9 quick fixes for AirPods microphone that won’t work

Struggling with your AirPods® microphone not working is a hassle, especially when you rely on them for important calls, meetings, or enjoying your favorite tunes. When people can't hear you during calls or your voice sounds muffled, it's crucial to address these issues to get back to a seamless audio experience.

At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, we understand the inconvenience and frustration this causes, and we're here to help you diagnose and fix the problem fast. Here’s our guide to common causes of AirPod microphone malfunctions and what you can do when your AirPods mic isn’t working.

Common causes of AirPods microphone malfunction

Microphone issues with AirPods can stem from various sources, from simple glitches to more severe damage:

• Software glitches. Minor software bugs can affect how your AirPods function.
• Battery issues. Low battery can sometimes impact the microphone’s effectiveness.
• Physical damage. Exposure to elements or dropping your AirPods can harm the microphone.
• Interference from other devices. Other electronic devices nearby can disrupt the microphone's performance.
• Bluetooth connectivity issues. Problems with the Bluetooth™ connection can prevent your AirPods from working correctly.

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Ways to fix AirPods microphone that’s not working

If your AirPods' microphone isn't functioning properly, here are some steps you can take to potentially resolve the issue:

Check the battery levels

Ensure that your AirPods aren’t operating on a dying battery. Low battery levels can lead to poor microphone performance and other issues. Charge your AirPods fully and check if the microphone functionality improves.

Restart your devices

A simple restart of your phone and AirPods could fix the problem. Power off your device and put the AirPods back in their case, then turn the phone back on to reset any temporary software glitches that might be causing the microphone issue.

Check the Bluetooth connection

Disconnect and reconnect your AirPods to ensure a stable connection. You can do this by going to your devices’s Bluetooth settings, tapping on your AirPods in the device list, and selecting Forget This Device. Then, reconnect by placing the AirPods close to your device and opening the charging case lid to initiate pairing mode.

Clean the AirPods

Does your AirPod microphone sound muffled? Ensure that no debris or lint is blocking the microphone holes. Use a dry, microfiber cloth to gently clean around the microphone ports on each AirPod to remove any debris that may be blocking sound transmission. For more help, check out our detailed guide to cleaning your AirPods.

Adjust the microphone settings

Verify that your AirPods are selected as the input device in your sound settings. Open your device’s settings and head to the Bluetooth settings, select your AirPods, and make sure the microphone is set to either 'Always Left AirPod' or 'Always Right AirPod' if one is working better than the other.

Reduce wireless interference

Avoid using your AirPods near other wireless devices that can interfere with Bluetooth connections, such as Wi-Fi routers or other Bluetooth devices. Move away from other Bluetooth and wireless devices to see if the performance improves.

Reset the network settings

On your phone, reset network settings to clear any connectivity conflicts. A network settings reset will reset all network settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, cellular settings, and previously connected Bluetooth devices. It’s a useful step for resolving connectivity issues that might be affecting your AirPods.

How to reset network settings on iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset > Reset Network Settings and enter your passcode.
3. Tap Reset Network Settings.

How to reset network settings on Android:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap System > Advanced > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth, or if you have a Samsung phone, tap General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
3. Tap Reset Settings and enter your passcode or password.
4. Tap Reset Settings > Reset.

Use on another device

Connect your AirPods to a different device to determine if the issue is with the AirPods themselves or just when connected to the original device.

Update your software

Make sure your AirPods and your smartphone are running the latest software versions. For an iPhone®, go to Settings > General > Software Update. To update your AirPods, place them in their case, connect them to a power source, and then bring them close to your iOS device.

Need help updating your Android™ phone? Check out our guide.