Issue with CarPlay Microphone in Škoda Fabia Mk3

I am experiencing an issue with Apple CarPlay in my Škoda Fabia Mk3, specifically with the microphone during phone calls. The problem is quite unusual because the microphone works perfectly fine in some apps, but not in others.

My Carplay Version on my skoda is 210.81

Issue Details

1. The microphone works correctly in:

• Siri (I can give voice commands and get responses).

• WhatsApp voice calls (People can hear me clearly).

• Using the phone’s speakerphone (without CarPlay).

2. The microphone does NOT work in:

• Regular phone calls via CarPlay (People cannot hear me, but I can hear them).

3. Additional observations:

• CarPlay itself is functioning properly (navigation, media, and other features work fine).

• If I switch the call to speakerphone or disconnect CarPlay, the microphone works again.

• The problem occurs only in my car, but when I connect my iPhone to CarPlay in another car, the microphone works normally in all scenarios.

• The issue persists across multiple iOS versions, including the latest update.

Troubleshooting Steps I Have Tried

1. Checked audio settings during a call:

• While in a call, I manually switched between audio sources (iPhone, Speakerphone, CarPlay) to see if the microphone would work.

• The microphone only fails when CarPlay is selected as the audio output.

2. Disabled Bluetooth and tested CarPlay via cable:

• I turned off Bluetooth on both the iPhone and the infotainment system.

• Connected CarPlay only via USB cable, but the issue remained.

3. Reset Network Settings on iPhone:

• Went to Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

• Repaired Bluetooth and CarPlay connection, but the issue persisted.

4. Forgot and Reconfigured CarPlay:

• Removed my car from Settings → General → CarPlay and set it up again from scratch.

• No improvement.

5. Checked infotainment system settings in the car:

• Verified that CarPlay was enabled and correctly configured.

• Looked for an option to adjust microphone settings but found nothing relevant.

6. Attempted a firmware update for the infotainment system:

• Checked Škoda’s official update portal using my VIN number, but there were no available updates for my system.

7. Tested with another iPhone:

• I connected a different iPhone to my Škoda Fabia Mk3, and the microphone also failed in calls via CarPlay.

• This suggests that the problem is not related to my iPhone, but rather to the infotainment system.

Possible Causes

1. Software Bug in the Infotainment System

• Since CarPlay was added as an aftermarket upgrade by a Škoda dealership, a system reset might have removed or corrupted part of the activation.

• Some users reported that a firmware update fixed similar microphone issues.

2. Microphone Routing Conflict Between CarPlay and Bluetooth

• The infotainment system might still be trying to route calls through Bluetooth, even when using CarPlay via USB.

• However, since I disabled Bluetooth and the problem persisted, this may not be the root cause.

3. Bug in iOS-CarPlay Compatibility with My Škoda Fabia Mk3

• Some users with older infotainment systems have reported compatibility issues when upgrading to newer iPhones.

• My CarPlay version is 210.81, and it was installed as an extra by the dealership, not factory-equipped.

Questions & Next Steps

• Has anyone else with a Škoda Fabia Mk3 experienced this exact issue?

• Is there a known fix or workaround for this CarPlay microphone problem in calls?

• Would performing a factory reset on my infotainment system remove the CarPlay feature since it was installed as an extra?

• Could a dealership reflash the firmware or reactivate CarPlay if needed?

I would appreciate any insights or suggestions from people who have faced this issue or know potential solutions. Thank you!