Microphone not working on iPhone 7

This worked for me once or twice after the initial issues, and then it all completely fell apart. The iOS 11 software update unequivocally damages the hardware in MANY iPhone 7 models. Apple is aware of it, acknowledged it, fixed many phones for free. Apple's own employees told this to me.

Same issue after updating to IOS 12, mic stopped working. cant record audio messages or make calls. Speaker button greyed in! When I go into audio messages to record I get "No Audio Devises Found"! Found articles on several sights that the problem appeared back in may and apple had a free replacement program that they ended in July 2018. The replacement will now cost you 320 USD! to get the same phone with a 90 day warranty.

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/05/04/apple-says-mic-problem-affecting-some-iphone-7-models-with-ios-113-or-later

https://www.idownloadblog.com/2018/07/17/speaker-repair-iphone-7/

I have the issues too, just saw an article on idrop talking about it. It looks to be related to latest SW update messing with the HW. I took the phone in last week (05/04/2018). They ran a few tests, at first, device not supported for them to run test, then they did a network reset and it helped for the test (some type of audio test), it passed them, they said you are good, tired a couple fo calls, worked, about 5 minutes later, got a call from wife, same issues, went back and this time after multiple resets etc, everything failed. Just opened a new Genius bar ticket to have reviewed. As an FYI, you can use bluetooth and it does take calls etc. (temp. solution). It is just from the physical phone that we cannot.

Apple were previously replacing phones with this issue but they released a new iOS that was supposed to fix the issue. My phone also has this problem and they have said that you would have to pay £319 to get the phone working again.

I am facing the same issue too post software update of 11.4

1. Mic not working over call
2. Speaker option being greyed out during calls but working fine while playing music
3. Phone Boot taking longer than normal immediately after software update

Actions taken so far

1. I reported this issue to Apple authorized service centre (Unicorn infosolutions pvt ltd, New delhi -110017) the next day itself on 11^th aug 2018 without much delay. I told them the issue has come after software update . I was told that there is dust issue in mic and needs to be cleaned. I was charged INR1000 for the same. But it didn’t help and I was told that there is no process for the service charge even though they couldn’t resolve my issue. After much discussion, they refunded my service charge on the next day.

2. Then I took technical support on call and I was told that my iphone needs to be restored through itunes as it would fix any software issue. I restored the phone through itunes over call but it also didn’t help.

I called again and I was told that there is nothing further which can be done over call as it seems to be a hardware issue and will be a paid service since my phone is out of warranty. I again mentioned that the issue has arised post software update but they told me that hardware issue cannot come due to software update. I asked for her seniors’ help but I was told there is no option of reaching out to any senior person and he is last point of contact.The only option is to again visit the service centre and get it repaired.

3. I researched on this issue more and found that globally many customers have faced the same issue post 11.3 /11.4 software update and reported it on apple communities, reddit, ifixit etc. As an exeption in this case, the phone has either been repaired/ replaced by apple even if the phone is out of warranty. Below are the links to the same discussions:

4. I visited Apple authorize service centre (F1 solutions , Nehru place, New delhi) and I was told that the service charge is INR885 which is again not standard across service centres. The phone needs to be restored and data will be lost and thankfully I will be asked to pay only if the issue is resolved. The issues wasn’t resolved post the restoration also. Now they said the phone needs to be sent to Bangalore repair centre and the cost for replacing mic will be INR16000 to be paid by me and entire display panel needs to be changed since mic is a part of the display panel. I told them about the so many gobal customers facing the same issue immediately after software update but they failed to acknowledge it.

I called up the technical support team again and they asked the service centre incharge to run the diagnostics. The diagnostics were done and mailed to the apple support person. I asked the service centre incharge to show us the report of the diagnosis to know the issue with my iphone but I was denied .

5. Finally I reached out to apple support team over chat and asked them to share the email contact of the grievance cell where I can report the issue. She again asked me to restore the phone. I told her its already been done. Then she again took the diagnostics , then again scheduled a call with technical support. I told her this has already been done earlier, now I need the next step action because I am dissatisfied with the reply I have received.

