How To Raise iPhone Microphone Volume (Proven Techniques)

iPhone alongside microphone and headset
iPhone alongside microphone and headset

Fixes to increase microphone volume:

  1. Check for human error.
  2. Clean the microphone.
  3. Update device and apps.
  4. Test multiple microphones.
  5. Reboot the device.
  6. Reset the device.
  7. Use external microphones.

The microphone found in iPhones is an integrated component, much like in other devices. Its purpose is to capture audio input, allowing users to engage in voice and video calls, record audio, and interact with AI assistants like Siri.

However, many users have frequently complained about their microphone not functioning properly and the microphone volume being inadequate, resulting in an unsatisfactory user experience.

If you find yourself in a similar state, where your life feels like it has regressed to a bygone era, you have come to the right place. Let’s delve into this article and fix this microphone issue.

Keep Your Hands Off The Microphone

Hand holding iPhone
Hand-holding iPhone

Sometimes, when faced with an issue like low microphone volume, we tend to overlook the possibility of human error.

To solve this, try holding the phone in a different manner and carefully observe the placement of your hand or fingers in relation to the microphone. This will help ensure that the problem is not due to human error.

Test The Microphone To See If The Problem Lies With A Specific App

Speaking on phone
Speaking on phone

To verify if the microphone is truly at fault, it is essential to conduct a thorough examination. There are instances where certain apps appear to have microphone issues when, in reality, they are the ones causing the problem. In such cases, the microphone is unfairly blamed.

However, it is crucial to perform a check to confirm.

  1. Begin by opening the Voice Memo app on your iPhone.
  2. Record an audio sample.
  3. Then, proceed to use different apps to record audio or make calls.

By doing this, if the audio recorded on the Voice Memo app sounds clear while only a specific app exhibits poor audio quality, you can conclude that your microphone is innocent in this scenario.

How do I improve the microphone quality on any iPhone?

Identify The Faulty Microphone

Illustration of fixing faults
Illustration of fixing faults

As previously mentioned, recent iPhone models are equipped with multiple microphones, and it is possible that only one of them is experiencing a malfunction.

To investigate this further, you can:

  1. Open the Voice Memo app.
  2. Start by recording various audio samples while speaking closely to each specific microphone, one at a time.
  3. Afterward, listen to all the recorded audio samples and carefully identify if the issue persists with only one microphone.

This way, you can pinpoint the problematic microphone and focus on fixing that particular one, potentially resolving the audio problem.

Use Volume Buttons To Increase Microphone Volume

iPhone volume buttons
iPhone volume buttons

The volume buttons located on the side of the iPhone can also be utilized to increase the microphone volume.

At times, the volume may unknowingly be set to a low level, and if you happen to adjust the volume during a call, it is possible that only the ringtone or notification volume is increased rather than the media volume. This can lead to the mistaken belief that the microphone is the source of the problem. To address this, you can:

  1. Begin by enabling the microphone for the specific apps that require it.
  2. Afterward, you can use the volume up button or directly slide up the volume slider from the Control Center to increase the microphone volume as needed.

Clear The Path: Clean Your Microphone

Equipment for cleaning
Items used for cleaning

Another potential solution is to clean the microphone jack. Sometimes, debris can accumulate and hinder the flow of sound between the microphone and the user, resulting in a perceived decrease in volume.

To address this, you can attempt to determine if the microphone is dirty by gently inserting a soft, small piece of cloth and moving it sideways within the jack.

Removing Obstructions From Your Microphone

iPhone along with phone cases and AirPods.
iPhone, along with phone cases and AirPods

Occasionally, an obstruction can impede the functionality of your microphone. Many individuals often attribute this to the phone case, assuming that it is causing a decrease in microphone volume.

In such situations, the solution is quite straightforward. Simply follow the aforementioned basic steps, including removing the phone case, to assess if the problem is resolved.

If the issue persists, only then it is advisable to proceed with basic troubleshooting fixes to address the microphone problem.

Restart Your Device

Pause-Breather-Resume
Pause-Breather-Resume

Introducing one of the simplest and most effective solutions to tackle various underlying issues with your phone and its apps: say hello to rebooting your device. To perform a reboot:

  1. Press and hold the power button until the option to slide and turn off your phone appears.
  2. Slide and turn off your phone.
  3. Wait for approximately 30 seconds to a minute.
  4. Then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears, indicating that the phone is restarting.

By doing this, it is highly likely that your problem will be resolved and your microphone volume will most probably increase.

Update Your Device And Apps

Update written with black on a yellow base
Update written with black on a yellow base

Here’s another fundamental troubleshooting fix that many of us rely on updating our iPhones and apps. We are all aware that using outdated versions of apps or devices can increase the chances of software glitches and various associated issues, such as the microphone volume problem you are experiencing.

To update your iPhone:

  1. Access the Settings menu.
  2. Scroll down, and select “General.”
  3. From there, you will find the option for “Software Update,” which will inform you if any updates are available for your device.

Similarly, to update your apps:

  1. Visit the App Store.
  2. Search for the specific apps, or go to the app list.
  3. You will be notified of any apps that require updating.

Thus, having up-to-date versions of both apps and devices can alleviate numerous issues and even enhance your microphone volume.

Reset Your iPhone

Pause and reset
Pause and reset

If the issue persists, you might have to resort to a measure that can be quite daunting, I must admit. Yes, you’re correct – you may need to consider resetting your phone. Before proceeding, ensure that you have a backup of your important data. To reset your phone:

  1. Navigate to the Settings menu.
  2. Scroll down until you find “General.”
  3. You will then see the option for “Reset.”
  4. Select “Erase All Content and Settings,”
  5. Then tap on “Erase Now.”
  6. Your phone will prompt you to provide your password to confirm your decision.
  7. The phone will then be reset to its original state.
Using External Microphones To Boost VolumeIf you’re still unable to resolve the microphone volume problem, you can consider using external microphones, such as headsets, which can amplify the volume and assist you with the issue. Nonetheless, it’s essential to mention that this is just a momentary answer.
Contact Phone ExpertsContacting a professional to have your phone thoroughly examined will enable them to identify the underlying issue and provide a solution to fix the microphone problem. This expert intervention will help ensure increased volume and a satisfactory user experience.
Additional Suggestions

Conclusion

  • iPhone microphones have built-in features that capture audio input for voice calls, video calls, audio recordings, and interaction with AI assistants like Siri.
  • Possible reasons for inadequate microphone performance:
    1. Human error: Holding the phone in a way that unintentionally covers or obstructs the microphone.
    2. Obstruction: Debris or objects blocking the microphone, such as a phone case.
    3. Software issues: Outdated apps or operating system versions causing glitches or decreased microphone volume.
    4. Hardware issues: Faulty microphones or water damage affecting microphone functionality.
  • Fixes to increase microphone volume:
    1. Check for human error: Adjust how you hold the phone to ensure the microphone is not covered.
    2. Clean the microphone: Remove any debris or obstructions by gently using a soft cloth.
    3. Update devices and apps: Install the latest software updates for your iPhone and update any relevant apps.
    4. Test multiple microphones: Use the Voice Memo app to record audio from different microphones individually to identify if a specific microphone is faulty.
    5. Reboot the device: Power off and restart your iPhone to resolve temporary software issues.
    6. Reset the device: As a last resort, consider resetting your iPhone to its factory settings after taking a backup, as this may fix persistent microphone problems.
    7. Use external microphones: If all else fails, consider using external microphones, such as headsets, to temporarily boost the microphone volume.

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