How to Fix the Microphone Not Working on AirPods? [100% Working Guide]

Are you experiencing issues with the microphone on your AirPods? You’re not alone.

Many AirPods users have reported problems with the microphone not working properly, leading to frustration during calls and voice recordings. Fortunately, there are several potential solutions to fix this issue and get your microphone working again.

In this blog, I will explore the possible reasons why the AirPods microphone may not be working and provide troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the problem.

Whether you’re having trouble making calls or using voice memos, read on to find out how to fix the microphone on your AirPods.

Why are AirPods Microphone not working?

Here are some common reasons why the microphone on your AirPods may not be working:

  1. Dirty microphone – Earwax or debris buildup on the microphone mesh can block sound input. Try cleaning the microphone mesh with a dry cotton swab or soft brush.
  2. Bluetooth issues – Ensure your AirPods are properly paired and connected to your device’s Bluetooth. Reset the connection if needed.
  3. Permissions setting – On iPhone, check Settings > Bluetooth > tap “i” next to AirPods and make sure Microphone is enabled.
  4. Outdated firmware – Make sure your AirPods and iOS firmware are up-to-date. Old firmware can cause mic glitches.
  5. Moisture damage – Exposure to liquids or moisture can damage the AirPods microphones. Dry out your AirPods if exposed to moisture.
  6. Defective microphone – Hardware failure or mic malfunction may require repair or replacement if other troubleshooting doesn’t work.
  7. Phone settings issue – Ensure your phone’s input volume is turned up and set to use AirPods microphone for calls.
  8. Nearing end of battery – Low battery can disable AirPods microphone function. Recharge AirPods.

Checking for these common microphone issues can help get your AirPods mic working again.

Why are my AirPods not working on calls?

Here are some common reasons why AirPods may not be working properly on calls:

  1. Low battery – If the AirPods batteries are low, they may disconnect or fail to function during calls. Make sure both AirPods are charged.
  2. Not properly paired – Ensure both AirPods are paired to your device. Go into Bluetooth settings and check for proper pairing. Re-pair if needed.
  3. Connection issues – Bluetooth connectivity problems can prevent AirPods from working on calls. Toggle Bluetooth off and on to reset the connection.
  4. Microphone blocked – Debris, earwax or moisture blocking the microphone mesh can affect call quality. Check and clean the microphones.
  5. Software bugs – Firmware issues with the AirPods or your device could cause call problems. Update to the latest firmware.
  6. Hardware damage – Physical damage to the AirPods like microphone failure or speaker defects can prevent proper call functioning. May need repair.
  7. Phone settings – Make sure the phone audio is routed to the AirPods and “Calls Audio” is enabled in Bluetooth settings.
  8. Background noise – Too much ambient noise around you can diminish call quality through the AirPods. Move to a quieter location.
  9. Defective unit – In some cases, a hardware defect or malfunctioning AirPod requires replacement under warranty if other troubleshooting fails.

Checking for these common issues can help resolve AirPods call problems.

How to Fix An AirPods Microphone That Isn’t Working?

If your Airpods are not working, you may try the following things to make it work :

Charge your AirPods

If your AirPods are not working properly, you may try to charge them and start reconnecting them. Charging is a big issue for AirPods as they have a small charging backup. 

Reconnect Airpods To Your Device

You may try reconnecting your device to your AirPods if your microphone is not working properly. Check your connectivity, and it may work better.

Clean Your AirPods Microphone

Sometimes, the mic may not work properly because of the dirt collected in its holes, so try cleaning it with an alcohol-soaked cloth. Dab it carefully, and you are good to use them.

Restart Your Apple Device

Try restarting your apple device or any device your AirPods are connected to. Sometimes the problem is in the device and not the AirPods microphones.

Airpods Microphone Settings

Check your microphone settings on your device and see if there are any issues with the settings and stuff. If you see something wrong, try to fix the settings, and it will be better. 

Update The Airpods Firmware

Your firmware may be outdated if your microphones are not working properly. There is a list of updated versions of firmware on the apple site, and you may check that and update your firmware accordingly.

Restart Your iPhone 

You can also try restarting your iPhone and see if your microphones work properly now coz sometimes your fon may have some issues, and restarting it can help.

Update Your iPhone

You may update your iPhone if your microphones are not working properly, and updating it might solve the problem.

Reset And Reconnect Your AirPods

Sometimes your AirPods are at fault, and resetting and reconnecting your AirPods may solve the issue of the microphones, and you can solve the issues.

Check your microphone settings on your device and see if there are any issues with the settings and stuff. If you see something wrong, try to fix the settings, and it will be better. 

How do I fix my AirPod mic quality?

