Where are Your iPhone Microphones Located? | Guide for 2024
Have you ever wondered where the little microphones on your beloved iPhone are hiding? Are they secretly spying on you from behind the scenes? Or are they just shy and don't want to be seen?
Fear not, because in this article, I'm going to uncover the mystery and reveal the exact location of your iPhone's microphones. Get ready to be amazed and learn something new about your trusty pocket companion.
On older iPhone models, the microphone is located at the bottom of the device, to the left of the charging port. On newer iPhone models, such as the iPhone SE, 11 and later, there are actually multiple microphones located throughout the device, including on the top, bottom, and back panel near the camera hub. These microphones work together to capture high-quality audio in a variety of different settings, including during phone calls, video recordings, and voice memos.
Where are your iPhone microphones located?
Where are your iPhone microphones located - iPhone 14
Featuring a design that's similar to the iPhone 13, the new 14 range of devices come with 3 microphones with accurate placements to enhance audio quality while on the move or in loud and noisy places.
On the iPhone 14, you get one microphone at the bottom of the device towards the left side of the lightning port, one at the top of the iPhone near the selfie camera and the third one is positioned at the back near the camera array which helps boost audio clarity and reduce external noises.
Where are your iPhone microphones located - iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 lineup features more than a single microphone on all models. The microphones are located at different locations on your iPhone and perform different functions. The array of microphones and their position also results in some of the best voice capture and recording of any smartphone. ,
iPhone 13’s microphones are great for calls as well as audio and video recording. Check out where the microphones are located on your iPhone 13. ,
Front Microphone
This microphone is present in the notch of your iPhone 13. Though iPhone 13 has a smaller notch, it has the same functionality and components inside it, this includes a microphone. Apple only reduced the size of the components inside. ,
The front microphone is used for picking up voice when you are using your selfie camera for video recording and FaceTime or video calls. This microphone works when you aren't using earphones are earbuds. It is also useful for Siri. And it also works with other microphones on your iPhone when needed.
Bottom Microphone
On the bottom of your iPhone, you will find another microphone. Take a look at the bottom of your iPhone 13 and you'll find multiple holes which house speakers and microphones. ,
There are two microphones here, one on each side of the lightning port. The primary function of these microphones is to capture your voice when you make normal calls, the one where the phone is beside your face.
These microphones are also used during FaceTime calls and for Siri. And these microphones can work in tandem with the other microphones on your iPhone if needed.
Camera Microphone (on the back)
And lastly, the iPhone 13 lineup has a microphone located on the back near the cameras. The main function of this microphone is to record audio for videos that are recorded by the rear cameras.
It can also work in tandem with other microphones for noise cancellation and more when needed. This microphone is the reason why videos recorded on your iPhone have excellent sound quality.
On the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, there are four microphones:
- One at the bottom of the device, to the left of the Lightning port.
- One at the top of the device, near the front-facing camera.
- One on the back of the device, near the camera module.
- One on the side of the device, near the bottom, which is used to improve directional audio recording when shooting video in landscape mode.
Where are your iPhone microphones located - iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 models are still extremely popular thanks to the price cuts due to the launch of the iPhone 13. Like the iPhone 13 lineup, the iPhone 12 lineup featured 3 microphone locations too. Check out where the microphones are located on your iPhone 12. ,
Front Microphone
Like the iPhone 13, you'll find a microphone located under the notch on your iPhone 12. This is used for the same functions like Siri, video calls, and more. The microphone will be activated when you are not using headphones or earbuds. ,
Bottom Microphone
The bottom microphone is used for calling ad you can find it next to the Lightning port on your iPhone 12. There is only one present here, unlike the two on the iPhone 13. So, if the microphone on your iPhone 12 gets damaged, you won't, the receiver won't be able to hear you well. This is also the primary microphone to record calls. ,
Camera Microphone (at the back)
Finally, the camera microphone on the back of your iPhone 12 is used to record audio for videos. This is a high-quality microphone that records crystal clear audio for videos. If this microphone gets damaged you won't be able to record sound for videos.
Where are your iPhone microphones located - iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 has multiple microphones on it. There is a microphone under the notch which is used to activate Siri and for video calls. A microphone at the bottom of the iPhone is used for calls and for voice recording. ,
Finally, the last microphone at the back of the phone which is near the camera is used to record audio for videos and for noise canceling purposes. Overall the microphone setup on the iPhone 11 is just as good as iPhone 12.
Where are your iPhone microphones located - iPhone iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, SE, 6, 6+, 6s, 6s+, 7, 7+, 8, 8 Plus, X, XS, and XR?
