Have you ever thought, where is the microphone on Iphone? Most iPhone users will look up the actual place where their microphone is located when they experience audio problems, record videos, or configure voice commands.
Here is a full guide to know where the microphone is on iPhone, what the microphone icon and orange dot represent, how to locate each microphone and what to do in case your microphone ceases to work.
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Where Is the Microphone on iPhone?
All iPhones are equipped with more than a single microphone. Apple positions these microphones in strategic positions around the device to capture clear sound in various directions.
The primary microphone is situated on the lower side of the iPhone, just next to the charging port. This is the microphone that is most frequently used when making phone calls, during voice recordings, or in general use.
The front microphone is positioned close to the earpiece or the front camera, which is mainly used in FaceTime and video calls, as well as Siri. It also has a rear microphone that stands next to the back camera lens, and it is the one that mainly records sound when recording videos.
Newer iPhones even come with noise-cancelling microphones at the top to eliminate the surrounding noise and improve clarity.
Why iPhones Have Multiple Microphones
Better Call Quality and Noise Reduction
Apple also incorporates several microphones to enhance voice quality and eliminate undesirable sounds. When you are on a phone call, one mic receives your voice, the rest receive and cancel out the noise around you, so that your voice can be sharp and clear.
High-Quality Video and Audio Recording
When you record videos using the rear or front camera your iPhone will automatically pick the correct microphone to record the best sound in that direction. This supports realistic audio and stereo sound recording.
Smarter Voice Commands and Siri
The iPhone also has smart microphones in the Siri and voice dictation. Depending on the position you are holding your device or the application you are currently on, it automatically alternates on the front and bottom mics to give the best results.
Microphone Locations by iPhone Model
The precise placement of the microphones has varied a little over the decades, but the general placement has been the same.
iPhone 6, 6S, 7, 8, and SE
The main microphone is at the bottom, next to the charging port, of older iPhones. There is also a small hole in the mic on the rear camera to shoot video and cancel noise. The front microphone is adjacent to the ear-piece, primarily used in calls and FaceTime.
iPhone X, XS, and 11 Series
In such models, the bottom microphone is still the main one, as it is placed next to the speaker grilles. The mic to the front is close to the notch region and the mic to the back is placed near the camera lens. The generation also brought in better noise-cancelling technology with extra micro openings.
iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 Series
The more recent iPhones have even finer tuned mic systems. Calls and recordings happen to the bottom microphones and the front microphones are concealed either at the display or notch. The triple-camera array is on one side of the rear microphones, with a second microphone on the top that is used to filter background noise.
In any model, the microphones are visible in the form of tiny pinholes on the sides of the device or the area around the camera.
How to Identify Which Microphone Is Active on Iphone
You can simply determine which microphone you are currently using on your iphone by carrying out a few simple tests.
Voice Memos Test
Open the voice memo app and record a small clip as you talk normally. When the sound sounds good, then your bottom microphone is functioning quite well.
Front Camera Test
Change to front camera and record a selfie video. Record on camera to test your front microphone which is located almost at the top of the device.
Rear Camera Test
Take a video with a camera on the back and talk while holding the phone behind your back. This is a test of the rear microphone on the side of the camera.
Speakerphone Test
Call someone and switch on the speakerphone. This switches on the top or noise-cancelling microphone enabling you to verify whether it is working properly.
When any of these recordings are muffled or silent, the corresponding microphone can be cleaned or repaired.
Where Is the Microphone Icon on My iPhone?
The microphone symbol may be used in various locations based on the activity in which you are involved in.
Keyboard Microphone
In typing, you will see a small microphone icon on the keyboard, mostly on the bottom right. This would allow voice typing or dictation where you can speak rather than typing.
App Microphone Icons
Some applications, such as Messages, WhatsApp, and Notes, feature their own microphone buttons: voice messaging or recordings.
The Orange Dot
You can also see a tiny orange spot on the upper section of your iPhone. It is not a physical microphone but a privacy indicator that portrays that a certain app is using your microphone.
When you find yourself asking yourself where is the microphone icon on my iPhone? — it can either be about these app icons or the orange privacy indicator.
How to Fix iPhone Microphone Problems
In case your microphone is not functioning well, you can do a few things before going to a repair centre.
Clean the Microphone Holes
With time, dust and debris may block the mic openings. Wipe them softly with a dry cloth or a soft brush. Use sharp objects carefully so that they do not cause harm to the mic mesh.
Remove Your Case or Screen Protector
Mitigation cases and protectors have been known to block mic holes accidentally. Erase them and reread the microphone with the Voice Memos app.
Check App Permissions
There you go to Settings Privacy Microphone and make sure that the apps you use, such as Instagram or WhatsApp, have access to the microphone.
Restart and Update iPhone
Rebooting your phone or updating iOS can resolve small software bugs with mic.
Reset All Settings
In case of persistent problem, go to settings, general, transfer or reset iphone, reset all settings. This will reclaim the settings of your iPhone without erasing of personal data.
Contact Apple Support
When all these ways fail to assist, then it is possible to have a hardware problem. There is no significant risk to Apple technicians replacing the microphone, since it is frequently a part of other assemblies such as the charging port or camera.
When to Visit a Repair Center
When your iPhone does not pass any microphone test and does not record any sound whatsoever, then you can reach out to Apple Support or an authorized repair center. They are able to diagnose the fault in a defective mic module or internal damage by moisture or debris.
How to Protect the Microphone on Your iPhone
Keep Your Device Clean
Clean your phone, scrub its mic openings regularly with a soft dry brush.
Avoid Moisture
The microphone can be easily damaged by water and humidity. Do not leave your iPhone in wet places and never use compressed air directly on it.
Choose Proper Cases
Buy the use cases that are designed to fit your iPhone model perfectly to avoid blocking the mic holes.
Conclusion
Understanding where the microphone is on iPhone will enable you to capture superior videos, make clearer calls and address sound problems more efficiently. iPhone design is such that your phone will record audio in every direction with multiple microphones. Whether you are trying to name the microphone icon or clean your mic apertures, or even checking the sound on your phone, you now have everything you need to make your audio on your iPhone as crystal clear as possible.
FAQs About Where Is the Microphone on iPhone?
Where is the microphone on an iPhone?
The microphone is located on the lower rim, adjacent to the front camera, and close to the rear camera. There is also a noise cancelation model at the top of newer models.
Where is the microphone on my iPhone for calls?
Your iPhone has a main call microphone on the bottom near the charging port and speaker grille.
Where is the microphone on the iPhone for videos?
In front camera videos, the mic close to the front camera is utilized. In rear videos, the sound is recorded by the microphone next to the back camera lens.
Where is the microphone icon on my iPhone?
The voice-recording button, which is represented by a microphone, is displayed on your keyboard to dictate or in apps that allow voice messages. The orange dot on the screen is an indication that an app is utilizing your mic.
How many microphones does an iPhone have?
Newer iPhones include three to four microphones, which are situated at the bottom, top, front, and rear to achieve maximum sound recording.