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iPhone 7 Microphone Cutting Out

I have a new iPhone 7 Plus 128gb running iOS 10.0.2. During phone calls, both speakerphone and handheld, callers tell me that while I'm talking, my voice will cut out and they hear garbled static (btw, this happened before updating to 10.0.2 as well). It is like wind noise in sound. Sometimes it works without issue, and other times it doesn't. After a call is ended, I can call back and the caller says that they can barely hear me, but the static is not there anymore.


I am in the process of restoring the phone to factory settings to see if that will fix the problem. But it really sounds like a hardware problem. Does anyone know of this problem being similar to yours Or one that you've heard of?


would you think that this is a hardware problem rather than software problem?


If it is a hardware problem, should I work with AT&T where I got the phone or should I try I do a warranty replacement through Apple?

iPhone 7 Plus, iOS 10

Posted on Sep 24, 2016 7:32 AM

Reply
428 replies

Nov 30, 2016 8:16 PM in response to Inquirer for info

Hi. Like others in this discussion strand, I have an iPhone 7 Plus, and - at unpredictable times during a conversation - the person on the other end can suddenly barely hear me, or cannot hear me at all. I made an appointment at the Genious Bar, and the conclusion was that I was given a new phone. However, the new phone has the same problem. Along with everyone experiencing this problem, I'm finding it to be highly frustrating, having a phone that can't reliably be used to hold a conversation. Sometimes, during a conversation, there are multiple episodes of the other person suddenly not being able to tell what I'm saying. I sure hope this gets solved soon!

Dec 4, 2016 12:47 AM in response to Jeff Cao

Hi, I upgraded from an old very reliable Iphone 4 to a new 7plus 128. It is a great toy but vertually all my calls receive comments that people cant hear or understand what is being said. I have it in a wallett case and dont cover the rear microphone as I am told this is has noise cancelling function.

It is very frustrating..

Dec 5, 2016 5:08 PM in response to sandkkoenig

I'm having all of the above same problems as described to me from callers. I performed a hard reset. Verizon reset the network settings which didn't help. Apple tech support had me turn off Voice over LTE, which didn't help. I went to the Apple Store and diagnostic tests were negative. The technician also told me the mic was near the earpiece. Today it seemed I can reproduce the crackling noise when I move the phone around my ear so I'm wondering if it's related to artifact. Neither Apple or Verizon will replace my phone unless they can reproduce it. They suggested I try recording voice memos when it happens again to prove it.

Dec 8, 2016 11:16 AM in response to Sonjamaj

Hi all, For me some good news. My Iphone 7plus distortion and varying volume seems to have gone away... Initially I purchased a wallet style case, probably originally designed for the 6 plus but sold as a 7 plus suitable one.

My issue was resolved by cutting the left support out of the case near the lightening port.

It is only a few millimeters but as it flexed, it covered the right hand hole of the left bank. On the left bank, I am told the speaker takes up all holes EXCEPT the last hole nearest the lighteng port, it is the microphone. As it is nor open and not covered, no more comments about others not being able to hear.

So far three days and 100% normal.


So try clearing the right hand hole of the left bank of speaker holes

Dec 8, 2016 1:52 PM in response to Linus 2

That's interesting. I received my "refurbished" warranty replacement but haven't set it up yet. I did try remove my case which I did notice covers about half of the mic hole, while I was on with Verizon and Apple and they both indicated they could still hear "static". It's worth one more try though.

Dec 12, 2016 4:37 AM in response to Linus 2

Hi Linus 2, great to hear that your experienced problem, appears to be solved. True that nothing should cover the microphone holes.


But I think I can safely speak for others experiencing "the microphone cutting out on calls", that in general they are not using faulty cases. Or they will for sure have tried it without the case and experienced the same problem, all before they felt the need to start crawling the internet for people experiencing the same problem and possible solutions.


The in this post mentioned "microphone cutting out" problem occurs while calling cellular (using it like calling with it held to your ear), while facetiming (using it like calling with it held to your ear) over wifi and while facetiming (using it like calling with it held to your ear) over cellular. The iPhone7 ofcourse in mint condition, latest software and no faulty covers.


Though - because I needed to test it as such by Apple - the iPhone7 does not have this problem when you use it for recording voice memos when you still pretend like you are calling with the iPhone, while recording. That's interesting.


Therefore this cutting out of the microphone seems to be a software issue, related to the interaction between sensors and the microphones of the phone, while using (movement, repositioning while calling, et cetera) making calls while holding it close to your ear/face.


No solution yet. I am told Apple engineering is working on it, but no outcome thus far. Good thing is that you can highly assume that it's a software issue, 'mis-communicating' with the hardware to some level.


Still when you don't experience these problems, I am truly happy for you as we should not have these problems with a phone in the first place. But it's good to know that the described problem occurs while moving with the phone (that must as such triggers sensors) during calls holding it to your ear. And when you experience that as well still, you can 'join the group' and wait for Apple to come with a solution. 😉

Dec 12, 2016 4:51 AM in response to Inquirer for info

Hi Inquirer for info, can you update your experiences again?


Apparently you started an important topic on the iPhone 7 that is becoming a much bigger thing. Especially when you check the huge amount of views your topic already got in a relative short time and the many shared similar experiences and comments that are left behind by iPhone 7 (Plus) users in this post.


Thank you.

iPhone 7 Microphone Cutting Out

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