Iphone 8 plus microphone issues

Thanks that worked! Going into cellular settings and changing LTE to “data only” fixed the problem for me. Everyone should try this first to see if that helps them too. Now I’m guessing it’s a data / connection problem, and not the microphones.

I also turned off noise cancelling and enabled WiFi calling, in case these setting changes help too.

I’ve had my iPhone 8 for over a year, and only started having this problem since the day I recently moved to a new place. I didn’t change the sim, reset the phone or settings, do any updates, or do a factory install.

Same issue. Twice in and ‘can’t replicate problem’. Changed SIM. No change.

Tried ‘fix’ suggested in earlier post on this issue of covering up the mic on the back. (Small piece of electrical tape) “bingo” has worked so far. Terrible to think this is the only solution. Let’s hope it stays ‘fixed’!!!

I'm also experiencing this issue on an 8 Plus and carrying on conversations has become beyond frustrating. I've had this phone for 6-7 months, and experienced the problem from day one. I'm stunned to have found this post and discover that not only am I far from alone, but to see threads like this have lasted more than a year with no resolution from Apple which is simply unacceptable.

I purchased my 8 plus fully unlocked at an Apple Store just days after the XS was released. I chose the 8 Plus mainly because I have issues closing the windows on the newer models that lack a home button. This may be because of my own physical disability, but regardless of the reason, I was satisfied with my choice until I started making calls. Nearly everyone I talk to was telling me, "You sound muffled, like you're in a tunnel, underwater, etc."

As soon as I switch to speaker, I'm told everything is clear, but this is not a solution as some calls need to remain private. Just 15 days after my purchase, I went to an Apple Store and everything tested fine. Calls to Apple Support as well as that visit to Apple both had me believing it was a carrier issue. After 3-4 weeks of frustration with calls, I finally switched carriers from Tracfone to Verizon.

I have better service overall but the problem remains. I went back to the Apple store several weeks later, and the new possibility suggested was to have them replace the antenna. We knew it wasn't a carrier issue since I switched carriers specifically for this reason. I left the store undecided about what to do, because I'd rather not possibly end up with a refurbished phone just after 2 months and $800+ (256 GB model) to get a new one. After discussing this with Verizon, they confirmed it is not an antenna issue as my Data speeds would be affected as well. I have excellent data speeds and not a signal internet or MMS texting issue.

Over the past 3-4 months, I haven't gone back to the Apple store, because many people that I talk to stopped mentioning the issue. I also make most of my important calls on a landline to avoid the issue, which is not a solution by any means. Obviously it’s sometimes not possible to wait or schedule a call for a time when I'm near a landline.

This week people have begun mentioning it again – I’m told the problem never went away, but they just didn't want to continue bugging me about it. I simply don't know what to do as I'm not a fan of Android OS and cannot trade the phone in for an XR or XS as I need the home button.

Purchasing a new 8 Plus is, as this point, the only way to ensure I’d actually be getting a new one, but that’s not acceptable to me since I’ve only had the phone for 6-7 months and this has been a problem right out of the box. Not to mention, this issue is so common that it may happen again with a new or refurbished model. I’ve tried all the suggested “fixes” – turned off noise cancelling, hearing aid capability, changed LTE setting to Data only, restored the phone, blown compressed air on speaker grills, - nothing changes until you use speakerphone for calls. Apple needs to address and resolve this issue ASAP!

Any suggestions for someone who is unable to just trade up to an XS would be greatly appreciated.

~I have had same problem with both my 6+ and my 7+....

**Microphones had to be replaced by apple 2X (TWO TIMES!!) on 6+ and they say its fine on my 7+ (IT IS NOT!)

~The speakers are crap as well and i can no longer hear podcasts or ANY audible app, well, unless a silent environment.

~Since the 11.3 iOS update my calls randomly don't ring at all. I only know I am getting a call if i see it light up... not cool... and NO, DND is not on, nor is my ringer switched off...

So sick of apples BUGGY updates and security holes too.... as a user since 1987, this is NOT the same great Apple that Jobs built!

iPhone 8 Plus.

