How To Turn On Voice Isolation On iPhone (iOS 18 And Below)

Have you ever found yourself asking, "Can you hear me now?" during a phone call because of all the background noise? Whether you're taking a call in a crowded public transport, a busy café, or near construction noise, it can be frustrating when you're trying to communicate clearly. Thankfully, Apple's Voice Isolation feature on iPhone (introduced with iOS 15 and enhanced in iOS 18) makes it easier to have crystal-clear phone calls by blocking out distracting background sounds and prioritizing your voice.

This 2025 guide explains everything you need to know about using Voice Isolation mode on your iPhone, including which devices support it, how to turn it on during a call, and how it improves call quality in noisy environments.

What is Voice Isolation?

Voice Isolation is an advanced feature in iOS that uses the microphone on your iPhone to filter out unwanted background noise during calls. This helps improve call quality and ensures that the person on the other end of the line can hear you clearly, even in a noisy area.

Introduced for FaceTime audio/video calls in iOS 15, Voice Isolation has become more versatile with iOS 18, where it is now available for regular phone calls, FaceTime calls, and video calls.

Additionally, iOS 18 introduces a new Automatic Mic mode that automatically switches between microphone settings based on your call type and environment, ensuring the best audio quality without needing manual adjustments.

Voice Isolation Supported iPhones and iPads

Voice Isolation is available on iPhones and iPads with iOS 15 and later. However, there are some device-specific limitations regarding which models support the feature.

Supported iPhones:

• iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
• iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3
• iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max

Supported iPads:

• iPad (8th gen and later)
• iPad mini (5th gen and later)
• iPad Air (3rd gen and later)
• iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)
• All 11-inch iPad Pro models
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later)

Note: Voice Isolation is available on AirPods as well, which allows for clearer calls even in noisy or windy environments.

How to Turn On Voice Isolation on iPhone in iOS 18

It's easy to activate Voice Isolation during calls on your iPhone with iOS 18. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide:

Steps to Turn On Voice Isolation:

1. During a Call, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen to open the Control Center.
2. Tap the App's Control: Select the app you're using to make the call (e.g., FaceTime or Phone).
3. Select Voice Isolation: Under the Audio & Video section, tap on Voice Isolation.
4. Activate the Feature: This will instantly block out surrounding ambient noise and prioritize your voice, making it much easier for the person on the other end to hear you.

Tip: Voice Isolation works automatically during FaceTime calls and video calls, so there's no need for manual activation unless you're using another app or making a regular phone call.

Using Automatic Mic Mode for a Seamless Experience

The latest feature in iOS 18, called Automatic Mic mode, enhances the Voice Isolation feature by adapting the microphone settings based on the type of call and your environment. For instance, the iPhone's mic will automatically switch to Voice Isolation if you're in a noisy environment, but it will switch to Standard Mic mode when you're using speakerphone.

This means you don't have to worry about manually switching settings during calls, and your iPhone will adjust to the environment, ensuring the best possible call quality.

How to Use Automatic Mic Mode:

1. Make a call on FaceTime, Phone, or any supported third-party app.
2. The Automatic Mic mode will automatically switch between Voice Isolation and Standard Mic mode based on the surrounding environment.
3. If you want to use a specific mode, you can manually switch by tapping Voice Isolation or Standard Mic in the Control Center.

Why Use Voice Isolation on iPhone?

1. Crystal-Clear Calls in Noisy Environments

Whether you're traveling on a crowded train, in a busy café, or working near construction noise, Voice Isolation ensures that the only thing the other person hears is your voice. No more struggling to hear yourself over the surrounding noise.

2. Improved Professional Communication

For work-related calls, especially virtual meetings or remote work, clear audio is essential. Voice Isolation helps you sound more professional, even when you're not in a quiet office setting.

3. Convenience for Everyday Calls

Voice Isolation isn't just for work-related calls. It's also incredibly useful for catching up with family and friends in loud public spaces.

Additional Tips for Clearer Calls on iPhone

1. Use AirPods or Headphones: Pair your iPhone with AirPods or any Bluetooth headphones for even better sound quality and noise cancellation.
2. Keep Your Microphone Clean: Ensure that the microphone on your iPhone is clean and unobstructed for the best sound quality. Dirt or debris can affect audio clarity.
3. Choose the Right Call Mode: If you're in a relatively quiet environment, use Standard Mic mode for a more natural sound. If you're in a noisy area, switch to Voice Isolation.

Conclusion

With Voice Isolation in iOS 18, Apple has taken communication on the iPhone to the next level by offering clear and crisp audio even in the noisiest environments. Whether you're making personal calls, work-related calls, or attending virtual meetings, this feature ensures that the other person hears you without distractions.

Now that you know how to activate Voice Isolation, make sure to use it on your next call when you're in a crowded café, traveling in public transport, or any environment with background noise. It's a game-changer for professional and personal communication alike.

FAQs

1. Does Voice Isolation work for all calls?

Voice Isolation works on FaceTime audio/video calls, regular phone calls, and video calls made through third-party apps, as long as you are using iOS 15 or later.

2. How do I know if my iPhone supports Voice Isolation?

Voice Isolation is supported on iPhones from iPhone XR and later. If your iPhone is running iOS 15 or newer, you can use this feature.

3. Can I use Voice Isolation with my AirPods?

Yes, Voice Isolation works with AirPods on iOS 18 and can improve call quality, especially in noisy or windy environments.

4. Does Voice Isolation affect the quality of the call?

No, Voice Isolation improves call quality by eliminating background noise, making your voice clearer and more distinct to the other person.

5. How do I turn off Voice Isolation?

You can disable Voice Isolation at any time by going to the Control Center during a call and selecting Standard Mic mode or Auto Mic mode.

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