How to Fix iPhone 16 Microphones Not Working Issue

Learn what to do if the microphones on your iPhone 16 aren't working

By Moses Johnson - Editor
5 Min Read

Is your iPhone 16 microphone not working? Before you panic, you don’t need to rush to near Apple Store for a repair. There are several quick fixes that can get your microphone working perfectly in no time. Continue reading to learn about the best ways to fix iPhone 16 microphone problems.

Performing tasks such as making phone calls, recording audio and video are things we always do, so it can be very annoying when your iPhone 16 microphone is not working. If the sound is unclear during phone calls, during FaceTime calls, in video recordings, or in apps, there are a few steps you can follow to fix the issue.

If the microphones on your iPhone 16 aren’t working, the first step to fixing the problem is identifying which microphone is defective, then, you can take steps to troubleshoot the issue.

What causes iPhone 16 microphone to stop working?

Here are some reasons why the microphone is not working on iPhone 16:

  • External devices: An external device such as headphones may be preventing the microphone from working.
  • Network problems: Sometimes, the issue you are having with the microphone of your iPhone 16 can be tied to network problems. If you are on a call and suddenly, the person you are talking to can’t hear you, then the problem may be caused due to network issue.
  • Microphone obstruction: The microphone on your iPhone 16 has openings and as time goes on, dirt particles can accumulate in the microphone thereby causing an obstruction. Also, you might have unknowingly placed your fingers on the microphone while you were on a call.
  • Other common issues are related to software updates and external accessories. These tend to reconfigure or disable your mic without you realizing it.
  • Hardware damage: Your mic can also become damaged due to physical issues, such as internal malfunctioning or damaged hardware from mishandling your phone.

Are you experiencing problems with the microphone on your iPhone 16? Then you can try out these methods to fix the problem.

We’ll first go through the procedure to first check whether the microphone on your iPhone 16 is working properly or not. After that, we will guide you through various troubleshooting steps that will hopefully fix your iPhone 16 microphone problems.

Test Your iPhone 16 Microphone

The iPhone 16 has three microphones. Testing microphones individually helps locate or rule out problems with any specific microphone.

  • Primary microphone: launch the Voice Memos app from the iPhone home screen. Tap the Record icon to record your voice. Stop the recording and play it back. If you can hear your voice, the primary microphone is working.
  • Front microphone: launch the Camera app from the iPhone home screen. Choose the Video option and tap the selfie view icon (camera). Tap the record icon to record your voice. Stop the recording and go to the Photos app to play the video. If you can hear your voice, the front microphone is working.
  • Back microphone: Open the Camera app from the iPhone home screen. Go to the Video option and tap the record icon to record your voice. (It should be in regular view.) Stop the recording. Go to the Photos app to play the video. If you can hear your voice, the back microphone is working.

If you find that a microphone isn’t working, continue to the next steps.

How to Fix It When Your iPhone 16 Microphone Isn’t Working

Follow these troubleshooting tips in the order listed to diagnose the problem and get your iPhone 16 Microphones working again.

1. Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can resolve many issues, including microphone glitches. You can do this by following the steps below:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Select Shut Down.

2. Clean the microphone

Cleaning the microphone can help solve the iPhone 16 microphone problems you are experiencing. Check the bottom, front, and back microphone openings to ensure these openings aren’t covered, blocked, or obstructed in any way.

You can clean your iPhone’s microphone using a clean toothbrush or an air compressor. But, be careful about the flow of the compressed air, keep it low otherwise it may damage the internals of your iPhone.

Do not insert any sharp object into your iPhone’s microphone hole as that can end up damaging it permanently.

3. Disconnect Bluetooth Devices

This happens to me all the time. My wireless earbuds Funcl AI when sitting idle in the charging case, automatically turn on and connect to my iPhone. So, when I receive a call on my iPhone, the device sends it to the connected device and I can’t hear the other person. This can also happen to you if your iPhone is connected to an external Bluetooth speaker or to your car’s infotainment system.

It is always recommended that you manually disconnect Bluetooth devices from your iPhone in such scenarios from the control center to avoid such issues.

4. Remove the screen protector or case

The majority of people out there use third-party cases to protect their iPhones. The legit ones are fine but if you are using a cheap case from an unknown vendor then make sure the holes at the bottom of the case are precise with the ones on your iPhone. If the holes are not aligned, they will end up covering your iPhone’s microphone leading to quality issues with the microphone.

Even if your screen protector or case isn’t blocking any microphone openings, it may still interfere with the microphone. Remove any screen protectors, films, or cases from your iPhone and see if this fixes the issue.

5. Enable Microphone Access for Third-Party Apps

If the microphone doesn’t work in a specific app such as WhatsApp, Zoom or Skype, make sure the app has permission to access the microphone. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. Head into iPhone Settings app.
  2. Tap Privacy & Security.
  3. Tap Microphone,.
  4. Enable microphone access to the relevant apps.

If the app has permission to access your microphone, or if it isn’t listed, contact the app developer.

6. Hard Reset Your iPhone

When you notice that your iPhone 16 microphone has stopped working, try force rebooting your device. It could be a minor issue, so rebooting your device can help fix the microphone problem. Here’s how:

  1. Press and quickly the volume up button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume down button,.
  3. Hold the side/power button until you see the Apple logo.

7. Update Your iPhone

If the microphone issue on your iPhone 16 popped up after a recent iOS 16 update, you should update your device to the very latest release of iOS to see if that solves the issue or not.

  1. Go to the iPhone Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Select Software Update.
  4. Download the latest version of iOS on your device.

8. Reset All iPhone Settings

If your iPhone 16 microphone is still not working properly after following all the above steps, then consider taking this as a last resort. You will have to reset your iPhone back to factory settings. It won’t wipe out any app or their data but the step will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Select Transfer or reset iPhone.
  4. Choose Reset.
  5. Select Reset All Settings option.

9. Contact Apple

If you still sound unclear during calls, recordings, or apps, then you need to take your device to the nearest Apple Store to get it repaired.

iPhone 16 microphone not working: Fixed!

Follow the guide above step by step, and I’m sure you will have a fixed microphone on your iPhone 16. In case any of the steps above worked in solving your iPhone 16 microphone issue, drop a comment and let us know about it!

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Moses Johnson is the Editorial Director of GeeksChalk.com, who has a keen eye for news, rumors, and all the unusual stuff around Apple products. Moses is commonly referred to online as The Professor, with decades of experience in tech under his belt.
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