She still insisted for a technical support call. I took the call again and it was a repetition of the phone diagnosis over call and then telling me it’s a hardware issue and I need to pay for the repair. I told her again and again that issue is caused due to software update and apple should ownership of this but she told me that a software update will damage the entire phone and not just one part. I asked her then how come so many people across the world are facing same issue and she didn’t have answer. I again asked for email contact of the grievance cell/ customer care but she said there is no such option.

6.Now this is due to my extreme dissatisfaction with apple support received through technical support and apple authorized service providers above that I needed to reach out to you.

Also I have been told that there is no customer grievance cell/ customer care email id where I can report the issue which is extremely annoying when there is no one to address your concern and reply on it . Something which is also frustrating is that there is no transparency on the communication with the customer and the customer doesn’t have any copy of the conversation with the apple team.

I will certainly never buy an apple product in future and will never recommend the same to my family and friends.

I started having this issue when I upgraded to 11.4 from 11.2 on my 7 Plus.

I really hope Apple owns up to this Audio IC issue. I shouldn’t have to shell out $350 for a phone I just paid $800 for just a year earlier.

I’m back to using my SE, but I can’t see myself buying another iPhone if Apple doesn’t want to fix their own mistakes.

It looks like it is not possible to solve the problem through updates. Feedback from Apple It is a hardware problem and the HW problem cannot be caused by sw updates. Bottom line pay for repairing your iPhone

Try to reset NETWORK settings. I thought my phone was toast. Tried everything including a factory reset that restores an older backup and it didn’t work. Resetting my network settings helped! But it’s still glitchy.

Check idrop news, issues looks to stem from iOS 11.3 messing with the HW for some reason. I am going to Apple today after I was there last week.

macrumors now confirms apple stopped replacing it

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/07/17/apple-ends-free-oow-iphone-7-mic-repairs/

"Is this going to cost me a replacement?"

Check your warranty > https://checkcoverage.apple.com

And make sure the iOS software on your iPhone is up to date.

Tap Settings > General > Software Update

Your iPhone 7 should be running iOS 11.3.

If necessary, you can make an appointment at an Apple Genius Barin advance.

Take it in to an apple store, set-up a Genius bar appointment. Show them what is going on before they do the audio test. A good example would be to show them how Siri does not respond to Hey Siri. If it turns out your issue is related to the iOS 11.3 update, they will give you a new phone.

• My mic problem starts when i updated to 11.4
• I chatted with apple support
• went to genius bar, want to charge me $349 to do a swap since they stopped replacing out of warranty for this issue for free at the start of july. No one can downgrade me back to 11.2
• chatted again with senior support who set up a call with customer relations
• got call from customer relation (***) then another call from senior support (***) who offered me a $200 gift card that only works on accessories and that's the best he can offer. because the internal document shows the free replacement is only for 11.3 and 11.3.1 iphone 7 devices that ended in May and not for 11.4 devices.
• Told me to send a feedback at Feedback - iPhone - Apple under Software/Hardware Compatibility and hopefully there will be enough people to send it so Apple *might* agree to replace it.

I am going to keep trying, but i recommend you guys submit the issue in feedback to get Apple to notice us.
[Edited by Host]

I have the same issue. I am able to actually get the Microphone working again if I restore from older back-up. Interestingly, the mic works after "factory reset" at the Siri set up step, but not once the set up is fully complete. Must be some kind of hardware / software compatibility issue. I have submitted a support request....

This exact issue happened to me when I updated to 11.4 on Sunday. Visited Apple Genius Bar tonight and After Genius Bar ran tests, they told me it was a hardware issue. It is not with the microphone itself but some other component that couldn’t be replaced and I would need to replace my iPhone 7 for $319. .... my phone is barely over a year old and in excellent condition. Apple should not put this cost on the consumer as it was admitted by the Apple Geniuses that this is a known issue to Apple. When I asked why they replaced some customers phones with this exact issue but won’t replace mine, I was told this was in a program previously that would replace the phone at no cost to customer, even those out of warranty, but Apple pulled the replacement program suddenly. I’m disgusted having to pay for a new phone for an issue that was APPLE’s fault- their update has obviously caused this issue. Seems like a scam and a way for Apple to make more money. Apple Updates my iPhone7, their uodate makes my phone inoperable, and now I have to pay them for a replacement. Rediculous. Come on APPLE!