microphone does not work on iphone 12 pro

I'm here because I've spent the last couple of weeks looking for a solution and I couldn't find one. I took my phone to our 'support' center locally because we don't have an apple store nearby. It was the geek squad at our local Best Buy. after a couple of minutes the guy says, we've had a few people complain about this but we can't fix it. Unfortunately (maybe) they didn't have any in stock and the chat group on apple support said they couldn't overnight me one. So I kept searching.

After weeks of this, I even updated to the beta to see if the promised software "fix" had come out. It had not.

I kept searching and found a YouTube video that suggested toggling bluetooth off. Now I know this sounds ridiculous, but it actually worked for me. I then proceeded to remove a couple of speakers that I tap in to at my friends' houses. I left my car, AirPods, and watch and turned it back on. Still no issue.

Trust me, I know this seems stupid, because it is, but whatever the problem is was fixed for me by turning off bluetooth. It's more than obvious that it is a software issue. Apple needs to fix it. Give it a try. Maybe it will save you some pain and suffering.

I hope this benefits every one. (and maybe now that it can be chased down to bluetooth, maybe they can more quickly roll a real fix).

Final update for the night. If I turn the cellular radio off on the watch, and leave bluetooth on, the noise goes away. not a good answer, but I never use the feature unless I'm on a long run. so maybe a workaround at the very least.

I’m on iPhone 12 (standard) When talking with speaker on regular phone call, no problem. Whenever I FaceTime it’s a frickin’ nightmare. Nothing but sad looks from the other side as they only catch every few words from me. I had hopes the latest iOS would address it. No such luck. IMO it’s gotta be a software issue.

As mentioned, the workaround is in my post of Feb. 4, and I've copy/pasted the specific thing to try below, for your convenience. Please refer to that prior post if you want more background info. Thanks!

"To turn off the mic for all the apps that are using it go to Settings => Privacy => Microphone and turn all of these off. And then try FaceTime and see if your audio is now coming through fully."

I purchased mine through Apple so I am returning through Apple. This is a screenshot of a piece of the chat I had with Apple support, for your reference.

It’s a hardware issue. My 7 days old phone had same issue. Had to deposit with Service centre and they replaced with new phone after 6 days

If I switch to the loudspeaker and then back to the phone, the mic starts working again for some time , until I have to repeat again the switch back and forth.

Same thing with my 12 pro max

me too. Did you figure out the issue? Can someone pls help it’s really annoying

Where did you hear this from and how long till 14.2.1 comes out? I literally just sent my phone back today 🙁

14.2.1 is out . It was released yesterday

Apple support advised me and then I saw it was available on my phone. I installed it and no problem now!

Update to 14.2.1

iOS 14.2.1 fixes the microphone problem, unless it is a hardware failure.

The microphone has been in the same location on every iPhone ever made, going back 13 years. The iPhone 12 is no different from any other iPhone.