How to Fix iPhone Voice Memo Microphone Not Working? Dynamic Island Solution Including

by Jenefey Aaron   Updated on 2024-09-23 / Update for  iOS 18

Are you having trouble recording, saving, or finding voice memos on your iPhone? However, must your desperate need is to record and share your voice memos, if your iPhone 16 Voice Memos are not working, you’ll feel helpless.

pokemon go crashing after ios update

But rather than flapping your hands in the dark without knowing what’s causing this issue, you won’t be able to find a suitable enough solutions. That’s why in this guide we’ll share the reasons for Voice Memos not working on your iPhone 16 and discuss 8 solutions in step-by-step detail to fix it.

Part 1: Why Is My Voice Memo Not Working On My iPhone 16?

If Voice Memos are not working on iMessage app on your iPhone, then it could be due to following reasons:

  • Your iPhone 16 is not yet updated to latest iOS 18.
  • A minor glitch or bug or background apps might conflict with Voice Memos.
  • Your iPhone 16 has insufficient storage space.
  • Your iPhone software is corrupted.
  • The Voice Memo app doesn’t have permission to record.

Part 2: How to Fix Corrupted Voice Memo on iPhone 16?

Solved 1. Check for iOS Updates

Sometimes, an outdated iOS could be the one causing “iPhone 16 voice memo not working” issue. This is because it might lack security patches or come with bugs that affect Voice Memos app functionality. To fix this, you’ll need to update iOS. Here’s how:

Step 1: Head to “Settings. Then, choose “General.”

Step 2: Tap “Software Update” to check for latest updates. Then, press “Download and Install” to update your iPhone 16 to latest iOS version.

pokemon go crashing after ios update

Solved 2. Force Close and Restart Voice Memos App

Temporary glitches in your Voice Memos app can lead to a “voice recorder iPhone not working” malfunction. To fix it first force close app then, restart it. This will provide a fresh start by clearing memory glitches and background processes that are preventing Voice Memos from working properly. Check out following instructions to force restart your iPhone 16:

Step 1: Swipe up on your iPhone 16 to view your recent apps.

Step 2: Find and swipe up on “Voice Memos” to close it. Then, reopen it and try recording again.

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Solved 3. Restart Your iPhone 16

If it’s not your Voice Memos but system glitches that are leading to “Voice Memos not working on iPhone 16” simply restart your iDevice. A full restart can clear system glitches. Follow steps below to restart your iPhone 16.

Steps: Press and hold first either “Volume” button or “Side” button until power off slider appears. Then, restart your iPhone 16.

iphone-16-voice-memo-close

Solved 4. Check iCloud Storage

Voice Memos requires microphone access to record. But if your iCloud storage is full it can stop Voice Memos from syncing, causing missing or corrupted recordings such as “Voice Memo not playing full recording.” Backup failures from low storage can also prevent Voice Memos from being saved, risking data loss if your device is lost or damaged. Therefore, free up iCloud storage, then make certain Voice Memos app has access to microphone:

Step 1: Head to “Settings.” Then, open “Privacy & Security.”

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Step 2: Pick “Microphone” and switch on its access next to Voice Memos app.

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Solved 5. Free Up iPhone Storage

Insufficient storage on your iPhone can also prevent Voice Memos from saving recordings causing “Voice Memo microphone not working” issue. So, you’ll need to check which apps are consuming the most storage and if they’re unnecessary ones, delete them to free up space. To do so:

Step 1: Head to “Settings.” Then, open “General.”

Step 2: Choose “iPhone Storage.” Next, choose an unnecessary app to delete from list. Tap “Delete App.”

iphone-16-voice-memo-storage

Solved 6. Check on Another Device

If you’re wondering, “Why is my voice recorder not working on my phone,” check if Voice Memos recordings show up on another device like iPad/Mac. When iCloud sync is turned on and they appear on your Mac/iPad issue is likely with your iPhone. But if they don't, it could be an iCloud sync issue or a problem with Voice Memos app or hardware. Here’s how to check for Voice Memos recordings on your iPad/Mac:

Step 1: On your Mac, head to “Finder.”

Step 2: Search for “com.apple.voice” and set location to “This Mac.” This will show all your Voice Memos recordings.

iphone-16-voice-memo-mac iphone-16-memo-mac-voice

Step 3: On iPad, head to “iCloud.com” and log in with same iCloud account as your iPhone.

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Step 4: Select “iCloud Drive” and find Voice Memos file to view it.

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Solved 7. Reset All Settings

When your iPhone’s system settings are misconfigured they can conflict with Voice Memos functionality, resulting in “iPhone 16 Voice Memo not working” error. So, you’ll need to reset them. To do so:

Step 1: Head to “Settings.” Then, choose “General.” Click “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”

Step 2: Tap “Reset.” Next, select “Reset All Settings.” This will reset system settings to default but will keep your iPhone data.

iphone-16-voice-memo-reset-all

Solved 8. Advanced Fixes for Voice Memos Without Losing Data

Still thinking, “Why can’t I share my Voice Memo?” It could be because of severe iOS corruption and not because of any glitch in Voice Memos app. In such a case, you might need to reset your iPhone. However, with Tenorshare ReiBoot you won’t have to do that. It can repair whatever software issue is causing “iPhone Voice Memo microphone not working” problem without data loss.

