Since iOS 15 you can use a hidden function to improve the audio quality of video calls. If you now also the successor version iOS 16.4 downloaded on your iPhone, this also works for conventional calls. However, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled to find the additional option. We reveal everything you need to know.
iOS 16.4: Hide background noise – here’s how
If you use the Facetime app on the iPhone with friends, make calls via WhatsApp or, as usual, via mobile phone, there can be annoying rustling. In that case, it helps if you know where to find the voice isolator.
This serves to dim the ambient noise of the person at the other end of the line. As a result, you’ll understand her better, even when she’s out and about or doing other things on the side.
Good to know: In addition, when calling from iPhone to iPhone via Facetime, the effect should affect both devices, as described on the Apple website emerges.
Turn on voice isolation when calling
In order to set the voice isolation, you have to wait for the right moment. You can’t set the option on the iPhone in advance, only during an ongoing call.
For example, if you are currently in a WhatsApp video call, you can now open the control center on your Apple smartphone with at least iOS 15. The same works with conventional calls from software version iOS 16.4.
Start by swiping down from the top of the screen. On devices with a home button, swipe from bottom to top. Once in the control center, you will now find the “Microphone mode” button for audio settings of the active call.
One tap will bring up all of your options. Enable “voice isolation” to use the iPhone tip. In our test, the other person was easier to understand directly.
Which devices are equipped with the feature?
Sea Apple itself, all Apple cell phones from the second generation iPhone SE benefit from the video call feature. If you want to read the complete iPhone order, we also recommend our separate text on the subject.
However, TechRadar also has the hidden function to test wanted and had to realize that it was specified as “not available” on the iPhone 11.
The editors also note that some apps do not yet benefit from the feature. While the WhatsApp call works, the corresponding button does not appear on TikTok. There can also be differences when trying it out on a Mac versus an iPhone.
Danger: Only with iOS 16.4 you will also find the option outside of Facetime and WhatsApp calls. Here you can also improve the audio quality for calls via the normal cell phone network using the method described above (via CNET). All iPhones from iPhone 8 or newer can download the corresponding update since the end of March 2023.
The other option: that can “broad spectrum”
The other audio option you saw in the screenshot above is called “Wide Spectrum” and does the opposite of voice isolation. If you activate them, ambient noises are more likely to be included. This can be helpful when multiple people in the room are connected to you via speakers in the call on iOS 16.4 iPhone.
Source: own research; TechRadar; Apple; CNET
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