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Where Is The Microphone On An iPad? Images Included

Believe it or not, one of the most common questions at Descriptive Audio is, “Where is the microphone on an iPad?” It’s a valid question since the iPad has many different models with different numbers of microphones. Is it on the front or the back? The top of the bottom? Actually, it’s a little bit of all those places. Depending on your iPad model, one, two, or five microphones may be located in different spots.

Today we will clear that up for you and answer the question once and for all. We’ll tell you where the microphone is on an iPad Pro, an iPad Air, an original iPad, an iPad Mini, and more!

Do iPads have microphones?

To clear things first, yes, all iPads have microphones. Ever since the original iPad was introduced in 2010, every model has had at least one microphone. The number of microphones has increased, but even the most recent iPad models have two to five microphones.

Microphones are essential because they’re used in several different ways. For example, they’re used in video calls like FaceTime and Skype. They’re also used to record videos, voice memos, and more.

So now that we know that all iPads have microphones let’s look at where they’re located on each model.

The answer is quite complex because there are more than 20 different combinations of iPads between the model and generation. Not all iPad Pros have the same number of microphones, for example.

Before reading this article, make sure you know which iPad model (Mini, Air, Pro, and just iPad) and your generation. Let’s get started!

Where is the microphone on an iPad Pro?

The iPad Pro is the more complex model of them all. There are multiple generations, and the size has changed from 9.7″ to 10.5″ to 11″, and now there’s also a 12.9″ model. Each model has a different number of mics and locations.

Let’s check them out:

  • iPad 9.7″ (all generations): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1
  • iPad 10.5″ (all generations): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1
  • iPad 11″ (all generations): 5 mics – Top: 3, Left: 1, Camera: 1
  • iPad 12.9″ (1st/2nd gen): 2 mics – Top 1, Camera 1
  • iPad 12.9″ (3rd/4th/5th gen): 5 mics – Top: 3, Left: 1, Camera: 1
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If this seems confusing and you still have no idea where the microphones are located on your iPad Pro, here’s a photo with everything detailed:

where is the microphone on an ipad pro

Let’s move over to the iPad Air series.

Where is the microphone on an iPad Air?

The answer is way more straightforward here. The iPad Air has been an excellent choice for those who want a powerful iPad without breaking the bank. It was introduced in 2013 and has since had five generations. The latest one looks very similar to an iPad Pro.

The iPad Air has 2 microphones, and they are located in the same place no matter which generation you have.

  • iPad Air (all generations): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1

Here’s another picture with the microphone location for the iPad Air:

where is the microphone on an ipad air

That one was easy. Let’s move over to the regular iPad Series.

Where is the microphone on an iPad?

The regular iPad is perhaps the model with more generations of them all. With nine generations available, the iPad has been the symbol of Apple’s tablets since 2010. All of them come with a 9.7″ screen. The bezels have been getting slicker, and the number/location of microphones has changed.

Let’s have a look at the microphone locations for the iPad series:

  • iPad (1st/2nd/3rd/4th gen): 1 mic – Top: 1
  • iPad (5th/6th gen): 1 mic – Back: 1
  • iPad (7th(8th/9th gen): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1

As you can see, the first six generations of the iPad series only had 1 microphone, but Apple added a second mic (and changed the location of the first mic) in the last three generations.

As always, here’s a picture that makes it easier to understand:

where is the microphone on an ipad regular

Finally, let’s look at the smaller brother of the family. The iPad Mini.

Where is the microphone on an iPad Mini?

The iPad Mini might be smaller, but it’s a powerful device. It was introduced in 2012 as a smaller, more affordable alternative to the regular iPad. The iPad Mini has had six generations, and the number of microphones increased after the 1st generation.

The latest iPad Mini sports the look of an iPad Pro but inside a smaller chassis. Here are the locations of the microphones on an iPad Mini:

  • iPad Mini (1st gen): 1 mic – Bottom: 1
  • iPad Mini (2nd/3rd/4th/5th/6th gen): 2 mics – Top: 1, Camera: 1
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Like the iPad Air, the Mini has been consistent in the number of microphones and locations for the last 5 generations. Even if the iPad Mini isn’t updated as much as its bigger brothers.

