The iPhone 13 has microphones in three places: at the bottom edge next to the Lightning port, at the top front inside the earpiece (the receiver opening above the screen), and on the back near the rear cameras. The bottom microphones handle regular calls and voice recordings, while the top microphones pick up your voice on speakerphone and in videos.
If people can’t hear you, the fix usually starts with these openings: take off the case and screen protector, gently clear any lint, and test each microphone with Voice Memos and the Camera app. This guide shows where each microphone is, how to test them, and how to clean them without causing damage.
Quick Answer
- Bottom: the small openings on the bottom edge, beside the Lightning port.
- Front top: inside the earpiece slot above the display.
- Back: near the rear camera module.
- Test the bottom mic with Voice Memos and the top mics by recording videos with the front and rear cameras.
- Clean openings only with a soft, dry, non-metallic brush. Don’t use compressed air or liquids.
In This Guide
- Before you start: which models this covers
- Where the microphones are on iPhone 13
- How to test each microphone
- How to clean the microphones safely
- Improve how you sound with Mic Mode
- Which microphone does what?
- Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Start: Which Models This Covers
This guide covers the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max, based on Apple’s support and repair documentation as of September 2026. All four share the same basic layout of microphone openings: bottom, front top, and rear.
You don’t need any tools to find the microphones. For testing, you’ll use the built-in Voice Memos and Camera apps. For cleaning, have a soft, clean, dry brush with non-metallic bristles, such as a new soft toothbrush or a small makeup brush, and a lint-free cloth.
Don’t open the phone to reach the microphones. They’re sealed inside, and opening the iPhone yourself risks damaging it.
Where the Microphones Are on iPhone 13
Apple’s iPhone 13 internal view labels the “bottom microphones,” and its repair troubleshooting guide lists separate bottom-left and bottom-right microphone parts plus a rear microphone for the iPhone 13 family. The same guide warns about the microphone “embedded within the receiver opening,” which is the earpiece at the top of the screen.
1. Bottom microphones (next to the Lightning port)
Turn the phone over so you’re looking at the bottom edge. You’ll see the Lightning charging port in the middle with a row of small holes on each side. Behind these grilles are the bottom loudspeaker and the bottom microphones. The bottom microphones are the main mics for regular phone calls, FaceTime calls held to your face, and Voice Memos.
2. Front microphone (in the earpiece)
Look at the narrow slot at the top of the display, inside the notch, where you hold the phone to your ear. That’s the receiver, or earpiece speaker. A microphone sits inside this opening. Apple’s test for speakerphone problems has you speak toward the top of the phone, which is where this microphone and the rear one pick up your voice.
3. Rear microphone (near the cameras)
On the back, the rear microphone is a tiny opening near the camera module. It picks up sound when you record video, and Apple’s speakerphone test checks it along with the front microphone. Its exact spot may differ slightly between the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro models, since the Pro models have a larger three-camera module.
If you also have a newer phone, our guide to finding the microphone on iPhone 14 shows how that layout compares.
How to Test Each Microphone
Apple’s iPhone microphone troubleshooting page recommends these two tests. First remove any case, screen protector, or film, since these can cover the openings.
Test the bottom microphones with Voice Memos
- Open the Voice Memos app.
- Tap the red Record button and speak toward the bottom of the phone for a few seconds.
- Tap the button again to stop, then play back the recording. Expected result: your voice sounds clear. If it’s muffled, quiet, or crackly, the bottom mics may be blocked.
Test the top and rear microphones with the Camera app
- Open the Camera app and switch to Video.
- Record a short video while speaking toward the top of the iPhone, then stop.
- Tap the camera chooser button to switch to the other camera, and record another short video while speaking toward the top of the phone.
- Play back both videos. Expected result: your voice is clear in both. A problem in only one video points to the microphone used with that camera.
If the microphone works in these tests but not in one app, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and make sure that app is turned on. If you’re curious when an app is using the mic, our guide to the orange dot on your iPhone explains the recording indicator.
How to Clean the Microphones Safely
Pocket lint and dust are the most common reasons a microphone sounds muffled. Apple’s guidance is to clean gently and keep moisture out of the openings.
Warning: Don’t push anything sharp or metal, such as pins, needles, or paper clips, into the openings. The microphone mesh is delicate, and puncturing it can cause permanent damage. Apple also says not to use compressed air or aerosol sprays on your iPhone, and to keep moisture out of its openings.
