iPhone Duo Troubleshooting Sound Issues

Guided steps to help resolve issues

Troubleshooting speaker, ringer sound, or microphone issues

Identify issues

Read the relevant support articles if you notice any of the following issues:

  • No sound, or low or distorted sound from bottom speaker

  • No sound, or low or distorted sound from top speaker

  • No ringer sound, or low or distorted ringer sound

  • Others can’t hear you on calls through Phone app or FaceTime

  • No audio, unclear audio, or crackling or static on calls through Phone app or FaceTime

  • No sound, or low or distorted sound during calls through Phone app or FaceTime, in video recordings, or in other apps that use the microphones

Relevant support articles

If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article, continue to the next section.

Try quick troubleshooting steps

  1. Press the volume buttons to check the volume level.

  2. Verify that the iPhone is set to Ring using the Control Center.

  3. Remove any third-party screen protector, film, or case.

  4. Clean the iPhone. Check the iPhone speaker and microphone openings for debris. Gently clean these areas using a small, non-metallic, soft-bristled brush. Ensure that the brush is clean and dry. Gently brush the cover mesh in the receiver opening to remove debris. Use extreme care to avoid damaging the microphone embedded within the receiver opening. Don’t use large sweeping motions across the glass that could scratch it. Gently brush debris away from the cover openings of the speaker and microphone. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened debris.

    • Important: Unplug all cables and turn off the iPhone first. Don’t use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings and don’t submerge the iPhone in any cleaning agents. Don’t use compressed air.

Run manual and diagnostic tests

If the issue wasn’t resolved by following a support article or trying the quick troubleshooting steps, run these manual and diagnostic tests to help isolate the cause of the issue:

  1. Run the Mobile Resource Inspector (MRI) diagnostic suite.

  2. Run the Audio diagnostic suite.

  3. Use another phone to call the iPhone that you’re testing. Answer the call and turn on the speaker. Talk in a normal voice and listen to verify that the bottom microphones have clear sound quality.

Open and inspect the iPhone

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following support articles or running diagnostic tests, refer to the iPhone repair manual to open and inspect the iPhone. A damaged or out-of-place part may be causing one of the issues.

  1. Follow repair manual procedures to open the device.

  2. Disconnect the flex cable connecting the affected speaker or microphone to the logic board.

  3. Examine each connector for signs of damage or debris.

  4. If all connectors appear normal and not damaged, reconnect the flex cable.

  5. Reassemble by installing any removed parts and closing the device.

  6. Retest the device speakers and microphones.

iPhone Duo microphone numbering and locations:

  • Mic 1 - Main bottom microphone, opposite side of the bottom speaker

  • Mic 2 - Rear microphone

  • Mic 3 - Front-facing microphone

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

Replace the part

If the issue wasn’t resolved or isolated by following the previous steps, replace the following parts:

  • For top speaker or receiver issues, replace the top speaker.

  • For bottom speaker issues, replace the bottom speaker.

  • For bottom microphone issues, replace the main microphone.

  • For rear microphone issues, replace the back glass.

  • For front microphone issues, replace the outer display.

After the repair is completed, turn on the device and verify speaker, ringer sound, and microphone functionality.

Note: This section requires ordering parts and tools. Replacing a part may not resolve the device’s issue. You can find other service options at support.apple.com/repair.

Go to top

Published Date: