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Poor voice quality on iPhone 5

Has anyone else had issues with voice quality and/or poor reception on the iPhone 5? When I make a phone call, the caller is able to hear me, but they sound synthesized and cuts in and out. This happens even when at 5 bars. The apple forum is full of posts about this issue but I don't see any discussions about it here.

Verizon sent me a replacement phone, but I still have the same problem.

Comments

Verizon_Support

Hey there Kat0510!

I am sorry that you are experiencing problems with your phone already! I know that this is not the perfect first impression we want from the phone. If I may ask, did you have this issue on any previous phone? Do you have any accessories connected like Bluetooth or headphones? If you do, is there any change? Do you close your running applications? Double tap the home button the press & hold to close. One of them may be interfering with the call. Try these and please report back.

Thanks!

MichelleG_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

jlllaw

Yes I am having same problems with new iPhone 5... very, very frustrating. Three others in family (same location) have iPhone 4 with Verizon and have no problems. I had iPhone 4 with AT&T and voice quality was perfect (data and voice coverage is better in this area with Verizon so I switched - no so happy with switch, as I use phone for business and I'm having trouble with all calls). Problems are same regardless of location, and whether I am using wired headphones or not.

Other threads on internet seem to suggest problem is an phone (Apple) problem with the 5 on Verizon. This desperately needs a fix. And while they are at it, the three way calling is awful on this phone - perfect on AT&T iPhone 4... comments on web suggest this is a limitation on CDMA network versus GSM. Wished I'd known these issues and I would have at least waited to make switch until they addressed the voice quality problems. Verizon, any suggestions?

Kat0510

I have tried everything. I had an iPhone 3s with ATT for 3 years. The calls were crystal clear. The promise of an extensive 4G network lured me to Verizon and while I love the iPhone, it is ironic that I can do most anything but make clear calls. I was even sent a new phone and have the same issue. What I don't understand is Verizon's unwillingness to acknowledge this issue. The Internet is riddled with pages of comments left by unhappy Verizon users. I realize this is an iPhone issue, but if someone would just acknowledge, it would at the very least be some comfort.

Sent from my iPhone

Shaqk

I have had my iPhone 5 for only a week. Listening to a call through the earpiece, the callers voice sounds robotic and is very difficult to understand. Turning LTE / Wifie on or off makes no difference. No difference with the phone's case on or off. I may have to return this phone.

MattSwindle

Hello,

I have the same problem with my new iPhone 5. Calls cut in and out, echoing or cant hear them at all. Some calls the voice quality is worst then others. I just recently switch back to Verizon and have been very disappointed. What can I do? Any solutions?

Thanks,

Matt

otterpop

Same problem here, really difficult to understand people on the other end. Listening to some music on hold today, the cutting in and out and lack of fidelity was really obvious. My boyfriend has the 4S, we both talked from different rooms on each phone. With all other factors being equal, the difference in voice quality was dramatic.

All applications are definitely turned off.

Verizon Support, please chime in on this issue!

otterpop

Michelle, clearly a lot of folks are having the same issue. Does Verizon have a response?

iteambross

I've experienced poor voice quality in ALL of the following instances:

1) Mobile to Landline

2) Case On and Case Off

3) Using new Headphones and old iPhone 4 headphones

4) using speakerphone and bluetooth headset

Mobile to Mobile is about 50% acceptable, 50% unacceptable. I'm not sure if I've talked to ATT or Sprint mobile callers or not but will start taking a survey.

I had an iPhone 4 on ATT for 2 years with absolutely NO call quality problems. Droids and iphone 4's on Verizon are not having trouble either.

Just adding my 2 cents (hundreds of dollars actually!)

