iPhone Voice Memo Not Working or Recording? Try These 7 Fixes

The Voice Memos app on your iPhone is a handy tool for recording music, lectures, meetings, or sending voice messages in a variety of formats. But what if iPhone voice memo not working? Don't worry! This situation can be caused by a variety of reasons, and you can fix it yourself with some simple methods.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the common reasons why iPhone voice memo stops recording and how to quickly fix it.

Part 1: Why Did My Voice Memos Disappear?

If your Voice Memos app is not working on your iPhone, there are several possible reasons:

• Your device may be low on storage space.
• The microphone may be damaged or clogged with dust.
• The Voice Memos app may be malfunctioning due to a bug.
• You may not have the latest version of the Voice Memos app.
• Your iPhone may not be running the latest iOS version.
• The app may not have the permissions required to record.
• Background apps or glitches may be interfering with Voice Memos.

These are the most common reasons, but don't worry, we have ways to fix them!

Read Also:

• 4 Ways to Fix Voice Memos Disappeared on iPhone Issue

Part 2: How to Fix iPhone Voice Memos Not Working Problem?

Before we get started with the fixes, make sure your iPhone isn't connected to AirPods or any other speakers or headphones. Once you've double-checked, you can try the following solutions to get your Voice Memos app working again.

1: Check the microphone and microphone permissions

First check the microphone. Sometimes dust or dirt can clog the microphone, so clean it gently. You can also test it by making a phone call - if the other party can't hear you, the microphone may be damaged.

Next, make sure the Voice Memos app has permission to use the microphone. To do this, go to "Settings" > "Voice Memos" and make sure microphone access is turned on.

2: Free up your iPhone storage

To ensure the Voice Memos app works properly, your iPhone needs enough storage space. Here's how to check and free up space (if needed):

• Open "Settings" on your iPhone.
• Go to "General" and tap "iPhone Storage".
• Check your current storage usage.
• If you're running low on storage space, try deleting large, unnecessary files or apps to free up some space.

Once you've freed up some space, try the Voice Memos app again!

3: Reinstall the iPhone Voice Memo app

If your Voice Memos app still doesn't work, you can try reinstalling it. Reinstalling can help if the app is buggy or outdated, as it will ensure you get the latest version with all the new features and bug fixes.

Here's how to reinstall the voice memo app:

• Open the "App Library" on your iPhone and find the Voice Memos app.
• Press and hold the app icon until a menu pops up, then select "Delete App" and tap "Delete" to confirm.
• Go to the "App Store", search for the "Voice Memos" app, and download it again.
• Once the app is installed, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to start recording your memos again.

4: Force Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes a simple restart can fix problems with the Voice Memos app. This is a quick and easy solution that can clear up any glitches. If the app won't work or you can't access your recordings, try restarting your iPhone, which often fixes the problem.

Here's how to force restart your iPhone:

• Press and release the "Volume Up" button, then press and release the "Volume Down" button.
• Press and hold the "Side button" for 30-45 seconds until the screen goes black.
• Continue holding the "Side button" until you see the Apple logo, then release.

5: Reset All Settings

If the Voice Memos app still isn't working, another option is to reset all settings on your iPhone. This will return your settings to their default state without deleting any data, so you don't have to worry about losing anything important.

• Open "Settings" on your iPhone.
• Go to "General" > "Transfer or reset iPhone".
• Tap "Reset" and select "Reset All Settings".

Read Also:

• How to Free up Storage on iPhone without Deleting Anything

6: Update Your iPhone

Your iPhone's iOS runs all of your apps and features, including the Voice Memos app. If your iPhone is running an outdated or corrupted version of iOS, updating it can often fix issues with Voice Memos.

Here's how to update iOS:

• Open "Settings" on your iPhone.
• Go to "General" and tap "Software Update".
• Wait a few moments for your iPhone to check if there are any available updates.
• Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network and tap "Download and Install" to update to the latest version.

7: Fix iPhone Voice Memos Not Working via iOS System Recovery

If none of the above solutions work, the problem may be due to a deeper system malfunction. In this case, you may want to try an iOS system repair tool. One popular and reliable option is iOS System Recovery.

iOS System Recovery is a powerful tool designed to fix over 150 different iOS issues. Whether your iPhone is stuck on an update, has a black screen, or is experiencing other issues like app crashes, including Voice Memos, this tool can help. Available for both Mac and Windows computers, it's an all-in-one solution for a wide range of iOS issues.

How to fix voice memos not working on iPhone with iOS System Recovery?

Step 1. Install and launch iOS System Recovery on your computer. Go for "More Tools" > "iOS System Recovery".

Step 2. Link your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Select "Standard Mode" and tap "Start" to continue.

Step 3. The program will automatically detect your iPhone model and download the appropriate firmware. Click "Repair" to proceed with the repairing process.

Step 4. Once the repair process is complete, your device will restart and the iPhone voice memos not working issue will be resolved.

FAQs About iPhone 16 Voice Memo Not Working

Q1: How long can I record using the iPhone Voice Memos app?

There is no time limit on recordings in the Voice Memos app. As long as your iPhone has enough storage space, you can record for as long as you want. This makes the app perfect for recording long meetings, lectures, or discussions.

Q2: Where can I find my voice memos on my iPhone?

To access your recordings, open the "Voice Memos" app on your iPhone. You can find it in the "Utilities" folder or just search for it by swiping down on the home screen.

Q3: Can I recover deleted voice memos on iPhone?

Yes, you can recover deleted voice memos. If you accidentally delete a memo, it will remain in the "Recently Deleted" folder inside the Voice Memos app for up to 30 days. Simply open the app, go to "Recently Deleted", and recover any memos you need. If it's been more than 30 days, you can turn to the guide - how to recover deleted voice memos on iPhone for more recovery methods.

Summing Up

You may already know how to handle the voice memo disappeared issue. We've discussed the causes behind this problem to help you resolve it effectively. You can recover lost voice memos using iTunes, iCloud, or MobiKin Doctor for iOS. However, if you prefer not to delete any existing data on your phone, Doctor for iOS is your best choice. It ensures that your voice memos and other deleted data are restored instantly without affecting your current data.

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