Older iPhone models also feature 3 microphones but are of lower quality compared to the iPhone 11, 12, and 13 models. They are present at the earpiece, bottom, and back of your iPhone. ,
The earpiece one is used for Siri and video calls, while the bottom microphone inside the speaker rill is used for normal calls and voice recording. The microphone at the back near the camera is used for video recording and for noise cancellation. ,
Where are your iPhone microphones located - iPhone 4 and 4s
The iPhone 4 and 4s models were the last iPhones that had only 2 microphones. They had one a the bottom and one at the top of the device. ,
Bottom Microphone
You can find the bottom microphone on the iPhone 4 and 4s next to the charging dock port. This microphone is primarily used for making calls and for recording voice notes. Since the microphone is at the bottom it naturally is near your mouth when you place your iPhone near your face, making it convenient for calls. The bottom microphone is also used for Siri in the iPhone 4 and 4s model. ,
Top Microphone
This microphone was mainly used as a secondary microphone for noise cancelation. Since it is not very useful for calls, Apple included this microphone to detect surrounding noise and cancel them out when you are on a call. This also worked for video recording. Basically, the two microphones worked together for superior audio capture and recording quality. This is amazing back in the day. ,
Where are your iPhone microphones located - Older iPhones
The first few generations of iPhones featured only a single microphone. The original iPhone, iPhone 3G, and 3Gs all had a single microphone at the bottom of the device. These were used for everything including calls, audio, and video recording. ,
How to Fix &, Troubleshoot Microphone on iPhone
If your iPhone's microphones are not working as intended, then there are ways to troubleshoot and even fix the issue. Check out some solutions to fix your iPhone's microphone. These apply to all iPhone models. ,
Clean your Microphone - This is a given as the first you should do if your iPhone's microphone stops working is to check if it's clogged up by dirt. If that's the case then clean the microphone hole using a toothpick or toothbrush. But be careful to not damage the microphone by sticking anything in too deep. And if your iPhone recently got wet in the rain or something then let it dry to drain the water. ,
Disconnect Bluetooth Devices - Bluetooth connections to speakers, headphones and other devices can disable your iPhone's microphones. This is because your iPhone will prioritize the microphone present on the connected device. So in such cases, you will have to disconnect Bluetooth devices for your iPhones microphones to work. You can do this by switching off Bluetooth from your iPhones Control Center.
Disable Noise Cancellation - This is a default feature of all iPhones. With the availability of multiple microphones, iPhones can use them to cancel background noise when you are on a call or recording a video. But sometimes this feature can also cause issues with the microphone and for that, you have to disable the feature. To disable noise cancellation, follow these steps,
Step 1 Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2 Tap on General.
Step 3 Now, tap on Accessibility.
Step 4 Select Audio/Visual and then disable Noise Cancellation. ,
Reset All Settings - Sometimes wrong settings configuration can cause issues to your iPhone. This can include microphones and so resetting your iPhone's settings to default can help, to do this,
Step 1 Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2 Tap on General.
Step 3 Now, tap on Reset and then select the Rese All Settings option.
Remember that this will reset all your iPhone settings, so you will lose WiFi passwords and any other modifications from before. You won't lose any data. ,
Contact Apple Support - If none of the above fixes didn't work, then the issue might be hardware-related. If that is the case, then you have to contact Apple Support and take your iPhone to an Apple Service Center to get it fixed. ,
Is i possible to add an external microphone to iPhone?
Yes, it is possible to add an external microphone to your iPhone, which can improve the audio quality of your recordings, videos, and phone calls.
While the built-in microphone of the iPhone is capable of capturing decent audio, external microphones offer better sound quality and greater flexibility in terms of positioning and directionality.
Here are some ways to add an external microphone to your iPhone:
- Using the lightning port: If your iPhone doesn't have a headphone jack, you can use the lightning port to connect an external microphone. You will need to purchase an adapter that converts the lightning port to a standard audio jack or a USB port that can accommodate a microphone. You can then connect the microphone to the adapter and select it in the audio settings.
- Using a Bluetooth microphone: If you prefer a wireless option, you can use a Bluetooth microphone that is compatible with your iPhone. You can pair the microphone with your iPhone using the Bluetooth settings and select it as the audio input device in the settings.
It is important to note that not all external microphones are compatible with iPhones, so it's important to check the microphone's specifications and compatibility before purchasing.
Additionally, some microphones may require additional software or apps to work with your iPhone, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the location of microphones on all iPhone models and how to fix and troubleshoot them. So, next time you are using your iPhone, make sure to use the right microphone for the task.
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