GBStuck

Like so many other user's I also switched to a Verizon iPhone 5 from an AT&T iPhone 4. While my data was slow and unlimited on AT&T, the calls were always clear, though i had a few rare dropped calls. I've only had my phone for about a month, but every call i have a hard time understanding the people on the other end. Speaker, Bluetooth, headphones, normal phone mode, i have the problem in all scenarios. Even while waiting for a conference call i have music that drifts in and out and it sounds like i'm listening to a synthesizer when i can even hear it. Really love the LTE, really disappointed in call quality,

ganesh02

I had the same problem with iphone5 where I hear some people fade in and out, and the sentences are so chopped to not make anything out of it. I exchanged the handset, and the problem persists. I want this phone to do one thing well, which is to make conversation possible. Is this a software or network problem? If the problem is to be so rare, the odds should be very low for me to get a faulty handset twice.

denydal

I had the same problem as everyone else. Had a hard time hearing anything. Went to my local Verizon store and they replaced my phone. All is good with the new phone, everything sounds great! The guys at my local Verizon store were awesome! Now I love my iphone! :smileyhappy:

ganesh02

@denydal, Did you go to a different store for your second handset or did you buy it from where you originally bought? I went to the same store where I got the 'faulty' one, and I got another 'faulty' unit. The person that started this thread has been through two handsets, and continues to see the problem. I am wondering if the problem is across all handsets in a consignment that is shipped out to stores, and therefore, I should try a different store to improve my chances of getting a good handset?

denydal

@ganesh02, Bought my first online thru Verizon. Went to local Verizon store and received 2nd. Good Luck!

toutla

I also switched to a Verizon iPhone 5 from an AT&T iPhone 4. I have the same issue of robotic voices, choppy sound quality and cutting out altogether at times. I purchased at best buy, and have already returned it once. 2nd verizon phone has same issues. I have tried all the fixes:

turning off bluetooth
turning on hearlng aid setting
resetting to factory instead of restoring from my iphone4 backup
resetting network settings

and more.....My plan is to return the phone and try an iPhone 5 via AT&T. However, based on 29 pages of similar complaints on Apples website (below), I believe the problem is with the iPhone 5 itself, regardless of carrier...there are some AT&T US users and many users with European carriers who are experiencing the same issue. I will try the iPhone 5 on AT&T for the same period of time 14 days, then return it for a 4S if the problem is not fixed by switching carriers. I'll try to remember to come back here and post my findings. Take a look below, its happening to alot of folks in alot of different situations.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4348915?start=0&tstart=0

ganesh02

It appears that this problem has been proven and reproduced here: http://iphone5callquality.com/ and http://iphone5callquality.com/measurements/

xk8man

Wow, I'm really distressed to read this. My nephew wanting a new Droid Razr M led me to looking at getting a new phone and looking online at the iphone 5.

I supposed I should be glad I found / read this thread, but I was all but decided upon the iphone 5 and now I've got to determine if I'm better off with a 4S and it not being LTE or going with a droid phone. Seems I read the Razr M had issues with the earphone use with the music player so I'm not thrilled with that option either. AND Christmas is only a week away!!!!

What to do?

jlllaw

Thank you for posting those URLs reproducing the problem. That is exactly

what is happening with me - and it is chronic regardless of any

environmental changes that I can come up with. I would absolutely suggest

staying away from purchasing this phone until this is fixed.

ganesh02

@denydal, Can you confirm if your problem has really gone away with your second iphone5? I got my 3rd iphone5 and the problem continues. Please let me know - your information would be very helpful for me to see if I should try another handset before giving up on iphone5 altogether. Please see the link http://iphone5callquality.com/ to try to reproduce the problem. I do it very simple - I pick up my landline and say 'Peeeeee' for 5 seconds without any interruption in a low voice. In iphone5, it will fade out and come back. You can keep trying that for many times in the same call, and it will fade out everytime you say it. I tried the same test with my friend's iphone4, and the fading out did not happen.

stoutie

I love Apple, but I'm on my 4th iPhone 5 and I'm already still hearing people tell me that I'm cutting in and out. I also just switched to Verizon and all of my Verizon 4s users tell me they're not having any problems. At this point it's statistically impossible for me to have received 4 entirely different iPhones at different times from different runs and just be getting the few bad phones that might be out there. There's something happening here. Not sure if it's software or hardware, but it's definitely a regular occurrence. This also seems to be happening on many networks aside from Verizon. The Apple folks have been wonderful about changing out the phones, but it doesn't seem to be solving the problem. I'll just have to hang in there. I'm hoping it's a software thing because I have no doubt that will be remedied. If it's a hardware issue then I guess I'll be back at the Genius bar. Still love Apple, just surprised by this more than anything.

