I think the iOS 14.4 update broke my iPhone 7plus microphone & speaker

[Gmaster]

I was running 14.3 just fine, then updated to 14.4 a day ago and since then I cannot call out or receive in calls unless I am using another device (iPad or AirPods).

If I do not have an AirPod in my ear when I dial out, then the call immediately fails. (I usually hear one ring on my iPhone speaker then the call ends with a ‘failed’ message.)

Today, my solution to this is to keep the AirPods near me in case someone calls me. Then be sure it put one in before answering. And to put one in before making a call.
Siri does not hear me, unless of course I have the AirPod in.

The iPhone works fine in the car when connected with bluetooth.

It seems like it could be a hardware problem, but it is an odd coincidence happening the morning after I updated to 14.4.
A reason that it could be the update, is because I cannot even choose “Speaker” after answering a call with the AirPod in; 'Speaker' is not even a choice, the Audio Circle button says 'AirPods' and is grayed out.
I cannot create a Voice Memo because the red 'Record' button will not activate - - unless I have an AirPod in, then I can create a memo.
However, my speaker works; if I play a video, then I hear sound. (without even having to put in an AirPod.)

I see an older (2017-18) thread on an Apple support forum, where the others with this problem ended up with new devices. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8143091

I thought I would post here, as I fear Apple will only suggest a new device.

Anyway, my suggestion to iPhone 7 users is be cautious of the iOS update.

Does anyone here have a fix for this? Or experienced it themselves?

Thanks,
Ted

 

[BugeyeSTI]

I would try to downgrade to 14.3 while you still can to see if it fixes the problem.

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It may just be a coincidence and is actually a hardware issue but going back to 14.3 is worth a try

 

[JPack]

It’s a hardware issue called Loop Disease. If you search, some people will blame iOS 11/12/13/14 or whatever version they recently updated to. But the root cause is hardware related.

 

[alien3dx]

I was running 14.3 just fine, then updated to 14.4 a day ago and since then I cannot call out or receive in calls unless I am using another device (iPad or AirPods).

If I do not have an AirPod in my ear when I dial out, then the call immediately fails. (I usually hear one ring on my iPhone speaker then the call ends with a ‘failed’ message.)

Today, my solution to this is to keep the AirPods near me in case someone calls me. Then be sure it put one in before answering. And to put one in before making a call.
Siri does not hear me, unless of course I have the AirPod in.

The iPhone works fine in the car when connected with bluetooth.

It seems like it could be a hardware problem, but it is an odd coincidence happening the morning after I updated to 14.4.
A reason that it could be the update, is because I cannot even choose “Speaker” after answering a call with the AirPod in; 'Speaker' is not even a choice, the Audio Circle button says 'AirPods' and is grayed out.
I cannot create a Voice Memo because the red 'Record' button will not activate - - unless I have an AirPod in, then I can create a memo.
However, my speaker works; if I play a video, then I hear sound. (without even having to put in an AirPod.)

I see an older (2017-18) thread on an Apple support forum, where the others with this problem ended up with new devices. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8143091

I thought I would post here, as I fear Apple will only suggest a new device.

Anyway, my suggestion to iPhone 7 users is be cautious of the iOS update.

Does anyone here have a fix for this? Or experienced it themselves?

Thanks,
Ted

rarely used speaker but i do used iphone 7 . When answering and call mostly using airpod. Iphone 12 useless for me since no 5G coverage here.

If i nearby computer , i answer via imac .

** dam your word keep me thing either iphone 11 or iphone se 2020.I dont need high storage and even 16 gb pretty large for me.