If you’re facing quality issues in your AirPod mic, try doing any of the following steps:

  1. If your quality is getting muffled up during a call, check the battery percentage. Low battery affects the quality of the AirPod a lot. Keep up a good charging percentage for your AirPods mic to work the best.
  2. Sometimes AirPods switch between which side of the microphone to use. This happens because AirPods have a default setting of choosing one microphone to use. You may change the default settings by going to the settings and changing the arrangement from “always left” to “always right” or vice versa.
  3. Try cleaning your AirPods. Dirt and debris inside your AirPod microphones can also be a reason for poor quality or muffled voice. Clean it with a cotton swab or if the dirt is visible, try removing it for better quality and good calls.
  4. Also, always keep your iPhone updated so that it can support AirPods. An outdated iPhone can cause issues with AirPod connectivity which may result in bad-quality of voice. 
  5. Another way could be to restart and reboot your AirPods and your connected devices so that both become more compatible with each other. 

Why can’t people hear me on my AirPods?

If the receiving end has issues listening to your voice or hearing your sound, you may first restart or reconnect your device. Another reason could be automatic ear detection, and sometimes the sensors don’t work as they should. We can remove this setting from our AirPods microphone and use it according to your will. Trying different methods to repair the microphone or its issues can help. 

How do I fix my AirPod Pro microphone?

AirPods pro or AirPods max user often complains about the microphone being too loud. This issue can be solved by disabling all the noise cancellation modes. It works better after that.

Disabling all the noise cancellation modes improves the mic quality and also gives a user a better experience with calls.

As with noise cancellation modes, people complained that the receiving end hears a lot of background noises. You may enable noise cancellation modes back while listening to music or jamming to your favorite series and stuff.

To disable any mode all you have to do is open settings, tap Bluetooth, tap the I in the circle, and now tap off

Now the quality of your AirPods max and pro won’t be muffled.

How do I Test my AirPod mic?

You may test your AirPods mic by checking its quality for that you have to do the following steps:

  1. Go to the settings, and choose the utility section.
  2. Now choose voice memo and record your voice.
  3. After recording listen to that voice note and analyze where your microphone is going wrong.

If you are an android user you may test your microphone using the following steps:

  1. Go to the settings.
  2. Choose your in-built recorder app on your android device.
  3. Record your voice in the recorder, after recording analyses the voice, and decide the quality of your microphone.

Also for both cases, iPhone or Android, there are third-party recorder apps as well that you can easily download and check the quality of the mic.

We also have mic test tool which is very easy to use. It can also analyze the performance of your mic and tell you how good your mic is performing once you’re done fixing it.

FAQ’s:

Do I need to reset my AirPods if the Microphone is not working?

You may need to reset your AirPods if the microphone is not working, but try easier fixes first. First, clean the microphone mesh gently with a dry brush or cotton swab to remove any debris. Also, check the AirPod settings and firmware updates. If those don’t fix it, then reset the AirPods by forgetting the device in Bluetooth settings and pairing again. Resetting will make your AirPods forget all connections and settings, which could resolve microphone issues.

Are there any software updates that could fix the issue with the microphone on my AirPods?

Yes, keeping your AirPods’ firmware up-to-date could fix microphone issues. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad and make sure you have the latest iOS/iPadOS software installed. This will allow your AirPods to receive any new firmware updates from Apple that may improve microphone performance or fix bugs. Checking for updates periodically can help keep your AirPods working properly.

Can physical damage cause the microphone on my AirPods to stop working?

Yes, physical damage can cause the microphone on your AirPods to stop working. Dropping, crushing, or exposing your AirPods to water can damage the internal components, including the microphone. If you suspect physical damage, it is advisable to contact Apple support or visit an Apple store for further assistance. Depending on the warranty status of your AirPods, you may be eligible for repair or replacement options.

Is it possible to replace the microphone on my AirPods, or do I need to buy a new pair?

It is not possible to replace the microphone on AirPods. If the microphone is not working and your AirPods are still under warranty, you may be able to get a free or discounted replacement. Contact Apple support to discuss your options. If your warranty has expired, you may need to purchase a new pair of AirPods. Before making any decisions, consider trying the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier to see if the microphone issue can be resolved without additional expenses.

How can I prevent issues with the microphone on my AirPods in the future?

Here are some tips to prevent microphone issues with your AirPods:

  1. Clean the microphone mesh gently with a dry brush often to avoid buildup of earwax and debris that can block it.
  2. Keep AirPods firmware updated through your Bluetooth settings for bug fixes.
  3. Don’t expose AirPods to moisture or liquids which can damage the microphone.
  4. Inspect AirPods regularly for any physical microphone damage and get repaired promptly.
  5. Store AirPods properly in the case when not in use to protect the microphone.

Following these basic maintenance tips will help prevent microphone problems with your AirPods.

Conclusion

AirPods is really a wise choice for anyone who needs the best quality earphones. They offer good microphone quality with an active noise-cancellation feature. And to provide the best experience Airpods have four mics, two that are at the end of the bud and two that are inside the AirPod. 

Sometimes our AirPods microphones don’t work well or offer the best quality. Try doing the above-mentioned steps for the same and we are sure you will get the desired results.

Ray Baker
Ray Baker

I am a passionate mic reviewer. Love to work on Weekends and Rest on Weekdays. In my free time I love playing with my dog, Loki.

Articles: 81

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