Here’s a photo for reference:

where is the microphone on an ipad mini

How do I test an iPad’s microphone?

To test the microphone on your iPad, you can try out a few different methods. One way is to open the camera app and record a short video. After recording, make sure to play back the video and listen for the recorded audio quality. Another option is to initiate a FaceTime call, as this will allow you to test the microphone in a real-time conversation. Additionally, you can use the voice memo feature on your iPad to record a short audio clip and then play it back to assess the microphone performance. Lastly, you can also utilize Siri and give voice commands to test the functionality and clarity of the microphone. These are some helpful ways to assess the microphone on your iPad and ensure it is working properly.

How do I turn on an iPad’s microphone?

To enable the microphone on your iPad, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Privacy.”
3. From the Privacy menu, select “Microphone.”
4. On the Microphone screen, you’ll find a list of apps that have requested access to your iPad’s microphone.
5. To allow an app access to the microphone, toggle the switch next to it to the “On” position.
By following these steps, you can easily turn on the microphone for any specific app that requires access to it on your iPad.

Where is the microphone located on an iPad?

“Depending on your iPad model, one, two, or five microphones may be located in different spots. Today we will clear that up for you and answer the question once and for all. We’ll tell you where the microphone is on an iPad Pro, an iPad Air, an original iPad, an iPad Mini, and more! To clear things first, yes, all iPads have microphones. Ever since the original iPad was introduced in 2010, every model has had at least one microphone. The number of microphones has increased, but even the most recent iPad models have two to five microphones.

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Now, let’s get into the specifics. Here’s a breakdown of the microphone locations on different iPad models:

iPad Pro Series:
– 12.9″ 5th/4th/3rd Gen.: 5 microphones. Top: 3, Left side: 1, Camera: 1.
– 12.9″ 2nd/1st Gen.: 2 microphones. Top: 1, Camera: 1.
– 11″ all generations: 5 microphones. Top: 3, Left side: 1, Camera: 1.
– 10.5″ all generations: 2 microphones. Top: 1, Camera: 1.
– 9.7″ all generations: 2 microphones. Top: 1, Camera: 1.

iPad Air Series:
– All generations: 2 microphones. Top: 1, Camera: 1.

iPad Series:
– 9th Gen., 8th Gen., 7th Gen.: 2 microphones. Top: 1, Camera: 1.
– 6th Gen., 5th Gen.: 1 microphone. Back: 1.
– 4th Gen., 3rd Gen., 2nd Gen., 1st Gen.: 1 microphone. Top: 1.

iPad mini Series:
– 6th Gen., 5th Gen., 4th Gen., 3rd Gen., 2nd Gen.: 2 microphones. Top: 1, Camera: 1.
– 1st Gen.: 1 microphone. Bottom: 1.

 

iPad Model Microphones Microphone Locations
iPad Pro Series 5 Top: 3, Left side: 1, Camera: 1
2 Top: 1, Camera: 1
5 Top: 3, Left side: 1, Camera: 1
2 Top: 1, Camera: 1
2 Top: 1, Camera: 1
iPad Air Series 2 Top: 1, Camera: 1
iPad Series 2 Top: 1, Camera: 1
1 Back: 1
1 Top: 1
iPad Mini Series 2 Top: 1, Camera: 1
2 Top: 1, Camera: 1
2 Top: 1, Camera: 1
2 Top: 1, Camera: 1
1 Bottom: 1

 

As you can see, the microphone locations vary depending on the iPad model. This comprehensive breakdown will assist you in identifying the exact spot where the microphone is located on your specific iPad. Whether it’s on the top, left side, camera area, or even the bottom, you’ll now have a clear understanding of where to find the microphone on your iPad model.”

The bottom line

Now that you know where the microphones are on each iPad model, you can ensure you’re using them correctly. Remember that the number of mics and their locations change between models, so be careful when recording or making a video call.

We hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!

Sharkie

Thursday 15th of June 2023

I have a 7th Gen, A2197, and it looks like the only mic is in the top center. No sign of an opening in the case at the top left side.

Aipaduser

Saturday 28th of January 2023

Thanks for Thais great helpful article.

Xyz

Saturday 14th of May 2022

I’d like to know why there is no control available for input volume on these devices.