iPhone/iPad (iOS/iPadOS)
Fix Microphone Not Working on iPhone and iPad
Check app mute, allow microphone permissions in iOS, and retest with an online Mic Test.
Use the DevicePrep Mic Test in Safari or Chrome to confirm your mic input is being detected.
If your iPhone or iPad mic suddenly stops working in a meeting app or in Safari, it’s usually a permission toggle, a Bluetooth routing issue, or a blocked website prompt. Start by confirming the mic works at all, then line up iOS permissions and audio routing so the right microphone is used.
What this guide covers
- People can't hear you on iPhone calls, FaceTime, or meeting apps
- Voice memos are quiet or completely silent
- The mic works on speakerphone but not on regular calls (or vice versa)
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Make sure you are not muted inside the app (Zoom/Meet/Teams) and try toggling mute once.
- Disconnect Bluetooth earbuds/headsets so iOS switches back to the built-in mic.
- Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Microphone -> allow the app you’re using.
- If it’s a website, reload and tap Allow when Safari asks for microphone access.
- Restart the iPhone/iPad; it often clears stuck audio routing.
- Remove thick cases or covers and clean mic openings if audio sounds muffled.
Step-by-step fix
- Test the mic in Voice Memos (or the DevicePrep Mic Test); if recordings are silent, this is an iOS/hardware issue, not just one app.
- In the app you’re using, unmute and confirm the correct audio route (Speaker, iPhone, or your headset) is selected.
- Go to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Microphone and enable the meeting app (and Safari/your browser if listed).
- Safari web calls: open the site, tap
aA-> Website Settings -> Microphone -> Allow (or Ask), then reload and tap Allow on the prompt. - Turn Bluetooth off temporarily and retest; some earbuds expose a low-quality “hands-free” mic profile or get stuck.
- Update iOS/iPadOS and the meeting app, then restart and retest.
- If only one app fails, delete/reinstall it to force a fresh permission prompt, then run the Mic Test again.
Deep fixes
Confirm the microphone works at all (fast test)
Start with a simple sanity check: record a short clip in Voice Memos and play it back. If playback is silent or extremely faint, focus on iOS settings, audio routing, and physical mic openings before changing meeting app settings. If Voice Memos sounds normal, your microphone hardware is likely fine and the problem is permissions or the specific app/site. You can also run the DevicePrep Mic Test to see a live input meter after you tap Allow.
Check iOS microphone permissions (the most common fix)
Go to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Microphone and make sure the app you’re using (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Discord, etc.) is enabled. If the toggle is off, the app can show a mic icon and still send no audio. After changing the toggle, fully close the app (swipe it away) and reopen it so it rechecks permissions. If the app doesn’t appear in the list, reinstalling it usually triggers the permission prompt again.
Fix Safari/web meeting microphone blocks
For web-based calls, Safari needs permission for the site. Reload the page and tap Allow on the microphone prompt. If you previously tapped Don’t Allow, Safari can keep the block saved. Open Settings -> Safari and look for microphone or website permission controls (often under Website Settings), set microphone access back to Ask, then return to the site and allow it again. After changing Safari settings, force-close Safari and reopen the page to get a clean prompt.
Resolve Bluetooth routing and “stuck” audio
Bluetooth earbuds can cause mic issues if iOS routes the call to the wrong input or the headset connection gets stuck. Turn Bluetooth off temporarily and retest with the built-in mic. If that fixes it, reconnect Bluetooth and make sure the headset is selected as the audio route inside the app. If audio is robotic or drops out, try moving closer to the phone, disconnecting other Bluetooth devices, or switching to wired earbuds (if available) for important calls.
When to suspect a hardware problem
If Voice Memos is silent, multiple apps can’t record, and permissions are correct, the issue may be physical (water damage, clogged mic opening, or a failed mic). Remove the case, gently clean the mic openings, and restart the device. If the iPhone/iPad still can’t record audio anywhere, contact Apple support or a repair shop. Before you do, run a final Mic Test after a reboot; if the meter stays flat in every app and browser, it’s strong evidence the mic isn’t being captured.
Quick checklist
- Mic works in Voice Memos (you can hear playback)
- You are not muted in the meeting app
- iOS microphone permission enabled for the app/site
- Audio route is correct (not stuck on a headset you aren’t using)
- Mic Test detects voice levels in the browser
- Call audio is clear (not muffled/robotic) for 30+ seconds
FAQs
Why does my mic work on speakerphone but not with earbuds?
Some earbuds route calls through a different mic profile. Disconnect Bluetooth and test the built-in mic; then reconnect and select the earbuds as the audio route again.
Why do web meetings say “microphone blocked” on iPhone?
Safari stores site decisions. Reload the page and tap Allow when prompted, or clear/reset the site’s microphone permission in Safari settings and try again.
Can “Silent Mode” mute the microphone?
No. Silent Mode affects ringer/alerts, not your microphone. If people can’t hear you, it’s usually app mute, permissions, or audio routing.
What if my voice sounds muffled?
Cases, dust, or holding the phone over the mic can muffle audio. Try another mic position, clean the openings gently, and test again with Voice Memos or the Mic Test.
Sources
Documentation referenced while maintaining this guide.
Wrap up
Confirm the mic works, fix permissions, then retest until levels are stable. Once your mic is clear, run the Pre-Call Checklist so camera and speakers are ready before you join an important call.