Voice isolation is a valuable feature that Apple introduced in iOS 15. It allows you to block out background noise during video calls. However, it was limited to FaceTime and other supported video calling apps. In iOS 16.4, Apple made voice isolation available for cellular phone calls as well.
In this guide, I am going to walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to enable and use Voice Isolation on your iPhone for cellular calls.
What is Voice Isolation and how does it work?
Voice isolation is a feature that allows you to block out background noise when you’re on a phone call. This can be helpful if you’re in a noisy environment or if you want the other person to hear you more clearly.
Voice isolation uses the microphone on your iPhone to pick up your voice and then filters out background noise. This is done by using a technique called “beamforming,” which focuses the microphone’s pickup pattern on your voice.
How to Enable Voice Isolation for cellular calls on iPhone
To enable voice isolation on your iPhone, follow these steps:
1. To begin with, make sure that your iPhone is updated to iOS 16.4. This is a must-have requirement as the iOS versions prior to this one are not supported for Voice Isolation for Cellular calls.
You can check for Software updates on your iPhone by going to the Settings app and then navigating to General > Software Update. If the iPhone is on iOS 16.4 then you are good to go.
2. Once your iPhone is on iOS 16.4 or later, head over to the Phone app and connect to a cellular audio call to anyone as you usually do.
3. Once the call is connected, swipe down from the top-right edge of your iPhone to open up the Control Center.
4. In the control center, tap on the Mic Mode tile located in the top-right corner of the screen.
5. Next, tap on the Voice Isolation option to enable it. Once it’s enabled, it will get a checkmark next to it.
Once done, you’ll see the Voixe Isolation in action immediately. As described above, you’ll observe that the unwanted noise is now either eliminated or suppressed to a very high extent.
If you want to disable the Voice Isolation, follow the same steps as mentioned above i.e. go to the Control Center > Mic Mode > select the Standard Option.
For those who are unfamiliar, Wide Spectrum (one of the Mic Modes) is designed to let you hear the entire range of sound. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support cellular phone calls even in iOS 16.4. I hope Apple makes it possible sooner than later.
How does Voice Isolation affect sound quality?
When you enable voice isolation, the sound quality of your phone calls may improve. This is because the microphone is able to pick up your voice more clearly and filter out background noise. However, some people find that voice isolation can make their voice sound a bit muffled.
When should I use voice isolation?
You should use voice isolation when you’re in a noisy environment and you want the other person to hear you more clearly. You can also use it if you’re in a quiet environment and you want to make sure that the other person doesn’t hear any background noise.
What are the benefits of using Voice Isolation?
There are several benefits to using voice isolation, including:
1. Improved sound quality
When you enable voice isolation, the sound quality of your phone calls may improve. This is because the microphone is able to pick up your voice more clearly and filter out background noise.
2. Increased privacy
If you’re in a public place and you don’t want the people around you to hear your conversation, voice isolation can help.
3. Easier communication
If you’re in a noisy environment, voice isolation can make it easier to communicate with the other person on the phone.
What are the drawbacks of using voice isolation?
There are a few drawbacks to using voice isolation, including:
1. Muffled voice
Some people find that voice isolation can make their voice sound a bit muffled.
2. Battery drain
Voice isolation can drain your iPhone’s battery more quickly.
3. Ineffective in some environments
Voice isolation may not be effective in some environments, such as if you’re in a very noisy place.
How do I troubleshoot voice isolation problems?
If you’re having problems with voice isolation, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue:
- Make sure that voice isolation is enabled in the Settings app.
- Check the microphone to make sure it’s not blocked or damaged.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Contact Apple support for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What iPhone Models are Supported by the Cellular Voice Isolation Mode for Calls?
Despite the iPhone model, I'd advise you to check the iOS version of your iPhone. As long as your iPhone support iOS 16.4 and run the same, you can use Voice Isolation for cellular calls.
Still, here's the list of iPhone models supporting Voice Isolation for cellular phone calls:
1. iPhone 8, 8 Plus
2. iPhone X, XR, XS, XS Max
3. iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
4. iPhone SE 2, SE 3
5. iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
6. iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
7. iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro MaxWhy is the Mic Mode now showing in my iPhone Control Center?
Remember that you can't turn on Voice Isolation before you start the call. Also, the microphone mode will only appear after you have answered the call or the other person has answered your call. Otherwise, you won't be able to use Voice Isolation for cellular phone calls.
Do I need to update the Carrier Settings to use the Cellular Voice Isolation Mode?
You don’t need to do so, but if you can’t use this feature even after updating to iOS 16.4 or later, you might need to update your carrier settings. Go to Settings > General > About to check if your carrier settings are up to date.
Which Cellular Service Provider Supports Cellular Voice Isolation on iPhone?
Voice Isolation mode is not carrier-specific, so you can use it with any carrier. However, if you can’t use it even after checking all the basics, contact your carrier for further assistance.
Voice isolation is a helpful feature that can improve the sound quality of your phone calls. However, it’s important to be aware of the drawbacks of using voice isolation, such as muffled voice and battery drain. If you’re having problems with voice isolation, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