Clearly the phone has a microphone defect. Google it....

this is my 2nd phone, same issue.

What at is worse, Verizon says it was my fault and billed $300. !!

Comments confirm it is a known defect. Next step? News Story?

babette71,

See if this helps:

Get help with the microphones on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

I am facing the exact same issue with my iphone 8, which i bought 1 year and 1 month ago from the US. All of a sudden the speaker started mulfactioning (i.e. no sound when receiving calls, no alarm, unable to play videos,etc). Also, at times the screens blacks out and the device restarts on its own. I sent the phone to the local apple service office, and they called me back today just to tell me that the device can't be fixed and I need to pay 400euro for a replacement (half the money I paid last year to buy it). I concider this to be unacceptable really given that I have this phone for only 1 year and the damage wasn't caused from my side ( did not drop it, no contact with water, always in an original apple case and a screen protector).

I hope your problem is fixable!

I have the same problem. No-one I call can hear me, and when they do, it's always very faint and muffled. I don't use a cover and I have cleaned the microphones so I don't think that is the issue. I did the test with the voice memo, where the voice was clear, but it still is massively unclear on calls., The first person I contacted from Apple Support said it was a problem with the carrier (completely untrue and incredibly unhelpful) as I have made the same call with the same sim switched into another phone right after the failed call (from the same spot) and there I can be heard perfectly clearly. I have had the phone for two months (brand new) and regardless of whether I call from within a building, road, park, no-one can hear me.

Regardless of all the other uses of the phone, it is completely useless as a phone if it can't be used to make and receive calls. I have also read a number of other threads going back to Oct 2017 where other Apple users complain of the same problem - mainly iphone 8+ and 7 users. I think there is a big problem with the mic in this particular phone and Apple have instructed support to fob it off with idiotic responses like "it's your carrier" and generally deflect from the problem. They even suggested I use headphones or the speaker to make a call, which is clearly NOT a solution. I have made a genius bar appt, let's see if they say anything constructive. I have begun to hate Apple and its products because with problems like this, they are simply not worth the exorbitant prices they charge. I think the quality has drastically fallen over the last few years and Apple is not what it was and this is for certain the last iPhone I will have. I've had an iphone since 2008 and until the 6 came out, never had any issues with it. Now it's the exact opposite. (The first 8+ I got broke in less than a week and they had to replace it).

I have same problem on my iPhone 8

cant make calls on speaker or send voice notes.... video and all works fine, send it in Monday today they send me bil for new phone, mic can not be "cleaned" i have debris in my mic, Think its quick answer not to pay for replacement,,,,,,I asked How does it get in if water can not...…. cant give answer but other tec guy said I must bring see if he can clean it

im done with iPhone this was my last one, my 7 also did it

Hi, Would love to know how your problem was eventually solved.

Ive tried everything suggested - been twice to the Apple Store (can't replicate !!!) new SIM - no change. Any advice most welcome..

Yes I’m having the same problem. It’s frustrating because I’m not able to carry on conversations. Apple needs to fix this problem or replace iPhone 8 for those experiencing this problem.

I have the exact same problem. Took it too the Apple store and they did a hard reset, which fixed the problem temporarily. It is now happening again and it's very frustrating as each time I need to switch to the speaker phone which has no issues. This is a known problem by Apple and they don't seem to be able to fix it.

Mine is a 8 plus which I just received. So Apple, are you going to do a recall or get the shops to fix this issue? Pleaaaaaaassssse!!! fix this issue!!!!!!!!!

If anyone has found the solution yet please post here. Interesting, the head set microphone works fine!!

Now, I find they are working on the tower near us so maybe this is the issue. Also, there is a setting under Sounds that seems to have improved it. Also, the cover answer is interesting as some cases have left the bottom of the iphone completely clear.

This is happening to my new iPhone 8 Plus. I have taken it to the Genius Bar who altered the microphone settings in the accessibility menu as they said the microphone adjusted due to my case obstructing the microphone. I have also completed a SIM swap and having been through all of this with a £800 phone I am still fading in and out. What next?

Apple very helpful but problem not resolved