A good working smartphone, apart from allowing us to connect to the internet, is expected to provide reliable basic services like SMS and voice calling. In this #iPhone7 troubleshooting episode, we cover two cases that shows voice calling can sometimes fail. We discuss the common reasons why that is so so hopefully, you’ll find this material helpful.
If you are looking for solutions to your own #iOS issue, you can contact us by using the link provided at the bottom of this page.
When describing your issue, please be as detailed as possible so we can easily pinpoint a relevant solution. If you can, kindly include the exact error messages you are getting to give us an idea where to start. If you have already tried some troubleshooting steps before emailing us, make sure to mention them so we can skip them in our answers.
Below are specific topics we’re bringing for you today:
Problem 1: Solutions to iPhone 7 voice calls keeps breaking up, people can’t hear during calls
Bought my iPhone 7 last February. A month later, I started having problems with talking with others. People could hear me or they would break up. Thought it was my Otter case that was getting in way. I kept going into my carrier. Got frustrated this summer and went back to my old beat up iPhone, which still works outstanding. Sent my iPhone in since I still had insurance. Diagnostics showed there was a problem with bluetooth. Because there was a scratch on a side of it, they wouldn’t honor the insurance claim. My only options were pay them to fix, that’s assuming the fix the right thing. Leave it with them and they would recycle or send back. A friend told me he knew someone who had same issues, hence finding your article. I will never purchase another apple product after this. — Thomas
Solution: Hi Thomas. It’s hard to know what exactly is going on in your device unless we ourselves can examine it. Since that’s obviously not possible given we are on a one-way correspondence, we really have no way of confirming how a Bluetooth issue can result to poor voice quality calls. Unless you are using a Bluetooth headset during calls, there’s really no logical explanation why Bluetooth functionality can lead to the current issue.
In a lot of cases like yours, the following are the reasons:
Reason 1: Poor signal reception
Naturally, if you are in an area with poor signal coverage, you really can’t expect to have reliable network services like calls and messaging. The first logical step in troubleshooting an issue like this is to always check that there’s no network-related problems that might play a role. For example, network outages or maintenance are rarely announced by carriers.A lot of users usually jump to the conclusion that the current problems they’re experiencing are always due to a fault in this phones, when in fact, it’s coming from the network side. It’s important that you talk to your carrier’s technical support team first if you have any network-related issues such as messaging and voice call issues. If you are in a GSM network, you can also insert your SIM card to another compatible device to see if the problem remains. If it does, you can bet the problem is out of your hands. The only thing that you can do is to report it to your carrier and hope they’ll address it as soon as possible.
Sometimes, a simple network refresh in your device can also help. To do that, follow these steps:
- Open Settings app.
- Tap Carrier.
- Turn off Automatic. This will force the phone to start searching for available networks.
- Once the list of networks appear, select one that’s not your original network to connect.
- Close Settings app and go back to your Home screen. Your phone should say that there’s no network coverage.
- Repeat steps 1-3 and this time, select your own network. Doing so should update the network settings and the Message Center number.
Reason 2: Bad/corrupted phone or third party app
Sometimes, poorly coded third party apps can affect other apps so if you tend to install apps without checking whether or not they come from reputable developers, it can only be a matter of time before you’ll encounter problems with one of them. To see if one of your apps is the problem, try to uninstall every app you’ve downloaded, or simply do a full Restore so you can set your phone as a new device. Without any third party apps, you can then try how voice calling works. If the calls work normally, then one of the apps must be the reason.
For reference, here are the steps on how to do a full Restore:
- Create a backup of your files. You can do that in a number of ways but the fastest and most effective way is by using iTunes in your PC or Mac. If you don’t want to create a backup at all, you can simply erase everything on the phone by following the steps in this link.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer with the cable that came with your phone.
- We assume you remember your phone’s passcode so simply enter it when you’re prompted for it.
- Select your iPhone once iTunes asks you for the specific device.
- Once you’re in the Summary panel or screen, select the option that will restore your device (Restore).
- Confirm by clicking on Restore button.
- Wait for a few moments while iTunes restores your device to its factory settings. It may also take some time if iTunes will need to install an updated operating system version.
- After this factory reset, all software settings should be restored to their defaults.
Reason 3: Problematic modem firmware
Although it’s a rare occurrence, voice calling problems can sometimes occur due to something that no user can control — modem firmware issue or glitch. Your iPhone has a dedicated network chip that handles voice calling function and this chip has its own firmware that runs independently of iOS. Just like any firmware, it requires regular updates from its hardware maker (which is not Apple). These updates are packaged together with Apple’s own updates to its iOS. And like any update, not all firmware versions are perfect so there’s a chance that the modem may not work normally. Usually, fixes for known bugs are released in the next update so if your phone has not received any updates at this time, make sure that you allow it to receive them.
Also, make sure that all your apps are all running their latest available version by updating them.
Reason 4: Unknown software glitch
Major Apple and carrier glitches are often addressed with updates but minor ones may take longer to receive their respective patches. We can’t confirm if your issue is a known bug or glitch but the rule of thumb is to always ensure that you install the latest updates.
And in case a bug has developed over time due to some unique circumstances in your device, consider doing a factory reset (if you haven’t already). Here’s how:
- Sign out of your iCloud account (if applicable).
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Reason 5: General hardware malfunction
If your phone has been dropped or exposed to elements (water, dust, heat, cold), there’s a chance it may be suffering from general hardware failure. In other words, there may be multiple failing components that together constitutes to the poor voice calling experience. It’s possible that something has caused both the microphone and speaker to malfunction. To check, try the following:
- Find the Voice Memos app and open it.
- Tap the record button to let your iPhone’s microphone capture any sound. We suggest that you try to record your voice as if you’re simulating a call.
- When done recording, tap the red record button again.
- Tap Done.
- Name the recorded sound with anything you like.
- Now that you have saved it, try to tap on the file and listen to it. If you hear nothing or simply static, you can bet the microphone is not working. In this case, you have to return your phone and demand for a new one.
Problem 2: iPhone 7 Plus calls can’t be heard by other parties
I have iPhone 7 plus. Am suffering from third parties who are calling me. They can not hear me clearly. They keep complaining that my voice is like someone is talking from a subway or from non coverage area. I tried the following: restarting my phone, formating, removing coverage and removing screen protector. None of these solutions helped me at all. Is there any way to solve this issue without going to the Services centre and asking for a replace? — KHALID
Solution: Hi KHALID. Does the issue only occur with one particular caller, or with everyone? If it’s just on one caller, the issue must be on his/her side, specifically the speaker on his/her phone. If the problem occurs regardless of who’s calling you from many other carriers, then you should consider troubleshooting your device.
The first thing that you want to do is check if it’s a microphone problem. To do that, kindly do the steps we suggest for Thomas above, on how to test it using Voice Memos app.
Remember, if the recorded voice sounds normal, that means your phone’s microphone is working. There must be an issue with your carrier’s voice calling system so be sure to contact them about it.
Engage with us
If you happen to have a problem with your own iPhone, let us know about it and we will do our best to post them and their solutions in our upcoming articles. You can use this link to contact us for assistance. We can’t guarantee an answer to every question but rest assured that we will exhaust everything on our end to help you.
Be as detailed as possible when describing your problem to help us diagnose your issue easily. If you can include error messages, popups, attempted troubleshooting steps, and circumstances leading to the problem, that would be very helpful.