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iPhone 4s, echo when using apple headset during a call

I'm having an issue with my 32 gb iPhone 4s with Rogers. When using the Apple hands free headset with the phone during a call, I get an echo problem. It does not occur immediately. It can very from 30 seconds into a call and as far up to 9 mins in before it begins the annoying echo. If I unplug the headset it goes away but will return when I plug the headset back in. I have tried 3 brand new iphone 4s headsets with the same problems. So far I have tried rebooting, and also restored phone back to factory original settings as a new phone and still no resolution. I have been told by the other person on the line a screech sound is made then the echo begins.

iPhone 4s-OTHER, iOS 5, iPhone 4s

Posted on Oct 15, 2011 5:28 PM

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627 replies

Oct 23, 2011 6:18 AM in response to SMUzta

Having the same problem here in Germany on the Telekom mobile network. Echoing right from the start of every call. Had my handset replaced and waiting now for the new unit. From what I'm reading here I'm not to confident.

Can anyone confirm that this only happens when on a mobile network call? FaceTime or Voice Memos e.g. worked fine without any echo sounds.

Oct 23, 2011 3:05 PM in response to sgator05

thanks for the suggestion, just switched off the wifi (and the cellular data) to make a call but the same loud echo-ey noise kicked in about 9 minutes in to the call. Tapped speakerphone twice as was suggested previously in this thread, then was ok for about a minute, echo again, toggled speakerphone then seemed to be ok for a few mninutes.


The terrible thing is that I'm rushing all phone calls to try and hang up before the echo-ey noise kicks in. there's some people I don't mind doing that to :-) but there's others where it just comes across as rude.


I don't want to preface every phone call that matters with "just to let you know, the sound may go haywire so got to be quick, the new iPhone's not working right".


Need a software fix. It's definitely something to do with the ambient noise filter as it seems to cause a feedback loop of some kind.

Oct 23, 2011 3:28 PM in response to Themacguyver

When calling my friend using my iPhone 4S after about 8 minutes he starts hearing a echo on his end. I have no problem with any echo in my phone. After hanging up and redialing it happens again after 4 to 12 minutes. I never hear any echo but who ever I am talking to hears a echo. When talking to my dad on a land line he also started to hear the echo. So I hung up and redialed. I have tried different hands free headsets and the same result occurs. It only happens when I use the hands free headset. I have the headset from my old iphone 4 and using that the problem still occurs.

When using the speaker or our using it without the headset the echo problem does not occur.


I have restored my phone several times changed various settings and no help.

Oct 24, 2011 6:41 AM in response to Themacguyver

I tried the "temp fix" and it didn't do $h!t. I am less than thrilled that my $400 phone doesn't work as a phone! I would love to hear a permanent fix or a temporary fix that actually works!

I have the apple care, but I have seen that people get the same problem on a brand new phone, so I am not going to bother with returning this one yet! I personally don't care whose fault it is, FIX IT!

I think the dual antenna is a possible issue... But I am not the tech to fix it.


64 GB Black, AT&T in NY state.

Oct 24, 2011 12:25 PM in response to Themacguyver

I am having exactly the same problem, however, when I rang the Apple Support Team the guy said he was completely unaware of anyone experiencing this problem!! Had my handsfree kit changed at the Apple Store, but it still occurs, 1-2 mins into the conversation on a horrible day, if I'm lucky then it occurs 7-8 mins into the conversation.


For information I am on O2 UK, and have a 32GB iPhone 4S.


Has anyone tried using a bluetooth headset? Would you please be able to post if that has worked for you as I am considering spending even more money and getting one if thats the only way to fix this!!

Oct 24, 2011 12:54 PM in response to Angela_southeast

Hi Angela,


My wife and I have both successfully used our bluetooth headsets without issue. Everything seems to work great except for any brand of headset plugged into the jack on the iPhone. That's the only time we get this annoying problem. It's happening on both of our phones, but I'm not getting them replaced until somebody here has evidence that Apple has resolved the problem.


Good luck,

Sam

Oct 24, 2011 1:13 PM in response to Themacguyver

iPhone 32GB (black) 4S with Sprint. I’ve noticed this same issue since I got the phone on 10/14 via pre-order process. The echo sneaks in intermittently sometimes 1, 6, 18 minutes or 1 hour into the call. Doesn't matter if the person I'm chatting with is from ATT or Verizon. The volume of the call goes up and the caller gets loud echo on their side. The call quality becomes unbearable! The conversation is ultimately short-lived especially as you have to keep calling back. I’ve never had this issue on the Blackberry I had before which really narrows down the problem to either the iPhone or the sudden change in Sprint’s network.


I have Sprint network team looking into it already. I’ve experienced this every time I use the Apple earphone unit to take and make calls. Apple store Genius support indicates that it is not due to hardware as I am able to listen to music just fine without the echo. They also state that if it was hardware related, that the experience would be more consistent and exact in time of occurance. I’ve been back and forth whether or not I should return the phone but it looks like some of the folks experience the same issue, hence a replacement for another 4S may not be the best way to resolve the issue.


It may be a long shot, but this may be due to the SIRI mode of being enabled when placing the phone next to your ear. This feature is defaulted “ON”. Perhaps turning this feature off and just enabling SIRI when pressing the iPhone button will fix the echo problem??


The preference can be toggled under General->SIRI->Raise To Speak. Hope this is the issue that will resolve the echo problem we’re all having on our calls!


Good luck everyone!

iPhone 4s, echo when using apple headset during a call

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