When attempting to send an audio message on my iPhone 12 Pro Max the microphone quality is terrible

You may try some of these steps, please check after each step...

1. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
   1. Restart the device. That's it.
   2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
2. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
   1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
   2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
   3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
3. Make sure you have a good internet connection. iMessage audio recordings are sent over the internet, so a poor connection can cause problems.
4. Try using a wired/bluetooth headset. If you're still having problems, try recording an audio message using a wired headset. This can help to rule out any problems with your iPhone's microphone.
5. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
   1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
   2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.

Did you get your issue resolved?

• I’d just noticed that under settings, iMessage, Message app, that music is listed? Is that on or off? Or, try swiping down while in settings, then type volume. Select volume when it appears. Check to see if Phone Noise cancellation is on. If it is, it will reduce sound when the phone is held to your ear.
• Also, on same screen, there is an option for head phone accommodations (if applicable).
• Another possibility is if you have set attention aware. This one sounds odd, but once again, swipe down on settings, type in “attention aware” 2 options will appear. I think if you turn off one, the other turns off. But if it’s on, turn off “attention aware”. Per Apple docs “If you're looking at your device, it will lower the volume sound of your alerts.“ you can copy paste the last quoted item and search on Apple. I hope that helps.

T3ddy19 wrote:

• Did you get your issue resolved?

I’d just noticed that under settings, iMessage, Message app, that music is listed? Is that on or off? Or, try swiping down while in settings, then type volume. Select volume when it appears. Check to see if Phone Noise cancellation is on. If it is, it will reduce sound when the phone is held to your ear.

• Also, on same screen, there is an option for head phone accommodations (if applicable).

• Another possibility is if you have set attention aware. This one sounds odd, but once again, swipe down on settings, type in “attention aware” 2 options will appear. I think if you turn off one, the other turns off. But if it’s on, turn off “attention aware”. Per Apple docs “If you're looking at your device, it will lower the volume sound of your alerts.“ you can copy paste the last quoted item and search on Apple. I hope that helps.

1) None of those options have anything to do with the microphone.

2) You're responding to a post that has been inactive for ten months.