Microphone issues (Siri, dictation & more)

had the same exact problem, was told by Apple Genius Bar that the microphone failed. The key was that my Siri waveform wasn't a flat line, it was moving. So the microphone had to be working (or else it would be a flat line).

I did as other said, give it a hard SLAP to the upper speaker/front camera/microphone area (I did it 3 times), and Siri worked perfectly.

Additionally, some folks have tried using compressed air cans and had similar results. I bet using this would create a loud sound for the microphone (similar to a slap), allowing the microphone to work. Hope this helps!!!!!!

YES! This did the trick. I tried so many things and this finally did it. I even took it to the Genius Bar twice. The tech shouted into it to get it to work. Told me that was 'normal'.

In any case, I'm now back up and running. THANKS!

Exactly the same problem, running ios 10.3.2.
Solution: SLAP YOUR PHONE.

I was a bit too gentle at first, then i gave it 3 good whacks and it worked absolutely fine.
I know this sounds like BS but give it a go.

Ok I had the exact same problem with my iPhone 8. Performed all the tests that I saw on the forum. But like a 90's TV set it just required a couple of hard slaps. Just make sure the mic area (next to front camera) makes full contact with your palm on impact. I think it's to do with air pressure dislodging any dust or whatever is caught inside. Problem solved but if it acts up again I'm sending it into the apple shop.

The next steps in user troubleshooting are restore from backup, and if necessary restore as new. If you have to go as far as restore as new, that will delete all content from your device, so make sure everything is imported to the computer and synced. If you restore as new, then before adding back any content, test the device. If it works correctly, try restoring your backup. If it fails again, then there is something corrupt with your backup. If it does not work correctly then, make an appointment at the Genius Bar of the nearest Apple Store or Authorized Apple Service provider, whichever applies to your location and have the hardware tested.

I'm having the same issue but with the speakerphone capability on my phone calls. My mic works for everything in the phone EXCEPT when the phone is in speakerphone mode. I have tried resetting and restoring the device - all to no avail. I hope someone at Apple realizes that THIS IS A PROBLEM and knows to fix it in the next release!!

I've not encountered any mic problems on iOS 8.1.3, but then I do not have an iPhone 6, I have a 5s. I'm not sure they could release a software fix that would not jeopardize other versions of the devices that also run on iOS 8.1.3, but then I don't work for Apple. You can handle it any way you want, it is your device, but if you are close to an Apple Store, you might make an appointment to have the device checked and see what they have to say.

Unless you tell Apple, no one there will realize that it is a problem. This is a user to user support forum, and Apple does not participate here. Feedback to Apple goes HERE, and click on the appropriate subject area. Apple reads that information, but does not respond to individual feedback. That is the only way for them to know of your concerns.

Hi,

I had this same problem a few days ago. Nothing works when doing reset or reinstall. Out out frustration, I yelled really loud to Siri and it seems to hear me a little bit. I tapped on my phone repeatedly while siri is listening and gradually, the microphone restored function. It's fine working now.

Very very strange indeed. Hope it will continue to work. Seems like hardware related.

I have a theory. The software somehow triggered a recalibration of the mic. The mic was turned to the least sensitive level. The hardware is fine. it's just like when you turn your mic level all the way down, the mic will not hear anything. User cannot adjust the mic level from UI, unlike on a Mac. The iPhone system automatically adjusted level somehow. That's why it's need to be activated by a shock or something. At least in my case it worked after me yelling at it.

It's the rear mic I was talking about.

I've run into the same thing only recently on my iPhone 6 with 8.1.3. Siri can't hear me, dictation in messages doesn't work randomly. The "waveform wiggles" when i'm talking but the the data is never transcribes. the little wheel icon just spins in the messages blank spot.

i just switched to the google app and used the microphone button to search for a random thing and that worked. when i switched back to messages and tried to dictate something, siri/dictation worked again.

your warranty is actually not totally void from dropping your phone it will still have 1 year but they will not be able to replace or repair it until you pay to get the screen fixed, you can look at screen repair pricing here:

https://www.apple.com/support/iphone/repair/screen-damage/