Starbridget

I received my iPhone 5 less then 48 hours ago and already had it swapped out at the Apple store because there was a small chip below the home button in the glass. I called Verizon and although they said to bring it in, they only swap your phone for a refurbished replacement!! Serious quality issues there Verizon! Especially because I purchased a BRAND NEW phone... Go to Apple for help with your phone. My replacement is already having issues with call quality. Everyone sounds like they are under water. I'll be returning to Apple after Christmas. Good luck!!

stoutie

Star, just so you know refurbished units in new iphones don't start showing up for about 6 months into a new model, so whoever's telling you that at Verizon is feeding you a line. Second, NEVER by your iPhone in the future from anyone but Apple. The networks, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc. do not have the same kind of corporate culture as Apple. Apple may not be perfect, but they stand by their stuff. The wireless providers and companies like Best Buy and Wal-Mart will give you the same runaround they've been giving people for years, but half the time they don't even know the Apple product. Remember, they also carry lots of other garbage brands. Get your products directly from Apple and get Applecare. The people at non-Apple suppliers will tell you all kinds of tales, try to sell you their lame warranties, etc. Ignore them. Go with Apple. As for your case, if they told me I was getting a refurbished iphone 5 when the thing has just been launched, I would say adios, get a new iPhone from Apple and switch carriers. If they don't like it refuse to pay the cancellation fee and write a million emails to everyone at Verizon. Eventually they'll let you go. Don't let them stiff you. Get a brand new iPhone 5 or walk. Seriously. You have the right and you have the power. Getting a refurbished iPhone 5 this soon for your issues is bogus.

Starbridget

I did go to Apple last night and got a brand new one directly from then. When I had my 4S I had several issues with it and Verizon sent me 2 refurbished replacements before I finally went to Apple. It's disheartening to know Verizon jips their customers like that. Thanks for the input. The new phone I got from Apple has some issues with sound clarity when I talk on the phone. The original phone I got from Verizon did not have this issue but it was cosmetically damaged. I have no doubts Apple will be of great service. It's too bad they don't have their own cell service! I'd be a committed customer. Thanks again for the input.

Star

toutla

UPDATE: Problem solved by switching to AT&T

After 2 Verizon phones, I decided to switch back to AT&T and have not encountered the problem since. AT&T told me that verizon's phone network is older and poorer quality (no shock ATT would say that about a rival), however, I have a new iPhone 5 and I'm experiencing the same call quality I had while I was on my old iPhone 4. Some folks have experienced the same problem on AT&T, but Verizon folks, I encourage you to give AT&T a try to see if it solves your problem. Unfortunately, I dont think the coverage is as good as Verizon, but call quality is my #1 priority with a phone. Good Luck!!!

Starbridget

I've been with Verizon for 6 years. The iPhone issues are my first and only issues with them. I know they are new to apple products so I'm trying to stick it out with them for a bit.

Heather

stoutie

Good deal.

stoutie

Lots of people on AT&T are having this problem with the iPhone 5 as well. Glad yours works but I don't believe it's the network, and AT&T is not more advanced than Verizon. I dumped AT&T because they were awful. A nightmare.

ganesh02

My 3rd iphone5 still has the problem. Easy way to reproduce it is by making a test call to hertz on-demand 877-654-4400 and use headphones and keep the volume low. The first 10 seconds of the recording will be choppy and robotic. If you call from a landline, it will be fine. I tested the display phones in the local Verizon store using my headphones, and they had the same problem. I am surprised that all these stores in the United States is selling faulty iphone5 and nothing has been done about it. The only response I get from both Verizon and Apple is that I am the first person to report this, and there is no record of this problem in their internal issue tracking systems. Is there a single person out there from Verizon that doesn't have this problem? I have four people at work that has iphone5 on AT&T, and they don't have this problem. I want to come across one single iphone5 user in Verizon that cannot reproduce the problem using the above steps.

opticmotion

Yes, having same issue on all 3 brand new iPhone 5. I just switched from T-mobile and android and have only had my iPhone 5 for a day and can't stand it. The voice quality is horrible. Only on occasion are the calls acceptable. The voice sounds muffled, compressed, thin, distorted, garbled, over modulated and when it's bad, even cuts out and breaks up to the point where you can't even hear what the other person just said.

