We have all experienced the frustration of trying to take an important phone call while walking down a busy city street. Between the roar of passing buses, the screeching of sirens, and the wind hitting the microphone, the person on the other end of the line can barely hear a word you are saying. You do not have to cup your hand over the phone and shout. Apple has integrated a highly advanced, machine-learning feature into the iPhone called “Voice Isolation” that actively erases background noise in real time.
How Voice Isolation Works
When you use the standard microphone mode, your iPhone attempts to capture a wide soundstage. When you activate Voice Isolation, the iPhone uses its neural engine to identify the specific frequency of human vocal cords. It latches onto your voice and aggressively digitally mutes everything else—including leaf blowers, traffic, and loud music.
How to Activate Voice Isolation During a Call
You cannot turn this feature on from the main Settings app; it must be activated while the microphone is actively being used.
- Make a phone call (or answer an incoming call). This feature works on standard cellular calls, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
- While you are actively on the call, open the Control Center on your iPhone.
- If your iPhone has Face ID, swipe down from the top right corner.
- If your iPhone has a Home button, swipe up from the bottom edge.
- Look for a rectangular tile near the top right labeled Mic Mode (it will currently say “Standard”).
- Tap the Mic Mode button.
- A small menu will appear. Tap Voice Isolation.
Swipe up to close the Control Center and return to your call. The effect is instantaneous. The person on the other end of the line will hear the chaotic street noise vanish into complete silence, leaving only your voice coming through crystal clear.