Poor call quality on iPhone often stems from weak signal, outdated carrier settings, or physical obstructions. A recent Engadget guide outlines several steps users can take before assuming hardware failure.
During a call, users can check volume and signal bars, move toward a window, or enable Voice Isolation from Control Center's Phone Controls. This feature, available on iPhone XR/XS and newer with iOS 16.4 or later, uses machine learning to suppress background noise for the person on the other end.
For persistent connection issues, toggling Airplane Mode for 10 seconds forces a fresh network connection. Wi-Fi Calling can also route calls over a home network when cellular reception is weak. Keeping iOS and carrier settings updated is recommended.
Additional steps include restarting the phone, cleaning speaker grills, testing the mic with Voice Memos, and trying calls without cases or Bluetooth headphones. The guide also notes that some older iPhone models may have weaker signal strength, and certain iPhone 12 models had earpiece issues covered by a now-closed service program.