8 Ways to Fix iPad Mini Microphone Not Working

February 15, 2024

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Many activities we do on our iPads require a microphone. From FaceTime to Siri to recording videos, a microphone is essential.

Now, I get your frustration if your iPad Mini’s microphone is not working.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best possible fixes for this problem.

Let’s start!

1. Check Microphone Permission

The most common reason your microphone isn’t working is due to permission issues with iPadOS.

The app you’re using might not be allowed to use your iPad Mini’s microphone.

Here’s how to check:

Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Scroll down and tap on Privacy & Security.

Next, tap on Microphone.
Make sure the toggle switch beside the app you want to use is turned on.

2. Restart Your iPad

Temporary errors can occur while using your iPad. Try restarting it to reload the operating system.

If your iPad Mini doesn’t have a Home button:

Press and hold either Volume button + Top button.
Release both buttons when the ‘Slide to Power Off’ screen appears.
Drag the slider to the right until your display turns black.
Wait for 10 seconds.
Press the Top button to turn on your iPad.

If your iPad Mini still have a Home button:

Press the Top button until the ‘Slide to Power Off’ screen appears.
Drag the slider to the right until your screen turns off.
Wait for 10 seconds.
Press the Top button again to turn on your iPad.

3. Try Other Apps

There are instances when the problem is isolated to a specific app. Try using your microphone with other applications to ensure that the app isn’t the one with a problem.

If other applications are working fine, head to Solution 6. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.

4. Inspect the Microphone

If dirt and debris get stuck in your Microphone’s hole, it can mess up how it hears things. This can explain why people can’t hear you during calls or your voice doesn’t get recorded well on videos and voice memos.

Check the microphone on your iPad and make sure it’s not clogged or blocked by protective cases and accessories.

5. Update iPadOS

There could be an issue with the version of iPadOS you’re using that causes problems with the microphone.

Make sure your iPad Mini has the latest updates. This helps make sure the software works well and doesn’t have any problems.

Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Go to General > Software Updates.

If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Wait for the update to complete.

Reminder:

Make sure your iPad Mini has enough charge (at least 50%) before installing an update. You can also leave it plugged in to avoid power interruptions.
Do not restart/force restart your iPad Mini during the update. If it appears stuck, wait for 10-15 minutes to allow the update to complete.

6. Update Your Apps

If you only encounter the problem on several apps, try updating them. There might be an issue with the app or it is not fully compatible with the version of iPadOS you’re using.

Here’s how you can update your apps:

Open the App Store from your home screen.
Tap on your Profile in the upper right corner.
Scroll and find the app you want to update.
Tap Update next to the app.

7. Reset All Settings

At this point, you can try resetting your iPad Mini’s settings.

There might be some conflict with your system preferences that prevents applications from accessing your microphone.

Here’s what you need to do:

Access the Settings app on your iPad.
Tap on General > Transfer or Reset iPad.
Choose Reset, then Reset All Settings.

8. Contact Apple Support

If none of the solutions above solve the problem, it’s best to get in touch with Apple’s team. They can provide personalized assistance based on your iPad Mini’s current situation.

You can visit Apple’s Contact Us page to find out how to get in touch.

Alternatively, you can take your iPad Mini to the nearest Apple Store, and have a professional take a look at it.

Don’t forget to provide them with all the details about the problem and the solutions you’ve already tried. This will help them understand the situation and offer more effective solutions.

Conclusion

Restarting your iPad’s microphone requires a system approach, addressing problems from the simplest solutions to more advanced measures.

When you encounter microphone-related issues, start by ensuring the app you’re using has proper permissions. From there, you can try restarting your device, trying other applications, and updating the software.

Temporary fixes like external microphones can also be considered, if you really need microphone functionality on your iPad Mini.

By observing these measures, you enhance the chances of a successful troubleshooting.

FAQs

Why is my iPad Mini microphone not working?

Possible reasons for this issue include app permission conflicts, software glitches, hardware issues, or foreign objects blocking the microphone.

How can I test if the microphone on my iPad Mini is functioning properly?

The best way to test your iPad Mini’s microphone is to record a voice memo. This doesn’t involve other people and you’ll be able to hear how the microphone sounds. Recording a video provides similar results.

What are the common causes of microphone issues on iPad Mini?

Usually, permission settings and outdated software cause microphone issues on the iPad Mini.

How do I reset the microphone settings on my iPad Mini?

You can reset microphone settings by going to Settings > Privacy > Microphone. Turn Off/On the app you want to reset.

Can a software update fix my iPad Mini’s microphone problems?

If the issue is software-related, then yes. Updating your OS can help resolve most software issues and not only microphone-related problems.

How do I clean the microphone on my iPad Mini?

You can use a soft brush to remove dirt build up from the microphone hole. Compressed air also works, but there’s the risk of pushing debris further inside the microphone hole.

Are there any privacy settings that could disable the microphone on my iPad Mini?

Yes. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone. From here, you can disable the microphone for specific apps.

How can I troubleshoot microphone issues on my iPad Mini without visiting a technician?

The best way to troubleshoot microphone issues on your iPad Mini is to:

Restart the iPad
Check App Permissions
Clean Microphone hole
Update the Software

What should I do if my iPad Mini’s microphone works with some apps but not others?

You need to check the app’s microphone permissions. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and enable microphone access for the app. If it’s still not working, go to the App Store and update the app from there.

Is it possible that a case or screen protector is causing my iPad Mini microphone to not work?

Yes. If the accessory blocks the microphone hole, then the mic may not properly detect/record sound.

How do I perform a factory reset on my iPad Mini to fix microphone issues?

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This should roll back any changes with your iPad’s settings.

When should I consider hardware repair for my iPad Mini’s microphone problem?

If your microphone is still not working after updating software, checking permissions, and cleaning the mic, then it’s best to bring your iPad to the nearest Apple Store to have it checked.

Can connecting external microphones solve the internal microphone issue on my iPad Mini?

Yes. You can use an external microphone temporarily if your iPad Mini’s internal mic is not working or needs to be replaced.

How can I check for physical damage to my iPad Mini’s microphone?

You can inspect the microphone hole for visible damage like bent/scraped edges or liquid spots for potential water damage.

What are the warranty options for microphone issues on an iPad Mini?

If you have had your iPad Mini for less than 14 days and you’ve purchased it directly from Apple, you can ask for a refund or replacement. On the other hand, you can check Apple’s website for warranty coverage.