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CarPlay microphone not working properly on iOS16 on iPhone 14 ProMax

I have two iPhone 14 Pro Maxes that I got last week that are running iOS 16. Since upgrading my phones, when I connect to either of my cars (both Subarus) via Apple cable to CarPlay and make a call, the caller can barely hear me. Prior to upgrade, I had an iPhone 11 Pro Max and an iPhone 12 Pro Max using CarPlay in these same vehicles using the same cables and people could hear me clear as ever. Actually, I was always very impressed at how clearly the microphone picked up and filtered out background noise.


So is this problem iOS 16? Or is it the iPhone 14 Pro Maxes? I’ve not tested to see if it’s using the phone’s microphone or not. I just know that I sound like I’m VERY far away from the mic and very quiet.


If I’m on a call and unplug from CarPlay or just tap my speakerphone button, they can hear me perfectly fine. So I don’t think it’s using my phone’s microphone… or if it is, it’s using it in regular phone mode, not speakerphone mode.


I make many calls from the car, so this is not good!


I also had Subaru update my head unit (factory) to the latest version just to ensure it wasn’t something with my car. But it’s happening with two phones, two cars, so I think we can say it’s definitely the phones/iOS.

iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 25, 2022 6:59 AM

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Posted on Mar 24, 2023 10:06 AM

Same problem, multiple iPhones, multiple makes and models of cars, including three I own (2020 Explorer, 2021 F250, 2023 Tacoma) and late-model rentals. I am shocked that Apple would suggest this is a VEHICLE problem when the only common denominator is THEIR device and THEIR iOS.

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24 replies

Sep 27, 2022 6:39 AM in response to mreding

Hi mreding,


Try the steps here since you have issues with sound quality on your iPhone : If you hear no sound or distorted sound from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch speaker - Apple Support


Follow these steps

If your device has a Ring/Silent switch, move the switch forward—toward the device's display—so that orange isn't showing. If you're using an iPad, you can also swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center and make sure that Silent Mode is off. 
iPhone ring/silent switch
Open Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb and make sure that Do Not Disturb is off.

Contact Apple Support

If you checked the sound settings and your device still has sound issues, contact Apple Support to discuss service options.

If you want to try more steps on your own

If you prefer, here are some more steps you can try on your own. After following these steps, you might still need to contact Apple Support to discuss service options.

Remove all screen protectors, films, or cases from your device. 

Check the speaker opening to see if it's blocked or dirty. On iPhone only, make sure that the receiver isn't blocked or dirty. 

If necessary, clean the speaker or receiver opening with a small, soft-bristled brush. Make sure that the brush is clean and dry.

Go to Settings > Sounds (or Settings > Sounds & Haptics), and drag the Ringer and Alerts slider back and forth a few times. If you don't hear any sound, or if your speaker button on the Ringer and Alerts slider is dimmed, your speaker might need service.

If you hear sound, try making a call with your iPhone and turn on speakerphone. On iPad or iPod touch, make a FaceTime call. If you still can't hear, or hear static or crackling, then your network or reception could be the issue. Try to call again later, or from a different location.


The steps above will help you to troubleshoot the sound issue that you're having with your iPhone.


If you're still experiencing the same issue, try the steps in the article here: If you need help with CarPlay - Apple Support


Post back if you are still having problems after working through the steps in the link above. 


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.


Cheers!

Dec 4, 2022 6:38 AM in response to Ultra_Turbo

I’m not sure you’re having the same issue. Both of my phones had the issue resolved fully with 16.1. I wish I had better info, but on two iPhone 14 Pro Max phones running 16.1 and later in Subaru vehicles, we have great audio now using an approved Apple (MFi) lightening to USB cable. Are you perhaps using Bluetooth? That does often degrade the audio quality.

Jan 25, 2023 3:35 AM in response to kathleenfromredding

In my particular case, as it turns out, I am having the secondary microphone replaced, the part is on order for my Chevy traverse. They say this will fix the issue. But my car was hit from behind and in car accident and so maybe the jolt did something to the microphone? I can update once the work is done and I know if that fixes the issue

Mar 14, 2023 1:37 PM in response to mreding

Same problem - 2020 Outback - Iphone is running 16.3.1


Siri will dial the names I have it my phone book while using the Subaru's speaker and microphone. When the call connects, the phone call switches to the iphone. There is no option to reconnect the sound via the car. The only way I can make calls (while connected to via the lightening cable) is to select the phone's speaker mode. Which means I have to hold the phone next to my face for my voice to be heard.


When unplugged from the lightening cable, the car and phone work hands free. But then the Carplay apps no longer work (none of the map apps, or Pandora or podcasts).


I have to plug lightening cable back into the phone for Carplay to work again. I'm not certain that the car supports wireless CarPlay ... I haven't succeeded in getting wireless to work when I attempted to set it up.


I'm using a work issued iPhone 12.


I've attempted most of the recommended fixes ... but nothing has fixed this problem for at least all of 2023 (maybe a bit longer than that).



Nov 21, 2023 5:20 PM in response to J_Johnnyboy

QUICK FIX!!!

I originally had the problem with my 2019 Toyota RAV4. Then I tried the self help on the car by pressing the talk button on the steering wheel (I had the phone totally off). The car couldn't hear me. It's microphone was not working. (Also the SOS lights in the overhead were all off). I queried a YouTube on 2019 RAV4 microphone not working. The first video had the solution. I had to disconnect the car's battery for about a minute to ensure a good power down. I reconnected it for a cold reboot of the systems and voila the microphone started working (and the SOS light was on accordingly). Many thanks to that YouTuber!

CarPlay microphone not working properly on iOS16 on iPhone 14 ProMax

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