This happens even when there are 4-5 bars on both ends of call.

According to apple threads, this is happening on ATT as well and not only in the US. It seems to be an iPhone 5 issue, but I hate it so much that I'm about to return all 3 phones and go back to T-mobile and android.

reversetolerance

I'm having exactly what opticmotion is having.

3 new iPhone5's bought 30 days ago and all call quality is absolutely terrible. I too came from Android on T-Mobile and am now wondering if I've made a huge mistake switching over.

There is a large thread on Apple here; https://discussions.apple.com/message/19740160#19740160

This is WIDESPREAD and it's getting ridiculous for neither Apple nor Verizon to respond to this >Profanity deleted<

The iPhone 5 call quality is like you said, muffled, robotic, compressed, distorted, and it drops calls half the time. I've tried making calls over WIFI with the same result so I don't think it has as much to do with the network as it does the software on the phone.

Keep peppering Apple and Verizon until they admit there is a serious problem. I can't believe I basically bought an iPod for a phone.

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

reversetolerance

Hey Verizon, no replies for two weeks about this?

You're customer base is getting ticked off big time...

When will you address this serious flaw?

Gauss

Same problems here. Voice quality is terrible on this phone. This is my first smartphone. I was with TMobile for many years and never really had any problems. The lure of the iphone finally got me and now I regret it. I expected more from both Apple and Verizon. It would be nice to get a response from Verizon other than there is no problem. I suspect something is wrong that neither Apple and/or Verizon want to own up to. Very disappointing!

stoutie

Dear Moderator: If you're going to take the time to edit profanity, which is perfectly understandable, how about taking the time to help us all figure this out? Obviously someone at Verizon is reading this, and that is appreciated. But just standing on the sidelines isn't doing anyone any good. I'm a huge Apple fan, and I just switched to Verizon because of the great things I heard about the brand. It'd be nice if my 4th iPhone 5 on Verizon actually sounded at least as good as my 3GS on AT&T did (without the terrible coverage and daily dropped calls of course.) Just a friendly thought.

>Moderator Comment: The Moderators are here for one reason, to moderate. We are NOT Customer Service Reps, we are NOT Tech Support, we are NOT Billing Reps. We are here to keep the board somewhat civil, remove profanity, and keep posts on topic.

In addition, the forum is a Peer to Peer forum, or a Customer to Customer site. Rarely do reps come here and when they do they leave most posts for other customers to handle.

If you need assistance, please use the CONTACT US button in the upper right corner of this screen, or call 800-922-0204.

I hope this helps you better understand the purpose of the Moderators<

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

stoutie

Got it. I would add that you are NOT very helpful, but at least I understand your function.

ganesh02

@denydal, did you call to report the issue and get a ticket opened? Please do that, so Verizon has more data points on the problem. You will have to jump through some hoops to flag calls and such, but at some point your ticket will get escalated to their engineering team.

Shaqk

My problem was solved when Verizon sent me a replacement phone.

ganesh02

@Shaqk, That is great to hear that. It gives me hope that I could one day get my problem resolved by swapping my iphone5 for another, even though I have already done it two times. Can you try this test for me, so we can be sure that the problem is definitely not there for you. Make a test call to hertz on-demand 877-654-4400 and use headphones and keep the volume low. The first 10 seconds of the recording will be choppy and robotic. You can compare to how it normally sounds like by using your landline or someone else's phone.

Guy-4541

Experiencing horrible call quality here as well. Mainly on the other end of call. No one can here me. Makes a mockery of the old "can you hear me now" ad campaign. Particularly bad mobile to mobile. Problem is intermittent but frequent. Restarting phone seems to help for a few calls. Hearing Aid setting did nothing. Adjusting call volume does nothing. Same results with or without a headset. Been with Verizon forever, Never had any issues like this. Replaced the iphone 5 at the apple store. Restored phone. Replaced SIM. Last vist Apple offered another new phone but recommended I ask Verizon to first "re-provision" the phone. I'll ask for that tomorrow but I doubt it will work. Today Verizon tech support asked me to call back with a different phone as they could not understand me on the iphone. EXACTLY! So they have to know the problem is real assuming others have called in too. They have been hearing it for themselves. I'm going thru the usual hurdles but it is frankly just a waste of my time. Expect I'll have to ask Verizon to replace with an Android phone. Logging phone calls using Google voice recording. Some sound acceptable. Others are bad. I threw in a few calls from an ATT iphone 5 (sounds great) and an ATT iphone 4 (also sounded okay). Such a shame. They should stop selling these units until solution is out. Apple is in denial mode. They survived something like this before. Not sure I can buy anymore Apple products. This was my 9th and probably last.

