The microphone on your AirPods is no longer working and you're annoyed? Understandable. This isn't that uncommon and happens to many other users. But don't worry. In this article, you'll find out the most common reasons for this and quick solutions. So that your microphone will be fully functional again in just a few minutes.
Why is the microphone on the AirPods not working? 6 causes and solutions
Cause 1: The AirPods are clogged
There may be dirt built up in the microphone holes. This is especially likely if you have been using your AirPods for several months without cleaning them.
Be gentle when cleaning. Spray a cotton swab with a little alcohol if necessary (don't make it too wet) and then dab the microphone holes on the AirPods.
You may be wondering where the AirPods microphones are? On AirPods or AirPods Pro, the microphone is located at the end of the AirPods stems. Note that the position of the microphones may vary depending on the model version. If in doubt, you can find the necessary information in the manual for your AirPods.
By the way: If you are cleaning your microphones anyway, we recommend that you also to clean the entire AirPods .
Cause 2: Active microphone settings
To rule out AirPods settings as a possible cause, follow these steps.
Go to Settings, tap "Bluetooth" and then the "Info icon" next to your AirPods. Now tap the microphone and activate the option "Automatically switch AirPods". This will ensure that your AirPods always use the microphone that is best suited for current operation.
This solution can work because sometimes the microphone problem is only with one AirPod. For example, if the problem is with the left AirPod and the left AirPod is set as the main microphone in the settings, it's no wonder that the microphone doesn't work.
Cause 3: Not enough battery
If your AirPods are not fully charged, it could be a reason why your AirPods microphone is not working. Recharge your AirPods to at least 80% and then check if the microphone is now working again.
Cause 4: Coupling problem
Sometimes AirPods don't pair properly. Users report that unplugging and reconnecting AirPods can resolve microphone issues. Here's how to reset AirPods:
- Place the Airpods in the charging case and close the lid
- Wait 30 seconds
- Open the lid of the charging case and put AirPods in your ears
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth or choose Settings > [Your AirPods].
- Once the AirPods are connected, tap the “i” button (more information). Then tap “Forget this device” and confirm.
- If your AirPods don't appear as connected in step 5, do this: Place AirPods in the charging case and leave the lid open.Press and hold the setup button on the back of the charging case for about 15 seconds until the LED light on the front of the charging case flashes yellow and then white.
- Now reconnect the AirPods. Place the AirPods in the case, leave the lid open, place them near the iPhone and follow the instructions on your iPhone's screen.
- If for some reason only one AirPod connects, you will find in this article the solution
By the way: Sometimes restarting your iPhone can help fix the microphone problem, so try that as well.
Cause 5: Outdated AirPods firmware
Outdated AirPods firmware can be a cause of the microphone not working properly. Typically, firmware updates for AirPods are installed automatically through your paired iOS device when connected to the internet and near the paired device.
But to be sure, you can check the firmware version of your AirPods by connecting them to your iOS device and going to Bluetooth settings. There you will find the information about the current firmware version.
Installing firmware updates for AirPods is usually similar or the same, regardless of the specific AirPods generation.
Cause 6: Damage (mechanical problem)
If none of the solutions has helped so far, the AirPod is most likely damaged or broken In this case, you can check whether your AirPods are still under warranty. If so, you could get a free repair or get replacement Airpods. However, this depends on the exact terms of the warranty.
If your warranty has already expired, it may be more worthwhile to buy new AirPods or individual replacement parts. This is because repairs are often so expensive that it is more economical to buy new devices.
If you find that only the microphone of a single AirPod is not working properly, we also offer separate AirPods in our online shop. The manufacturer and most online shops do not offer these, but only complete sets. The advantage with us is: an AirPod replacement part is cheaper than buying a new AirPod set.
By the way, we purchase original complete packages and disassemble them into their individual parts. This ensures that you get an original product and also retain the full manufacturer's warranty, even if you only buy a spare part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testing AirPods microphone: How do I do it?
There are several ways you can test your AirPods microphone:
- During a phone call
- Test voice notes
- Test Siri
- Test the dictation function
- Testing with apps and video recordings
How do I know if my AirPods microphone is broken?
If you suspect that the microphone on your AirPods may be defective, you should first try the following troubleshooting steps to rule out a defect:
- Cleaning the AirPods microphones
- Check AirPods settings
- Charge the AirPods sufficiently
- exclude coupling problems
- update firmware
- Restart iPhone
You can find out exactly how to do this in this article. If the following symptoms still occur despite these measures, your AirPods or microphone may be defective:
- No response to Siri
- Problems with voice notes
- No sound heard by the other person during calls
- Constant background noise or noise
Can you use AirPods as a microphone?
Yes, all models of AirPods can be used as a microphone. In this article we'll show you exactly how it works.
