.

Method 1: Perform a series of test on the iPhone’s microphone.

As what was mentioned earlier, the problem can be isolated to an audio file or app you are trying to use rather than the iPhone’s microphone itself. For example, if you are troubled with symptoms like audio cut-offs or static noise during phone calls, then try to call at some other time. These symptoms can also be triggered by network issues, not the microphone. Intermittent network connection or unstable cellular connection on the iPhone is a common factor that can trigger similar symptoms to occur while on a call.  

You can perform a series of tests on all four microphones on your iPhone 7 Plus. Here are some of the things you can try on to test your iPhone’s microphones and see if they’re all working just fine:

• Try to open Voice Memos app then tap the Record icon.
• Speak into the microphone to record your voice.
• Play  back the recording by tapping the Play icon.

If the recorded sound or audio is clear, it means that the microphone is all good. Otherwise, something’s wrong and needs to be checked on the microphone or audio system.

Another thing you can do is to ensure that nothing is blocking the iPhone receiver, especially when you’re using the speakerphone during a call. If the receiver is blocked or covered, there is a higher chance that your voice sounds faint on the other end. The same problem can occur when the receiver is blocked while using Siri for entering voice input commands to execute. As a result, Siri may not understand what you’re saying.

You can test the microphone on your iPhone 7 Plus with Siri, Camera, or FaceTime apps.

Testing Microphone with Siri:

• Open Siri app.
• When Siri is on, say or ask anything.
• If Siri does not respond, try to speak again with a louder voice.

Testing Microphone with Camera or FaceTime app:

• Open the Camera app or FaceTime app.
• Tap the Record icon and record your voice.
• When you’re done recording, play it back by tapping the Play icon.
• Try to assess the sound or audio quality if it’s okay or not.

You can do the same with the FaceTime app.

Method 2: Remove any third-party casing or accessories.

Considering that third-party casing or accessories are among the possible culprits, try to remove them from your iPhone and then test the microphone to see the difference on the sound quality with and without them. This applies to screen protectors, films, or cases that can possibly cover the microphone, iSight mic or iPhone receiver and thereby resulted to poor quality audio or no sound at all.

Method 3: Perform a soft reset or reboot your iPhone 7 Plus.

You may have done this already but give it another try this time. Minor software glitches can also inflict pertinent audio symptoms when using the iPhone’s microphone system. As minor as they are deemed, they are usually rectified by performing a reboot or soft reset on the device. If the problem remains after doing a first reboot, try again. Give it at least three attempts and see if the problem persists.

The proper way to reboot or soft reset on the iPhone 7 Plus  is done through these 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.

You can use Siri, Camera, or FaceTime app to see if the iPhone’s microphone or audio system is already working properly after the reboot.

Method 4: Verify and ensure the audio settings are properly set.

If the audio problem occurs on when using a certain app, then it is possible that the underlying cause is within that app. It could be that the app has some permissions that need to be configured in order to access the microphone.

To check and configure this option, go to Settings-> Privacy-> Microphone.

You will then see different options for you to configure. Make sure the options on apps permission are properly configured.

Method 5: Update iOS to the latest version available.

An iOS update can potentially fixed the problem especially if it is triggered by a software bug. Typically, Apple addresses any existing bugs affecting any iOS devices through iOS updates. Hence, if the problem you have right now with the audio or microphone is inflicted by a software bug or glitches and that you haven’t updated your iPhone iOS to the latest version yet, then it is time to do so.

• To check for available software updates on your iPhone 7 Plus, go to Settings-> General-> Software Update.

You will see a notification if an update is available. To proceed, tap the option to Download and Install and then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update installation process.

Method 6: Reset All Settings on your iPhone 7 Plus.

This can be a helpful solution especially if the symptoms started to show up after you’ve made some changes to your iPhone settings and couldn’t determine which of these settings changes caused them. Please note though that all our settings will be erased and restored to defaults afterwards. You might also be required to enter the passcode for your iPhone to proceed. So be sure to take note of them before you proceed.

• To reset all settings, head over to your iPhone Settings->  General-> Reset-> Reset All Settings. If prompted, tap Reset All Settings again to confirm action.

Wait until the settings reset is complete then reboot your iPhone. After the reboot, test the microphone to see if it is already working fine.

Method 7: Erase your iPhone 7 Plus.

This method should only be deemed a last resort should all else have failed to fix the problem.  As the procedure implies, this method will wipe or erase all contents from the iPhone and restore it to factory defaults. This can be an effective solution especially if the audio problem is triggered by a major software glitch or bugs that cannot be rectified by any other workarounds applicable. The entire process can take longer depending on the number of contents stored in your device. You may consider giving this method a try on your end if you already ran out of options. Just be sure to backup all your important files before you start. You can use iTunes or iCloud to backup your device beforehand. Once you’re ready, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings.
• Tap General.
• Tap Reset to continue.
• Select Erase All Contents and Settings.
• If prompted, enter the correct passcode to continue.
• Tap Erase iPhone to confirm action.

Wait until the reset is complete and when it does, your iPhone will be restored to its factory default settings. You can set your device as new and then test the microphone to see if it is already working properly.

Contact Apple Support for further assistance

If none of these methods is able to fix the problem and your iPhone 7 Plus microphone is still not working, then you should now consider escalating the problem to and ask further assistance from Apple Support. Apparently, the problem is already beyond the end-user’s capacity to fix and a more advanced troubleshooting approach is required.

Otherwise, you may take your device to an authorized service center for hardware check up and/or repair. If your iPhone is still eligible for warranties, then it would be wiser to avail for warranty instead.

Engage with us

If you have other issues with your Apple iPhone 7 Plus, we are always willing to help. Contact us through our iPhone issues questionnaire and provide us with all necessary information about your problem so we can find a solution to your issue.