Dorkmaster

I had a HTC Rezound, I had the same underwater sound to people at the other end. I fixed my problem by putting tape over the second microphone. The second microphone was put there to help noise cancelling. The microphone would pick up my voice when talking and try to cancel little of it. I saw the Iphone 5 commercial saying they have one also. Try putting tape over that noise cancelling microphone and see if your problem goes away. I am a user of silicone cases, so I never saw the tape fix. (LOL)

Guy-4541

I am using a silicone case. Should I still try the tape fix? Thanks.

Dorkmaster

Yeah, I am interested to see if that will work. I am just speculating that could be the problem. I had to with my HTC Rezound, I used a small piece of electrical tape over the second mic and then put my case over that.

Guy-4541

I plugged the second mic with my finger for a few calls and got mixed

results. Sometimes better sometimes no change. Weird.

On Sun, Jan 6, 2013 at 12:54 PM, Dorkmaster

lulubell14

And most likely you purchased a new phone and they sent you a refurbished phone, unless you specifically ask for A NEW PHONE, they send a refurb .I had this problem with a droid, and a friend brought it to my attention. I called because the same problem occurred way to fast, with what I thought was a new phone. Simple way of knowing the difference, It will come in a brand new box, like when you bought it. Refurb comes in a cardboard box. And yes I have the same problem with my 5, and then some, I have had it for 3 weeks and when you plug the ear phones in I get static and have giggle it to get it clear.

Guy-4541

I swapped out the phone at the apple store. Supposedly not a refurb but

who knows for sure. Looks new. There's clearly some sort of product

defect, whether hardware, software, or unique union of a problem with the

Verizon network. Perhaps it is worth swapping out phones until one works.

Jayjorstef

'm experiencing the same call quality problem on my iPhone 5.

I called Verizon and spoke to a technician who walked me through a few procedures (making sure the OS was up to date etc.) all which made no difference on call quality. The technician suggested that I go to a Verizon store to either exchange the phone or the sim card. As an experiment, I placed a call on my iPhone 5 using my Google Voice number. The call was significantly clearer. Has anyone else experienced this? Does this mean it's a network issue?

reversetolerance

What many iPhone 5 users are suffering from is a perfect storm of issues which makes the call quality on this horrible.

Lack of HD Voice technology on Verizon's end (missing fidelity which gives a very midrange frequency response, lacks highs and lows)
Compression issues by either Verizon and/or Apple (which causes the robotic/digitized qualities)
Noise gate/Mic Switching issues between the 3 microphones (could be either hardware and/or software problem from Apple and it causes the cutting off of the beginning and ending of transients (words))

It is a combination of these things which appears to make this iPhone pretty much unusable a lot of the time. I recommend to complain to Apple and Verizon, keep switching out phones (a huge hassle, I know) and in general let iPhone5 users be heard. This is beyond unacceptable...

Guy-4541

Excellent summary. I agree. Thanks.

On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 10:02 AM, reversetolerance <

Nightwind

Has anyone tried turning off the LTE? I hear this might be interfering with the voice quality.

Kat0510

Tried that--did not help at all.

Sent from my iPhone

Guy-4541

I've read the same but also saw that it made no difference by some reports.

Have not tried it myself. I'll soon try routing calls through google

voice as previously suggested and see if that works.

Swapping out for a new phone at Apple Store tomorrow. Need to get these

old defective units out of the pipeline.

reversetolerance

Turning LTE does not appear to improve call quality...

However...turning on Hearing Aid mode in Settings has potentially resolved some of the cutting out (noise gate) issue and has (for me) improved call quality enough to where the phone is, while far from perfect, now usable.

Guy-4541

Heard those reports. Did not work at all for me however.

