How to clean iPhone microphone? You can use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox disinfectant wipes to gently clean the exterior surfaces of the iPhone. It is essential not to spray products on the device (better to spray lightly first with a lint-free cloth and then pass it over the product); it is important not to use aggressive products such as bleach, preventing humidity from entering the openings and obviously not to immerse the iPhone in cleaning products.
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If, while conversing on the phone with various people, they complain of hearing your voice badly, a possible problem could concern the iPhone microphones (there are more than one built-in ones). If any foreign element comes into contact with the microphones, such as dirt or sand, make-up, ink, soaps, detergents, acids or acidic foods or body creams, it is advisable to switch off the device and proceed with cleaning.
If your iPhone is in a case, remove it. Disconnect the phone from any power supply, locate the phone’s microphone, and proceed with cleaning.
The various points where the microphones are located can be cleaned with a microfibre cloth or a delicate brush (avoid objects with an abrasive surface: these could cause damage). Absolutely do not use metal objects (e.g. paper clips), do not use water or any other type of liquid and do not use compressed air (it may seem like a good idea but often this does nothing but push the dirt inwards). With great care and delicacy you can use a toothpick (to push debris outwards) or a suction system (always carefully and paying close attention).
You can use a magnifying glass to check for dirt and, as mentioned, a toothpick. Do not insert the latter in a decisive way all the way, but limit yourself to small and delicate movements, for the debris to come out. A blower (such as those used to clean camera sensors) or a compressed air dust remover can be used after cleaning, to eliminate smaller traces.
If even then the microphone doesn’t seem to work well, the problem could be software-related. Remove any screen protectors, films, or cases, wipe any dirt from the openings of the iPhone, and try opening an app to record voice or video memos and test the microphones.
If the microphone doesn’t work in a specific app, open Settings > Privacy > Microphone and make sure that app is enabled.
If you’ve followed all the steps above, but the microphone still doesn’t seem to work, contact Apple Technical Support.