Key Features:

  • Fix 150+ iOS issues including stuck on Apple logo, boot loop, Recovery Mode, or apps like Voice Memos not working.
  • Repair white & black screen of death, update issues, etc.
  • Allows to enter/exit Recovery Mode in a single click.
  • Upgrade/downgrade iOS, including Betas.
  • Factory reset iOS devices and erase them permanently before selling or giving them away.

Following are instructions to use Tenorshare ReiBoot to fix “Voice Memos not working”issue on your iPhone 16:

  • Step 1: Open ReiBoot on your computer. Then, attach your iPhone 16 to same PC and choose “Start Repair.”
  • iphone-16-voice-memo-reset-all
  • Step 2: Tap “Standard Repair.” Then, click “Download” to get latest firmware update. Afterward, pick “Standard Repair again.”
  • iphone-16-voice-memo-reset-all
  • Step 3: ReiBoot will fix whatever software glitch is resulting in “Voice Memos not working” problem. Your iPhone 16 will reboot normally.
  • iphone-16-voice-memo-reset-all

Pros:

  • It’s a comprehensive toolkit for all iOS issues.
  • Fixes Voice Memos app issue in a few clicks without data loss.
  • Doesn’t require you to reset your iPhone.
  • No technical skills are required to use it.
  • Has a user-friendly interface, and offers regular technical updates.
  • Excellent and cooperative customer service.

Cons:

  • You’ll need a computer to use this method.
  • Advanced repair is not free of cost.

Why Choose ReiBoot?

When your Voice Memos are not working on iMessage but you can find recordings on another device, this means there’s an issue with your iPhone’s software. However, rather than resetting it which most solutions require when repairing iOS, Tenorshare ReiBoot offers the best solution. Its hands-free approach allows you to fix a wide range of iOS issues without data loss. Moreover, it also offers various features to manage your iOS devices.

After trying out a solution to fix “iPhone 16 Voice Memos not working,” take a quick look at comparison table below.

MethodDescriptionIdeal CaseLimitations
Tenorshare ReiBoot Fix severe iOS corruption and system issues without resetting iPhone and data loss.When you can find your voice memo recordings on another device with iCloud.Requires a computer and advanced repair is not free.
Check for iOS UpdatesUpdate to latest iOS version to fix bugs and improve app functionality.When your Voice Memos malfunctions due to outdated iOS.May not resolve severe iOS issues.
Force Close & Restart AppClose and reopen Voice Memos to clear memory glitches and background processes.When temporary Voice Memos app malfunctions cause it to stop working.Only addresses minor glitches in app.
Restart iPhone 16Restart iPhone 16 to fix system glitches affecting Voice Memos.When a minor glitch or bug in iOS causes issue.Only addresses minor glitches in iOS.
Check iCloud StorageMake certain iCloud has enough storage for syncing and saving Voice Memos and enable access to microphone.Microphone access or sync issues or missing/corrupted recordings due to low space in iCloud.Won’t help if issue isn’t iCloud storage microphone access related.
Free Up iPhone StorageDelete unnecessary apps to free up device storage for new recordings.When recordings aren't saving due to insufficient iPhone storage.Won’t help if issue isn’t iPhone storage-related.
Check on Another DeviceVerify if recordings appear on another device (iPad/Mac) or not.Identifying whether issue is with iPhone or iCloud.Doesn’t fix anything as its only for identification.
Reset All SettingsReset system settings to default without erasing your iPhone data.When misconfigured settings are affecting Voice Memos.Does not fix Voice Memos app or iOS corruption issues.

FAQs About iPhone 16 Voice Memo

Q1. How long can you record a voice memo on an iPhone?

There’s no set time limit for how long you can record a voice memo on an iPhone. Instead, the length of a recording depends on your available storage.

Q2. Where do I find voice memos on my iPhone?

You can find your voice memos recordings on your iPhone from Voice Memos app. Simply open “Utilities” folder, then find Voice Memos app and launch it.

Q3. Does Dynamic Island show in screen recording?

The Dynamic Island appears in iPhone 16 screen recordings, but you can hide it by swiping toward center during a 3-second countdown.

Conclusion

The “iPhone 16 voice memo not working” issue could be because of outdated software, corrupted settings, or hardware issues. We shared eight solutions, like updating your iPhone, restarting it, freeing storage, and checking microphone access to fix it. For severe software issues, you can try Tenorshare ReiBoot, a tool that fixes a wide range of iOS problems (including Voice Memos) without resetting your iPhone and data loss.