A common problem for Apple iPhone users is the microphone is missing from the keyboard. Users expect it to appear in the lower-left corner of the keyboard when using any app. There are a couple of things you can check to solve this issue.
Fix 1 – Enable Dictation
Enable Dictation under “Settings” > “General” > “Keyboard” > “Enable Dictation” > “On“.
Fix 2 – Enable Siri
Enable Siri under “Settings” > “Siri” > “On” > “Enable Siri“.
Fix 3 – Restart App
In some instances, I have seen the microphone go missing or become grayed out within specific apps. This happens frequently to me in the Google Hangouts app. Close, the app by double-tapping on the Home button, then swiping the app upward off the screen. From there, start the app again by selecting the icon on the Home screen. The microphone should then appear on the keyboard.
Fix 4 – Restart Phone
Sometimes, even if Siri is enabled and you’ve closed the app, you’ll still have problems with the microphone. Shut the phone off by unlocking the screen, then pressing and holding the “Power” button for about 5 seconds. From there, switch the “Slide to power off” option.
Fix 5 – Remove 3rd Party Keyboards
If you have installed any 3rd party keyboards, like Google’s Gboard, that might be the reason you don’t have the microphone option. Remove the keyboard app or switch to a different keyboard to get the microphone back.
Jim D says
For me on IOS 12 this was disabled: Settings > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps > Siri and Dictation
Timothy S Lescinski says
iphone 8, none of these fixes helped. please let me know if there are any other fixes for this.
Margo says
No this does nothing to find the microphone on the text message keyboard
Larry says
No … I have a 11 Ipad with Apple keyboard. I’m looking for the mic to do a voice message on messages and etc rather them type the message. How do I find the mike to use for voice messages with the keyboard?
Bobbie says
Not really, I can’t find the App.