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

I too, encountered the same issue with an echo during my calls… during a phone screening, we need to disconnect twice due to the echo.   It’s become second nature now for friends now I just wait for the echo so we may re-establish the call.  I went to apple and they replaced the iphone4s in an attempt to resolve the issue. But, they stated they could not successfully determine the cause for the problem.  My last resort is now just sending daily diagnostic and usage data to apple. Hopefully in OS 5.01 we may see a fix.

Well, the echo came back.  So, the "fix" of doing the phone as a new phone and not restoring it from the old one didn't work.  Back to the Genuis Bar this week to switch out phones and see if a new one will work better.  Come on Apple - At least acknowledge this!  I reported this to apple via the link someone provided earlier and haven't even had that submission acknowledged.  I thought Apple had better customer service than that.  At least when I report technical issues with other companies, someone gets back to me within 24 hours and says they are looking into the problem.  Total silence is NOT acceptable!

Facing the same issue as many of you.

I'm getting echo at other end of line the minute i start the call.  CAN NOT use it for conference calls as it creates an echo in line and impact everyone.  At times, the white noise (background noise) is more audible in my headset (including my own voice) than the actual conversation.  Only thing i can do is to MUTE the line to listen or remove the headset.

this is a softbank provided 4s 32gb, and experienced it from day 1.   Softbank can't do anything about it and suggested to contact Apple which i did and asked bring it an apple store for service. I'm not going to waste my time to exchange the phone with a new one to experience the same thing.  My 3Gs worked fine and seriously thinking to switch back to it until this issue is resolved.  

I really hope this is a software issue and Apple will find a solution.

When Iphone 4 came out - It was the antenna issue, calls dropping, fastforward one year, with 4s, we have the ECHO!!!  

Having the same problems with ECHO in the other end.

White iPhone 4S 16GB, Provider Telenor.

Hearing this background noice when I talk to someone, using the apple headset.

The noice starts after a few minutes into the phonecall.

When the noice starts, people in other end tells me that they have ECHO problems.

When i pull out the headset, the ECHO and noice dissapear and everything back to normal.

Can now also confirm that it happens when using the phone normal without headset.

Wow. And here I was blaming my carrier (Rogers) for this problem. I was getting ready to switch carriers over this problem.

Ever since I installed iOS 5 on my iPhone 4 I've been having this "echo effect" as well - with or without a headset.  I dont' think the issue is limited to specific hardware. 

Ever since I installed iOS 5 on my iPhone 4 I've been having this "echo effect" as well - with or without a headset.  I dont' think the issue is limited to specific hardware.

You might be right - I was reading elsewhere of an echo problem with audiobooks on the iPad 2 with iOS5.  If so, perhaps a fix for iOS5 will correct the problem.

got my phone replaced by apple and this is my third phone.. the last time, the genius at the store let me test out the phone and was able to talk for over an hour without any issues.... but then just yesterday I started getting the echo again...

I'm on hold with apple support on the phone and I think he found the issue... we did several tests and you guys can do it as well..

when talking on the phone, press the volume button all the way up. the person on the other line will hear an echo.. turn the volume down and the person will not hear an echo or hear it very faint...

it looks like it's a volume issue... with the earphones... we'll see if there is a permanent solution for this... I'll keep you guys posted!

I'm having the same issue, I also find that when i make outgoing calls a lot of time the person answers and I can hear them but they can't hear me, and I'll have to call several times! Its fine with incoming calls but makes it very difficult to make phone calls!!

Same issue:

iPhone 4S

16 GB (actually 13.6 - grrrr)

Verizon Wireless

Connect a headset and people get a horrible connection or can hardley hear me at all.

my wife and I have the same problem.  We both have at&t black iphone 4s's.  I have a 64 gb, she has a 32gb.  It only happens when we use our headsets (the ones that come with the iphones from apple), however we have not used other headsets, but I'll bet the same problem will happen no matter what brand we use.  I just wanted to add another person to the discussion for apple to see

Using 4S on AT&T in Chicago with an Etymotic hf3 headset. At the airport today, I had the headset in and the earbuds block noise using silicone plugs. However, as I was on a call with my wife, the ambient noise around me was being picked up by the mic and amplified into my ears. Very annoying. This must be why we hear the echo on our side. I can't wait for the fix!

Using the 4S in Canada on Rogers network and I am having the same problem. Echo in the phone.. I haven't even used the earbudy headset; this is encountered when using the actual handset!!! SOOOO annoying... My previous phone was the 3G and i never had this much trouble! I miss my 3G!

SteveB1983, where are you located in Canada? My sister and I have both had our iPhone 4S replaced twice (so we are each on our 3rd phone), issue every time. We're both located in mid-town Toronto on the Rogers network. I have talked to Rogers and their next suggestion is to try switching out the SIM, so I'll try that to rule it out....