Problem with the microphone on iPad2

Found a solution to the dead microphone problem

on the iPad 2.

A vacuum cleaner nozzle held tight to the microphone

inlet for 15 sec. -- microphone works.

After opening the Camera App 3 - 4 times

checking it out, the camera iris disappeared and the screen

went black.

SOLUTION:

Changed out the Desktop pic. - all is well !??

Vacuuming the tiny microphone hole on the top of my iPad2 worked for me, too. Yes, apparently dust does settle on the mic hole since it is at the top middle of the iPad, so if you leave your iPad parked in the iPad cradle, like I do, the mic hole is constantly open to dust slowing settling into the hole.

I have had my iPad for about 8 months, and only recently tried using Facetime, so this was the first time I needed to use the microphone. I could see and hear others, and they could see me, but they couldn't hear me. I figured that I had gotten an iPad with a bad microphone. Called AppleCare and arranged for an exchange iPad2 to be sent. Then I found this string. I figured that I had nothing to lose, so would try the vacuuming fix. I first installed the QuickVoice app that I also learned about from this thread. Tried recording and watching the mic volume bar at the bottom- zilch. Then vacuumed the mic hole with a conventional Sears cannister vacuum; used my fingers on either side of the vacuum hose to effectively narrow the orifice over the mic hole; did this for about 30 seconds. Then re-tried the microphone. The QuickVoice mic bar would now go full scale, and my "test 1, 2, 3, 4" audio played back loud and clear. Wow, what a simple fix. Unfortunately, I now have a replacement iPad2 on its way to me; will just return it, I guess. Wish that I had come across this thread about three days ago. I wish that the AppleCare people had known about this thread, as well.

Well, this is plain weird. I can no longer get listenable audio using QuickVoice, although the QuickVoice mic bargraph shows about the same response to my voice; but when I try to play back a further test recording, there is virtually no audio. Playing back the test recording made after vacuuming the mic hole the day before still sounds fine. Rebooting my iPad had no effect. Yes, the volume is turned up.

So, today, Monday, my iPad2 warranty replacement arrived. Wow, talk about fast. The only surprise was that it did not have my name engraved on the back, as promised. Oh well.

After initializing my replacement iPad2 and then transferring all my backed up files using iTunes (which went fine), I nervously tried QuickVoice: The mic bargraph shows plenty of activity, and my test audio plays back loud and clear. So, there appears to have been more than one problem with my first iPad2.

I haven't had a chance yet to try FaceTime, and see if I now have two-way audio, but since QuickVoice gives loud and clear audio for a normal speaking voice in the direction of my iPad2, I expect that I will have full connectivity. Since I was a FaceTime newbie, I kept thinking that it was operator error on my part why others could not hear me; but no, it was a hardware problem, probably one that had been there from the start, but hidden since I hadn't tried using the microphone until now. Glad I discovered this before the one-year warranty ran out. And I have now purchased the additional one-year warranty. Still love my iPad2, though. Glad that Apple offers the option of first shipping a replacement iPad2, then sending your old iPad2 back. That's convenient for me, since the nearest Apple store is 25 miles from where I live. This also let me do the file transfers at my convenience, and delete all my files from my original iPad before shipping it back to Apple.

FaceTime now works fine, as well. Finally, others can hear what I am saying.

Thank you all VERY much! I came across when I was thinking the audio recording on my iPad 2 was just toast. Got a compressed-gas duster this AM and appears to have addressed the issue. THANKS! 🙂

I have a 64GB iPad 2 with 3G. I have had no issues with the microphone until recently when I discovered that using FaceTime the other person could only hear a crackling. I had no problem hearing them. When I put in the headphones everything worked fine so I was pretty sure that it was an issue with the microphone in the iPad 2. I booked an appointment with the Apple Genius bar & looked forward to them fixing my problem. When I arrived at the Genius Bar I was greeted with an excellent advisor who checked over the iPad & agreed that there was an issue. A few clicks on his iPad & I was informed that I was one week out of warranty & that it would cost me £199 for a replacement! Not good! I decided to ponder over what to do next & whether it was worth paying the money for the issue to be fixed.

When I returned home I decided to look through the forums for solutions & yours was spot on.

The microphone is fitted at the top of the iPad in the centre, just over the back in the black bar (3G).

A controlled scrape a pin (you don't want to pierce the mesh) & a good blast of air duster cleaned it up a treat & the microphone works perfectly.

£199 saved & a load of time & hassle.

It would be good if all of the Apple "Geniuses" took note & saved their company & customers some heartache.

Hi,

It seems like Apple has quite alot of people that are having problems with the mic. I am too. I was told at an Apple store that I shouldn't believe all I read on line about problems with mics. I guess we shouldn't believe all that Apple tells us on line either! I feel they have a definite problem with the mics. They should be repairing all of the mics for us no charge!! They are still having problems with iPad 4 mics too. Obviously they haven't figured out how to fix the problem. Sounds like a defect in workmanship. I tried to put a post on Apple Face book about this but I can't find it anywhere!

You are the best!!! Same problem with my iPad 2, the mic stopped working- I was on hold forever with apple and they just wanted more $$ ;( I did the vaccumme trick and it works great!!! Thank you soooo much!! You saved me $ ;)

Hi Desmodue82, did you ever get a solution to your issue? I sent mine off to Apple, and they deemed that it was broken due to misuse or accidental damage, even though I don't use it outside or near anything hazardous...seems very fishy

They told me that it was my fault that it got that way, after they did a technical review of it. I don't believe it at all, I'm always cautious with it and never use it in dangerous ways (eg. in rain, near water etc)...very peeved off right now. Also, how they couldn't swap out the mic free of charge while they had it open is beyond me. Apple are worth half a trillion...yet they couldn't give me a dig out...very disappointed

I have the same problem. I also changed my Ipad from a service centre and updated to iOS6, recorded a video and in the middle of the video the hiss and crackling sound is back. I have 64 GB wifi iPad 2. The keyboard is also behaving weird. The apps close and open on their own. FRUSTATING. My old one was better less than the mic. Apple is disgusting which is unlike of them.

Thanks to all who posted. I too had a problem with my iPad 2 microphone. My iPad was out of warranty and Apple wanted $249 to replace it. I chose not to go that route since everything else on the iPad worked fine. $249 seemed a bit steep just to have the microphone working. After reading the posts in this forum, I tried the vacuum solution, but had no luck. So, I went to Staples and picked up a can of the compressed air. I didn't really think that would work, but I figured I'd give it a try. Much to my surprise, it worked like a charm. Thanks again to all.

Thanks v much. Had same problem with mic on ipad2. After vacuuming - now working well. Thanks to everyone.

Disappointed with the apple 'geniuses, @ Kingston. Spent 2mins checking it out then I was told it was a sealed unit & would have to purchase a new one for £199. I think you need to offer your clients better solutions, rather than replacement each time. Save us some money.