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iPhone 12 can’t speak on phone calls

Hello I was just wondering how to fix my iPhone 12 max not working for phone calls. When I get a call or call other people they can’t hear me. They can only hear me when I go on speaker phone. Last night I turned off noise canceling setting and it started working and today it just doesn’t make a sound. It only works when I’m on speaker phone. I don’t think the microphone is broken because I’m able to use voice memo with no problem. And this phone is brand new. Not even a week old.

iPhone 8 Plus, 14

Posted on Dec 3, 2020 3:35 PM

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5 replies
Question marked as Helpful

Dec 3, 2020 4:21 PM in response to kayden274

Hmm that is odd.


As you say the microphone for calls is the same used for voice memo.

If the microphones on your iPhone aren't working - Apple Support


I would recomend to try a clean install of your device after a factory reset:


First make sure you have a backup

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Then factory reset your device:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


And set it up without a backup. See if the issue persists.


If it still does not work it is a ponts to a hardware issue and might need service:

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


If that solved it there was a software issue. Try restoring the backup and see if it still works.


if that made the problem come back the backup is the problem


Good luck!

Question marked as Helpful

Dec 30, 2020 3:09 AM in response to kayden274

I've had the exact same issue on my iPhone 12 Pro. On both in coming and out going calls, I can hear the other person clearly and they can't hear me at all. I've had to restart my phone every time for it to work again.


My suspicion is that it's related to Bluetooth, even though no device is actively connected when the issue occurs, it is on days that I've been using my AirPod Pros a lot and have been switching between devices.

Question marked as Helpful

Jan 3, 2021 5:39 AM in response to Androish

I’ve followed all recommendations from the link you provided and the conclusion is that the microphone is working fine. I’ve also tested front and rear facing cameras and the audio is fine on those as well.


As everyone on this thread has stated, the microphone only stops working on certain phone calls, at which point a reboot consistently resolves the issue.

Doesn’t that suggest a software issue?

123 replies
Question marked as Helpful

Dec 3, 2020 4:21 PM in response to kayden274

Hmm that is odd.


As you say the microphone for calls is the same used for voice memo.

If the microphones on your iPhone aren't working - Apple Support


I would recomend to try a clean install of your device after a factory reset:


First make sure you have a backup

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


Then factory reset your device:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support


And set it up without a backup. See if the issue persists.


If it still does not work it is a ponts to a hardware issue and might need service:

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


If that solved it there was a software issue. Try restoring the backup and see if it still works.


if that made the problem come back the backup is the problem


Good luck!

Dec 26, 2020 11:06 AM in response to kayden274

This is happening to me as well! Its so frustrating I have Verizon my service is always good. I know it’s not my microphone because it works on face time and when I use voice on my keyboard board ...just disappointed this phone cost way to much to not even be able to do the bare minimum have a phone call!!! Will be seeing how it can be fixed or return it...smh

Question marked as Helpful

Dec 30, 2020 3:09 AM in response to kayden274

I've had the exact same issue on my iPhone 12 Pro. On both in coming and out going calls, I can hear the other person clearly and they can't hear me at all. I've had to restart my phone every time for it to work again.


My suspicion is that it's related to Bluetooth, even though no device is actively connected when the issue occurs, it is on days that I've been using my AirPod Pros a lot and have been switching between devices.

Question marked as Helpful

Jan 3, 2021 5:39 AM in response to Androish

I’ve followed all recommendations from the link you provided and the conclusion is that the microphone is working fine. I’ve also tested front and rear facing cameras and the audio is fine on those as well.


As everyone on this thread has stated, the microphone only stops working on certain phone calls, at which point a reboot consistently resolves the issue.

Doesn’t that suggest a software issue?

Jan 3, 2021 6:03 AM in response to jimibailey

Hard to say for sure. As your issue is intermittent, it can just be that it never happened when you did your tests.


Another thing to note is that it can even be on the carrier side if it only happens on phone calls.


To rule out a software issue on your end you can try a clean install. backup, factory reset via a computer, and set up as new.


Jan 3, 2021 10:33 AM in response to jimibailey

It definitly must be a software bug as it happens on all 3 iphone 12 pro maxs in my household.

weirdly if I initiate the call my wife can’t hear me and neither can I hear her but when we hang up and she initiates the call everything is fixed.

to fix the problematic device the only solition is a reset and everything works for a couple of days.

at times when the problem starts happening the mic and speakers all work on other apps except phonecalls.

iPhone 12 can’t speak on phone calls

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