How to fix iPhone 15 Pro Max Microphone Not Working Issue

The microphone is an important part of your iPhone 15 Pro Max. Several apps you use and several websites you visit can use the microphone on your iPhone 15 Pro Max to capture or record sound. If your iPhone 15 Pro Max microphone is not working as expected, these websites and apps will be useless. This article explains what you can do if microphone is not working on your iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Note: information in this article apply to iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

When microphone is not working on your iPhone 15 Pro Max, you may experience various sound issues. For example, Siri may not be able to detect your voice; other people may not be able to hear you during a phone call, during FaceTime call, or you may not be able to record audio.

Reasons Why Your iPhone 15 Pro Max Microphone Isn’t Working

There are many reasons your iPhone 15 Pro Max microphone may not be working. The problem may be:

• Microphone is blocked
• Bluetooth issue
• App-related permission
• iOS is out of date

Usually, the exact problem only reveals itself through its corresponding fix.

How to Fix an iPhone 15 Pro Max Microphone That Isn’t Working

Follow these troubleshooting tips in the order listed to diagnose the problem and get your iPhone 15 Pro Max microphone working again.

Check your settings

• If Siri does not hear you, ensure that it is enabled and your device is connected to the Internet. To enable Siri:
  • Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps > and make sure Siri & Dictation is enabled.
• Ensure that Dictation is enabled on your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard and ensure that Enable Dictation is turned on.

Give apps microphone access

If you are having a microphone issue on your iPhone 15 Pro Max when you are trying to use a specific app (such as Skype, Messenger, Zoom, WhatsApp, etc), make sure the app has permission to access the microphone. Here is how:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Tap Microphone.
4. Turn on the switch next to an app (e.g. WhatsApp.

Restart communication apps

If the iPhone 15 Pro Max microphone doesn’t work with specific apps such as WhatsApp and Skype, close the app and open it again.

1. Swipe up from the very bottom to the center of the screen. Hold your finger in the center of the screen until the app switcher opens
2. You can swipe back and forth to see all the apps that are open on your iPhone. When you find any communication app, use your finger to swipe it off the top of the screen.

Update your iPhone

Sometimes an out-of-date iOS can interfere with the microphone working correctly, and updating the iPhone iOS can clear the problem. Here’s how to check if iOS is up-to-date:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. If there is an update available, tap Download and Install to update your iPhone.

Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone 15 Pro Max can resolve many issues, including microphone glitches. Here’s how:

1. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until slide to power off appears.
2. Swipe the power icon from left to right to shut down your iPhone.
3. Wait 15–30 seconds, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

You can also restart your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Shut Down. Swipe the power button from left to right to turn off your iPhone. Wait 15–30 seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.

Check for blocked openings

It is possible that you may have dirt, or other debris keeping the iPhone 15 Pro Max microphones from picking the sounds. Even your case or screen protector may cause microphone issues.

Your iPhone 15 Pro Max has three different microphones built into the device. Microphones are small round openings. Here is where they are located:

• The first one is located on the bottom of your phone. This one is used for calls.
• The second one is located on thefront side at the top of your iPhone, embedded into the earpiece, right next to the selfie camera. This one may be used for, along with others, capturing audio when recording videos. This microphone is also used to pick up voice commands.
• And the third one is located on the back side of the device, built into the rear camera. Again this one is used for capturing audio when recording videos.

Check the bottom, front, and back microphone openings to ensure these openings aren’t covered, blocked, or obstructed in any way.

• If your iPhone has a case, remove it. This makes performing the next steps easier. After the cleaning is completed, you can put it back on. Furthermore, if your phone is connected to a power source, disconnect it. And lastly, turn your iPhone off.
• Only make small, gentle movements when cleaning the holes using a brush.
• You may pull debris and dirt using a vacuum with a crevice tool attached. Ensure that the vacuum suction is not too strong. You may use painter’s tape to seal the ends of the vacuum.
• Use the air blower after using the brush to sweep away anything that comes out.

Disconnect any accessories

Disconnect all accessories (such as Bluetooth headsets, earbuds, and headphones) connected to the phone and use the microphone again to see if it works.

Test the microphones for hardware problems

You can determine whether the problem is the microphone hardware or if it is a problem with settings/apps/software. Testing microphones individually helps locate or rule out problems with any specific microphone.

If people can’t hear you on phone or FaceTime calls

Test if the bottom microphone is working by recording a voice memo. Here is how:

• Open the Voice Memos app on your iPhone.
• Tap the record button. Record something.
• Play back what you recorded. Are you able to hear everything clearly? If you can not, you may have a hardware problem. You may want to reserve a Genius Bar appointment for further inspection.

If people can’t hear you when you’re using speakerphone

Test if the front and back microphones are working by recording a video. Here is how:

• Open the Camera app.
• Record a video while speaking at the top of your iPhone.
• Tap the camera chooser to switch to the other camera. Then record another video while speaking at the top of your iPhone.
• Play back what you recorded. Are you able to hear everything clearly? If you can not, you may have a hardware problem. You may want to reserve a Genius Bar appointment for further inspection.

Contact Apple Support

If you still sound unclear during calls, recordings, or apps, contact Apple Support to discuss service options.