Fact · Dictation on phones and tablets

Apple's first iPhone microphone check is physical: remove any screen protector, film or case, and clear debris from the microphone openings.

Checked against its source on October 17, 2026

In the source's own words

“Remove any screen protectors, films, or cases from your iPhone. Clear any debris from the openings of your iPhone.”

If the microphones on your iPhone aren't working, Apple Inc., Apple Support, n.d., Clear the microphones.

What it measures: Apple's troubleshooting page for iPhone microphones, which covers unclear sound in calls, FaceTime, video and apps. The steps are listed before the app-permission steps.
What it does not show: Apple gives this as a check for unclear sound in calls and recordings. It does not say that dirt or a case causes Dictation to stop working.