iPhone microphone not working on calls – UK troubleshooting

iPhone Microphone Not Working on Calls – UK Troubleshooting Guide

If callers can’t hear you properly, your voice sounds muffled, or the microphone on your iPhone is cutting out during calls in the UK, you’re far from alone. Issues like these are often linked to iOS settings, case interference, network problems with EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three, or even moisture and dust build-up. For more iPhone fixes and practical guides, you can always browse the iPhone Hub.

This guide covers realistic, UK-specific solutions based on real user behaviour, typical British network limitations, and the quirks of the local climate. You’ll also find relevant internal resources such as Connectivity & Network and Performance & System embedded naturally within the article.

Common Signs Your iPhone Microphone Isn’t Working (UK)

• Callers say they can’t hear you at all, or your voice fades in and out.
• Your voice sounds robotic or unusually quiet.
• WhatsApp or FaceTime audio works, but normal calls do not.
• iMessage voice notes record with no sound.
• The microphone icon during calls is greyed out.

Main Causes of iPhone Microphone Issues During Calls in the UK

1. Network issues with EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three

Call audio relies heavily on VoLTE (4G calling). In areas with weaker coverage — especially rural England, Wales, Scotland, or underground transport in London — call audio can break up even if your mobile data works fine. For more details on how networks behave, see the Connectivity & Network hub.

2. Phone cases blocking the microphone

Thick protective cases or budget cases bought from Amazon, Argos, or Tesco can partially block microphone openings. This causes issues particularly during voice calls rather than apps.

3. Dust, moisture, or pocket lint

The UK’s damp climate — especially autumn and winter — often leads to moisture or debris gathering around the lower microphone. Even a small amount can distort call audio.

4. Software bugs or iOS glitches

Occasionally, iOS updates introduce temporary issues affecting call audio. These are usually fixed by resetting network settings or installing the latest update.

5. Microphone permissions turned off

At times, apps such as WhatsApp or Teams have their microphone permissions disabled. This falls under privacy controls — you can find similar guidance in the Security & Privacy hub.

Step-by-Step Fixes for iPhone Microphone Not Working on Calls (UK)

1. Test the three main iPhone microphones

• Record a voice note in iMessage (bottom microphone).
• Record a selfie video using the front camera (top microphone).
• Record a rear-camera video (rear microphone near the lens).

If one of these recordings has no sound, the issue is likely hardware-related.

2. Enable Wi-Fi Calling

In many UK homes, especially older buildings with thick walls, indoor signal strength is inconsistent. Wi-Fi Calling often fixes crackling or cutting-out audio entirely.

Settings → Mobile Data → Wi-Fi Calling

3. Disable or re-enable Phone Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation occasionally reduces your voice too aggressively during calls. Navigate to: Settings → Accessibility → Audio/Visual → Phone Noise Cancellation

4. Clean the microphone openings gently

Use a soft, dry brush to clean around the bottom microphone. Avoid compressed air — it can push debris further into the device.

5. Reset Network Settings

This frequently resolves network-based call issues on UK carriers: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings

6. Update iOS and carrier settings

UK networks sometimes release carrier updates affecting call stability. Check by visiting: Settings → General → About

7. Remove apps causing interference

Some voice changer apps, audio recorders, or call-recording tools can interfere with the microphone’s behaviour. Delete or disable any recently installed apps related to sound.

8. Check whether the phone is switching to 3G

As UK networks continue shutting down 3G, older call routing methods can cause audio distortion. Ensure your device remains on 4G or 5G for calls when possible.

Signs of Hardware Failure (Requires Repair)

• No audio in Voice Memos recordings.
• Microphone icon disabled during calls.
• Crackling audio after dropping the phone.
• Wind noise or interference during recordings.

In these cases, the issue may relate to the microphone module or the audio IC chip. UK options include Apple Authorised Service Providers such as Stormfront, Timpson Repairs, or Apple Store Genius Bars.

UK-Specific Tips & Practical Advice

• In central London, enable VoLTE for clearer calls on busy networks.
• In rural Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, Wi-Fi Calling improves reliability significantly.
• MagSafe-compatible rugged cases sometimes block microphone ports — check alignment.
• Restart the phone once a week to prevent audio cache issues.