- Turn off the iPhone and unplug any cables.
- Remove the case and any screen protector or film.
- Hold the phone with the opening facing down so loosened debris falls out rather than in.
- Gently brush the bottom openings with a small, soft, dry, non-metallic brush, using light side-to-side strokes. Apple’s repair guide describes this approach for speaker and microphone openings.
- Brush the earpiece slot very lightly. Apple’s guide specifically warns to use extreme care here to avoid damaging the microphone inside.
- Brush the small rear opening near the cameras the same way.
- Wipe the phone with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth if needed, keeping moisture away from all openings, as Apple’s iPhone cleaning instructions advise.
- Turn the phone back on and repeat the tests above. Expected result: your voice sounds clearer.
If your phone got wet, don’t try to dry the openings with heat or by inserting anything. Let it dry and follow Apple’s liquid guidance before testing again.
Improve How You Sound with Mic Mode
If your microphones work but callers hear lots of background noise, try Mic Mode. Apple’s Mic Mode support page lists the options and supported models, which include the iPhone 13.
- Start a phone call, FaceTime call, or recording in a supported app.
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
- Tap the app’s controls (shown as the app name followed by Controls).
- Under Audio & Video, choose a Mic Mode.
- Standard: normal voice processing.
- Voice Isolation: prioritizes your voice and blocks background noise.
- Wide Spectrum: leaves background sound unfiltered, useful for music.
- Automatic: switches modes for you; requires iOS 18 or later.
Your choice applies only to the app you’re using, and it stays set for that app until you change it.
Which Microphone Does What?
| Microphone | Where to find it | Mainly used for | How to test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom | Bottom edge, beside the Lightning port | Phone calls, Voice Memos | Voice Memos |
| Front | Earpiece slot above the display | Speakerphone, front-camera video, FaceTime | Front-camera video |
| Rear | Back, near the camera module | Video recording, speakerphone | Rear-camera video |
Troubleshooting
People can’t hear me on regular calls
Test with Voice Memos. If the recording is muffled, clean the bottom openings and remove the case. Also make sure your hand isn’t covering the bottom edge while you talk.
People can’t hear me on speakerphone
Record videos with both cameras. If either sounds bad, gently clean the earpiece and rear openings, and check that a screen protector isn’t covering the earpiece.
The mic works everywhere except one app
Check Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. If the app has access, contact the app’s developer, as Apple recommends.
My voice goes to my earbuds or car instead
A connected Bluetooth headset or car system may be using its own microphone. Disconnect it or choose the iPhone as the audio source during the call.
Nothing fixed it
If you still sound unclear after cleaning and testing, the microphone may need service. Use Apple’s Get Service option from the troubleshooting page. For more fixes on a similar model, see our guide to fixing an iPhone 14 microphone that isn’t working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many microphones does the iPhone 13 have?
Apple’s repair documentation lists bottom-left and bottom-right microphones, a rear microphone, and a microphone inside the earpiece opening. In practice, think of three locations: bottom, front top, and back.
Which microphone is used for phone calls?
The bottom microphones pick up your voice on regular calls. On speakerphone, the top microphones do more of the work.
Is the microphone the same on iPhone 13 and 13 Pro?
The locations are the same in principle: bottom, earpiece, and rear. The rear opening’s exact spot may differ slightly because of the different camera modules.
Can I use compressed air to clean the microphone?
No. Apple says not to use compressed air on the iPhone. Use a soft, dry, non-metallic brush instead.
Can a case block the microphone?
Yes. Apple recommends removing cases, films, and screen protectors when troubleshooting, since they can cover the openings.
How do I reduce background noise on calls?
Use Voice Isolation in Mic Mode from Control Center during a call.
Summary
- The iPhone 13’s microphones are at the bottom edge, in the earpiece, and on the back near the cameras.
- Test the bottom mics with Voice Memos and the top mics with front and rear camera videos.
- Remove the case and screen protector before testing.
- Clean gently with a soft, dry, non-metallic brush, and never use compressed air, liquids, or pins.
- Check app microphone permissions and try Voice Isolation for noisy calls.
- Get service from Apple if tests still sound unclear.
Next step: take off your case, record a quick Voice Memo, and play it back to check your bottom microphone right now.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.