Microphone not working or muffled sound after re-assembly

ID: 136048

Description:

Steps:

  1. I just replaced the HDD with a SSD and upgraded the memory to 32Gb.
  2. After reassembly I discovered that the microphone sounded very muffled using Zoom. I found an article from someone who disassembled a 2017 iMac and encountered the same problem. He wrote a solution and I will share it with you.
  3. Here you see the old position of the Microphone at the bottom of the screen just between the two adhesive strips in the middle.
    4. Step image
  4. This is the new position of the microphone of the iMac Intel 21,5 inch Retina 4K Display 2019 and apparently also in the iMac 21,5 inch of mid 2017...
  5. The adhesive strips set that is advised to use for this iMac, covers the microphone hole. That is the reason of the muffled/no sound after assembly.
  6. I learned this the hard way and need to disassemble the iMac again and order a new set of adhesive strips but I hope I prevent you from making the same mistake.
  7. The solution is simple. Just cut the right lower adhesive strip at the place where the Microphone is now situated and your good to go!
    8. Step image
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