On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 4:26 PM, reversetolerance <

iteambross

I recently allowed the latest IOS upgrade to 6.0.2. I think it may have helped. I have been able to actually have a few phone conversations over the last week or so. Prior to the upgrade the phone was next to useless for phone conversations as is currently being discussed.

Has anyone else had this experience or is it just in my head? I mean... I really, really want to like this phone....

Nightwind

I'm sorry you guys are having problems. I just "bit the bullet" and bought the iPhone 5 at the Verizon store. Thanks to your posts I grilled the agent on all that has been discussed here. Of course I got the "I haven't heard about that' response so prior to signing the invoice, I tested the voice quality, texted back and forth, went to a website using the 4G and all was fine. I have been using it intensely in my local area (CT) over the last two days with good results.

I travel for a living, so I will see how the phone performs across the US over the next few weeks and will share my results with you. Until then, thank you all for taking the time to post your issues.

Kevin

vgster

Really disappointing news, but I expected that. Verizon!!!, you have a problem! https://twitter.com/icallquality

stoutie

Upgrade did nothing for me. Neither did hearing aid thing or any other solves. I took my 4th iPhone 5 back to Apple and they told me, and I agreed, that the odds of getting 4 bad phones were astronomical. They checked the phone every which way they could, showed it to managers, other technical folks, and they believe that because my problem is consistent phone to phone, it's a Verizon issue. (That doesn't mean I agree with that, how would I know, I'm not a technician.) They got me on the phone with a specialist at Verizon who is now monitoring my use. I have already had to send in 5 reports of terrible calls in less than 24 hours. I've heard Verizon can create a new line for me and transfer my old number to it. Maybe that'll solve it, but I'm not counting on it. Don't know where it will end, but here is my final theory. Either Apple is having a serious call quality problem with the iPhone 5 and is working on it now from a software perspective, or there is a problem with the iPhone 5 and all carriers because the technology of the carriers has yet to catch up to the technology in the iPhone 5. If it's a software issue, I'll hope for a fix. If the issue is hardware, I'm screwed. I doubt anyone is going to give me a new iPhone 6 when they come out (if that solves it) or a new, revised iPhone 5. If it's a problem with the carriers I'm probably screwed too. Not much else to do except apologize to everyone I talk to when they tell me that I just cut out, or they couldn't understand what I just said. I still love Apple, but this is pretty bizarre and frustrating. I assumed the iPhone 5 and Verizon would be a great move for me. Unfortunately my iPhone 2 sounded better on AT&T (and they blow). Heck, my StarTac had better sound back on Sprint. Way better. (CDMA too I believe.) Oh well. I'll wait and see.

mgobluefan79

I'm having this same issue, and it has to be the noise-cancelling mic on the outside of the phone. Whether it is hardware or software.

If I'm on speaker phone, it's fine.

If I'm on Bluetooth headset, it's fine.

But as soon as I use my phone how I normally would, unless I cover the mic on the outside of the phone, people complain that the quality of my call on my end is pretty bad. The symptoms are I cut in and out as far as my voice goes.

The moment I cover the mic, use speaker or bluetooth, I can carry on a completely normal conversation.

I hope Verizon can work with and push against Apple to get this fixed. This is my first iPhone (I formely had an HTC Droid Incredible), and so far other than phone calls, I love the phone. Though if I only wanted the non-phone features, I would have bought an iPad.

Hope Verizon can fix this!!! :smileysad:

aandromedaa

i cannot hear anyone I make a call to. It is so frustrating because the iphone5 is actually a TELEPHONE!!!!!

When will someone fix this problem? I thought it was just my phone till I opened this forum for help.

Does anyone have a solution - I am on a trip and cannot trade the phone in 0 and will the new one work as poorly? How do we get Verizon or Apple to fix the problem?

HEY VERIZON - HELP ALL OF US WHO PAID FOR THE IPHONE5 TO ONLY GET A NEWER IPOD!!!!!!

