Mic not working!!

[nickwan]

So my microphone seems to not be activated for periods of time, and I can't figure out what causes it, or really even how to fix it.

For example, today at work I was able to make calls for several hours, but after getting off I made a couple more calls that failed because the other party couldn't hear me.

Sometimes I can start Google Now voice search with a 'google', but after I make one voice entry, I can't make another one, and the next time I manually press the voice key it won't pick up any sounds at all. Even Shazam has problems with the mic sometimes, showing no equalizer bars whatsoever.
I thought this was a hardware issue because I thought it started one day (about the 3rd day I'd had it) after I dunked the phone in the sink, but in the diagnostics app the mic seems to do fine.

Is there any info on this issue? It's really starting to get on my nerves. I guess a factory reset is in order, although I've barely made any non-stock changes to this thing.

[Rickard]

To see if the problem might be caused by an app you installed you could try running the phone in safe mode first. See this thread for information on safe mode: http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/FAQ/How-to-boot-your-phone-into-safe-mode/m-p/348008.

[nickwan]

So it appears to be my car stereo 3.5mm jack that's causing the issue.

Whenever I plug in my phone to my car via 3.5mm audio, the microphone won't work WHILE it's plugged in nor for a few minutes afterward.

This seems to be the case with all my headphones.

Does it have something to do with the fact that smartconnect also boots up everytime I plug in headphones?  I've hit "none" for applications on that popup screen, but it always comes back to ask me.

[Rickard]

It sounds like the microphone over 3.5mm is being triggered which it shouldn't with headphones (without microphone).

Would it be possible for you to try the phone with a pair of standard headphones?

Also try updating the phones software using PC Companion.

[nickwan]

I tried it with a pair of Sennheiser earbuds and the smartconnect popup still appears.

Is it a hardware issue?  I can get google now's equalizer to register blips if I twist the 3.5mm jack around heh.

This isn't a pressing issue now that I know how to avoid it, but I still need to use this in my car for calls.

PC Companion says I have the latest software.

I'm on 14.1.G.1.518, unbranded from UK.  Still haven't gotten the .534 update yet.

EDIT

I've already factory reset it as well, seems to have the same issue as before the reset.

[Rickard]

We have solved a problem on the .534 update regarding buttons on headsets but i haven't not heard of any problems using standard headphones on .518. Look at the 3.5mm plug that you insert in the phone, does it have 3 or 4 poles? If it has 4 poles it will look like the picture in this thread: http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/FAQ/Problem-using-headset-accessory-not-supported/m-p/347872

[nickwan]

The 3.5mm plugs I've been having trouble with have 3 poles then.  There are only 2 black strips.

[Rickard]

There may unfortunately be a hardware problem in your phone. I would recommend that you contact your dealer or a service location for assistance.

[djsat21]

I think i've had the same issue before, on several occasions people have called me and not been able to hear my voice.  On at least one occasion i think we tried calling each other several times before the other party could hear the call.  TBH i put it down to my friend's phone as its old and he always complains about it but after reading this thread it would seem i have the same issue with my handset as i pretty much constantly have headphones plugged into my handset.

[TheDonOz]

I am in the same boat. If turn on the loudspeaker the microphone will work. I am thinking that this is not a hardware issue..... I think.