Muffled Microphone - iMac 21.5" (mid 2017) - Following Adhesive Strips

@iofile Better go here and create a technique tutorial about this it will be more efficient than a answer in a question. If you dont want to do it just tell me and I will enjoy doing it in your place.

Hi! For anyone who ends up here in / after 2019, our iMac Intel 21.5" Retina 4K Display (2017) Adhesive Strips Replacement guide accounts for this issue, and all corresponding procedures link to that guide. Happy fixing!

for future fixers, here’s some verification of the above info. The first photo is how I found the adhesive as soon as I peeled it off, clearly a clean cutout of the adhesive from the factory for the microphone. And then the second photo after I uncovered the other two holes.

"Eve Ann Wallis - This series has a unique issue! Apple moved the microphone hole! And in doing so have messed up a few people. You need to modify the bottom tape with a small cut out so the hole is not covered. Here’s the location of the microphone hole:

At this point you should get another adhesive tape kit and after fully cleaning the old tapes off, modify the new set as needed but cutting a small area at the bottom edge of the strip where the mic is and give that a go!

But, before you put the display back on check your mic cable is connected properly as outlined in step 57 in this guide and the ribbon cable is not damaged iMac Intel 21.5"" Retina 4K Display (2017) Logic Board Replacement"