Frcotting

I recently switched from an iPhone 4 to an iPhone 5 and I immediately noticed a problem with the telephone reception. The voice on the other end is choppy and very difficult to hear clearly. I am very concerned to read here that a lot of people are having the same problem.

reversetolerance

Yes...major problems with the iPhone 5 call quality...join the main thread over on Apple; https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4348915?start=630&tstart=0

43 pages worth of problems! :smileyhappy:

Jonny-G

Yeah. I have just learned the hard way. Upgraded from an iPhone 4 to a 5 yesterday. Made some calls afterwards. Just utterly, horrible and amazingly awful sound quality. I am beyond words at how bad the quality is. I don't recall ever having a phone of any type sound so badly as does the iPhone 5. And the worst is that my reading so far suggests there is no solution.

Verizon_Support

Jonny-G, we want you to have the best wireless experience on your new iPhone 5. You shouldn't be regretting this upgrade decision. Your device has a 14 day Worry Free Guarantee which allows you to return or exchange your device for any reason. If you're still experiencing horrible sound quality, then I recommend that you return your device back to the channel that it was purchased from. Click http://vz.to/IeiJI for details regarding our return/exchange policy. ^LH

Jonny-G

Of course. I have been away on business, but tomorrow I plan to return to the Verizon store from which I purchased the phone. Your Worry Free Guarantee is of little use in this case, since it is designed for those who change their minds about the phone they purchased, and not for those who have received a defective device. My son's newly-purchased iPhone 5 has good sound. Mine has obviously very poor sound. The difference is stark. I was given a defective device, and your correct response should be to swap it for another new one that works properly, and not to charge me $35 the "privilege" of returning defective merchandise. Hopefully that can be done tomorrow.

Jonny-G

Ok. Good news. My visit to the Verizon store went well. The rep took one listen, and it was glaringly obvious to him as well that the earpiece on my phone was defective. So he swapped me a new version of the same phone, and all seems to be good. So far as I can tell, the new phone is working just perfectly. I admit, I was apprehensive going in, but your store's service was top notch, and for that I'm grateful.

Corp-Air

Kat0510-

I have had phones with Verizon for many years and my iPhone is the first one to have this horrible voice quality. However, I work with 5 other individuals that have iPhones (iPhone 4, 4s and 5) and I was aware of the terrible sound quality before I bought into the iPhone 5. Of the associates I work with two of them are on AT&T, one has an iPhoe 5 and the other has an iPhone 4, both of thes have terrible voice quality (even when calling me on a land-line). Maybe one out of 10-calls I can understand them clearly otherwise we have just learned to put up with the iPhone lousy sound.

They are great mini-computers and that is the driving force at our company. Possibly someday Apple will fix the problem but for now it is not just a Verizon issue it streatches accross any provider using the iPhones.

simpsons0685

I must say, I gave mine a few weeks and the phone was still under warranty and I had the opportunity to exchange it within that 30 day period since my phone was "defective" because of the same exact reasons stated above. Verizon call clarity is normally the best I've ever heard on a network before. The problem is, Apple. They will not admit that their is either a hardware or software glitch with the new iPhone 5. You'll be one of the lucky ones if you don't have to deal with this problem. My second one, now, has the same problem. People complain about hearing me and I am always saying, what? What? The Apple thread on this subject is even bigger since February. Tons of people, from around the world, are having call clarity issues with their iPhone 5. I am tired of it and I am this close to getting an Android after this experience. While the software is great on the iPhone, if I can't have a clear cellphone conversation in 2013, that's crazy! Apple needs to own up to their problem! Kudos to Verizon for trying to help me and many other customers with this problem. Too bad the problem is Apple's. Everyone that I know, except one person, have said the phone sounds horrible when they talk on it.

simpsons0685

Ain't that the truth! My flip phone and feature phone sounded much better on Verizon then this iPhone 5 does. That's why I think it's Apple's problem. Just because Verizon hasn't enabled HD conversations on their 4G LTE network, doesn't mean calls should sound horrible. Android users with 4G LTE rarely complain. I never had call clarity issues on my Androids, ever.

simpsons0685

When I talk on Skype the call clarity is crystal clear. It's on VOIP at that point. Which is what cellphone conversations will sound like, hopefully by next year or the year after when Verizon and other networks enable their 4G LTE VOIP call conversations. I think its an Apple problem. Remember the reception problems Apple had with the iPhone 4? "Antenna gate" as they called it. They lied before, they will lie again.

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