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

I did the same by trying a headset from my 3GS but unlike you the problem persisted.

Hi everyone.

TELUS, White 16GB iphone 4s here, same problem.

I actually thought it was something wrong with the phone, reseated the sim card, reset network settings, yada yada yada, and luckily i stopped short of resetting the whole phone after reading this thread.

I'm going to be blunt here, the fact that there is an issue with the phone does not bug me... stuff happens. What bugs me is the silence from Apple. If they would just hop on this thread and post a note saying "Hi everyone, this is a software glitch, expect a fix in 2 weeks" or even "hey everyone, no clue what is going on but we are looking into it, stay tuned" or something like that, we could all stop wasting our time trying to figure it out and let Apple figure it out for us (hey... that's what should be expected of them when we pay as much as we do for a phone, especially people like me who buy it unlocked).

I'm perfectly fine with sucking it up and not using my headset on the phone while Apple figures this out. Just tell us something!!!

As it sits right now, I'm not going to restore my iphone as a new phone or swap my phone out or anything crazy until I hear what is actually causing the issue. I'll just live without the headset for phone use and monitor this thread in the mean time.

Erg... frustrated...

PS. Hour long conference calls with no headset are a pain...

Same on O2 in the UK with just-out-of-the-box iPhone 4s 32gb.

Got all excited becasue this phone has better reception even than my trusty old Ericcson t39 of yore.

But the noise level (rhythmic crunching and squelching), echo and cutting out of alternate words that kicks in at random when using the apple headset renders conversation completely impossible.

Thinking of downgrading to a couple yoghurt pots and wet string - reliable, lightweight, outstanding battery endurance.

Same thing in germany with an 4s black 64 gb device in the o2 network. 

I'm in UK on O2 network an my iPhone 4s 16 gb is giving me the same problem with the Apple headset. After about 5 or so mins I hear interruption an the person on the other side hears a loud echo to the point I have to disconnect and redial only to get the same problem again. My voice also echos and goes loud. Rang O2 who said they hadn't heard of the problem before an asked me to check my sim in another phone or to restore my phone in iTunes. Really disappointed! Apple needs to get on the case ASAP instead of playing dumb!

Okay, it's good to know that I'm not the only one here.  I guess we're all just having to press the speaker phone on and off during calls until Apple can patch this bug.  I'm hoping that we can all reduce the RF exposure to our brain tissue and use speakerphone until this gets fixed.  There's clearly enough of us here with this issue that it warrants a expeditious solution. 

Have faith friends....

Putting the speaker phone on and off is no longer working as a fix for me.  It worked the first time on a phone call today.  Then, when the problem appeared again, tapping speaker and then tapping it off again didn't work.  I tried it several times and finally had to hang up and call the person back.  FRUSTRATING AND EMBARRASSING!!!

Please can everybody start filling in the feedback form (link below)

http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

This will bring it to Apples attention.

This really *****! I just got a replacement this morning due to this problem, and the same thing happened with the brand new phone they gave me! I'm heading to the apple store now to get it replaced yet one more time... I hope it works out... I'm going to keep on making appts and getting it replaced as many times necessary to get a good one... we ordered 2 phones and the other one works great.. fingers crossed...

Just came back from the apple store in NYC. The Genius replaced my phone for the second time and was very very very nice to let me test it there... I was able to speak on the phone for over 43 minutes without any issues...

My advice to you guys is to go to the genius bar, ask him/her if you can test the phone right there on the spot! if you start having the echo problem, they can get another phone until you get a good one.

The Genius who helped me said I was the first one to come to him with this particular issue. I must say, he was the best!! very patient! and kind!

Well Good Luck guys!

What I've noticed in reading everyone's responses is that with the exception of one person, everyone seems to be on a GSM network. 

My suggestion would be to compare other things such as whether or not you are using a case on the phone (may interfere with the antenna's reception), whether or not you are holding the phone when this happens and phone position (vertical or horizontal). 

I agree that customers shouldn't have to do all of the legwork.  But with smartphones, there are so many variables in use and location, that it can be hard for Apple (who may be testing it in only a few locations) to see this issue.

Without holding my phone, without staring at it.. just trying to use it as a simple phone.. and I get the echo. 

Good points. AT&T 64 GB Black.

I have had the echo that i hear with stock apple headphones in a life proof case holding it vertically.

I have had the echo that I hear with stock apple headphones in no case, phone was sitting on its back on my wooden work desk.

I have had the echo that the other person hears with phone in no case and no headphones held up to my head vertically.

I have had the echo that the other person hears with life proof case, no headphones held up to my head vertically.

Thanks about it. I have not noticed any similarity to the circumstances other than it is AT&T and my buddy's wife has a iPhone 4S on Verizon and said she has had no issues!

I hope this helps Apple figure a perm fix

I am having the same issue both on speaker phone & headphones. iPhone 4s Black 16GB AT&T

I have an appt. today at Genius Bar but it doesn't sound like even replacing the phone will help. I read on another Forum that it is most likely a software issue. Wondering if I should cancel my appt. & wait on Apple or try having the phone replaced.

According to a software engineer at Apple, echo cancellation is software related.  I too will refrain from the hassle of exchanging my 4S and just wait for a patch to come out.

It doesn't make my 14-day trial with Sprint any easier as I'll be stuck with the phone and plan if a hot fix isn't published.  Guh...