Microphone not working after iOS 26.5 update

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 you're using a VPN, disable it and check if the error goes away. Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and turn off any active VPNs. Disabling a VPN only from the iPhone settings may not completely turn it off. To fully disable it, you need to switch it off from the VPN service provider’s app or remove the configuration profile they installed. Only then is the VPN truly off, which can help if it’s causing issues with cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
3. Disconnect accessories
   1. Remove any case, screen protector, camera protector, or external microphone.
   2. Disconnect Bluetooth devices (AirPods, headsets, car audio, etc.).
   3. Turn Bluetooth off temporarily and test again.
4. Check microphone permissions
   1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.
   2. Verify affected apps (such as Duolingo) still have microphone access.
5. Check for a stuck audio route
   1. During a call, tap the Audio button and see whether audio is being routed somewhere unexpected.
   2. Also try making a call on Speakerphone and test whether the microphone works.
6. Reset Network Settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings: Only network settings are removed.
   1. When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.
   2. To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone in this guide.
   3. To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM. See “Mobile device management (MDM)” in the iOS Deployment Reference.
   4. Reset your Network Settings. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.
   5. 
7. 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.
   4. 

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.

Hi Angel, this is caused by a temporary software glitch, misconfigured app permissions, or a hung Bluetooth connection. Kindly Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Note: this will not delete all your files nor will they be formatted, thanks I hope this helped you out.

Since you’re experiencing:

• No sound in recorded videos
• No sound during phone calls
• No microphone detection in Duolingo

it is unlikely that only one microphone has failed. Normally:

• A failed bottom microphone would affect calls and Voice Memos, but rear-camera videos might still record audio.
• A failed rear microphone would mainly affect rear-camera videos.
• A failed front microphone would affect some video and speakerphone functions.

It is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance.

If the other person is not able to listen to you then please click this to identify the issue --> If the microphones on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch aren't ...

Angelbritney13 wrote:

I updated to the IOS 26.5 and now ...

Not every issue an individual encounters on their device can be attributed to an iOS update. If the update itself were the root cause, then every device running that same version of iOS would exhibit the identical problem. In such a scenario, the forums would be flooded with countless posts reporting the same malfunction, creating an unmistakable wave of complaints that no one could possibly overlook. The absence of such widespread reports strongly indicates that the issue is not systemic, but rather specific to the device in question.

Same, last night my ipad 10th gen already update to 26.5 after that when i call my friend in messenger he can’t here me. So i tried to send voice message but same issue then try different app like IG same issue. When i try to record video the microphone was good and I’ll tried to IMessages to send voice was good and working. And I’ll try to restore again using pc. But unfortunately the issue is same. I hope developers and the next update to fix this issue

Angelbritney13 wrote:

I updated to the IOS 26.5 and now my microphone does not work!

Not every issue an individual encounters on their device can be attributed to an iOS update. If the update itself were the root cause, then every device running that same version of iOS would exhibit the identical problem. In such a scenario, the forums would be flooded with countless posts reporting the same malfunction, creating an unmistakable wave of complaints that no one could possibly overlook. The absence of such widespread reports strongly indicates that the issue is not systemic, but rather specific to the device in question.

I am going to reach out to Apple because my Voice Memos work, my phone calls and talk to text work but when I record videos There is no sound on either the front or back camera cameras and microphones. I just hope Apple is going to be able to help with this issue because this happened to me for a period of time with my iPhone X until I got an iPhone 12 and I wanna say it was after the latest 26.5 update I'm not gonna say it's cause of the update because there are root problems but this should be a recall just like with cars Apple should be able to fix it even after the warranty and I hope they do but thank you for all this information everyone

Hi, I already tried resetting all settings, but the problem still remains. It works fine when I record video on camera (rear and front) but not not on voice memo or when I record msg in whatsapp or when I call someone on speaker (it works when speaker mode is off and handset is on).

I tried reinstalling the app and restarting the device but nothing works and it is causing pain as it's affecting my day to day life.

"Not every issue an individual encounters on their device can be attributed to an iOS update. If the update itself were the root cause, then every device running that same version of iOS would exhibit the identical problem. In such a scenario, the forums would be flooded with countless posts reporting the same malfunction, creating an unmistakable wave of complaints that no one could possibly overlook. The absence of such widespread reports strongly indicates that the issue is not systemic, but rather specific to the device in question."

This isn't true. Problems can be attributable to an iOS update without affecting EVERY device running that software due to differences in hardware, environment, and other factors. If what you're saying were true, every bug would affect every device running the same system, which obviously isn't the case.