Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How to Fix AirPods Microphone Not Working
If your AirPods work for music but people cannot hear you during calls, voice recordings, FaceTime, or video chats, the problem is usually caused by microphone settings, dirt blocking the microphone, Bluetooth issues, or a software glitch.
1. Check Which AirPod Is Using the Microphone
On iPhone:
Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods.
Tap Microphone.
Select:
Automatically Switch AirPods
Or test Always Left AirPod
Or test Always Right AirPod
Try making a call after changing the setting.
2. Clean the AirPods Microphones
Blocked microphone openings are one of the most common causes.
Clean:
The microphone openings on the stem.
The black microphone mesh.
The speaker area.
Use:
A dry soft toothbrush.
A microfiber cloth.
A dry cotton swab.
Avoid using sharp objects that can damage the mesh.
3. Check Microphone Permission Settings
On iPhone:
Open Settings.
Tap Privacy & Security.
Tap Microphone.
Make sure the app you are using has microphone access.
Examples:
Phone
FaceTime
Zoom
WhatsApp
Messenger
4. Disconnect and Reconnect Your AirPods
Go to Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods.
Tap Forget This Device.
Put AirPods back into pairing mode.
Connect them again.
5. Restart Your Phone or Computer
A simple restart can fix temporary Bluetooth and microphone problems.
Restart your:
iPhone
Android phone
Mac
Windows PC
Then reconnect your AirPods.
6. Turn Off Automatic Ear Detection (Test)
Sometimes the sensors can cause problems.
On iPhone:
Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods.
Turn Automatic Ear Detection off.
Test the microphone.
7. Reset Your AirPods
Put both AirPods into the charging case.
Close the lid for 30 seconds.
Open the lid.
Press and hold the button on the back of the case.
Hold until the light flashes amber, then white.
Pair your AirPods again.
8. Test With Another Device
Connect your AirPods to another phone or computer.
If the microphone works, the problem is likely your device settings.
If the microphone still does not work, the AirPods microphone may be damaged.
Common Symptoms This Fixes
People cannot hear you on calls.
AirPods microphone sounds muffled.
Siri cannot hear you.
Voice recordings have no sound.
Zoom or Teams cannot detect the microphone.
One AirPod microphone works but the other does not.
These steps work for AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 1, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max. #airpods
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases.
How to Fix AirPods Microphone Not Working
If your AirPods work for music but people cannot hear you during calls, voice recordings, FaceTime, or video chats, the problem is usually caused by microphone settings, dirt blocking the microphone, Bluetooth issues, or a software glitch.
1. Check Which AirPod Is Using the Microphone
On iPhone:
Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods.
Tap Microphone.
Select:
Automatically Switch AirPods
Or test Always Left AirPod
Or test Always Right AirPod
Try making a call after changing the setting.
2. Clean the AirPods Microphones
Blocked microphone openings are one of the most common causes.
Clean:
The microphone openings on the stem.
The black microphone mesh.
The speaker area.
Use:
A dry soft toothbrush.
A microfiber cloth.
A dry cotton swab.
Avoid using sharp objects that can damage the mesh.
3. Check Microphone Permission Settings
On iPhone:
Open Settings.
Tap Privacy & Security.
Tap Microphone.
Make sure the app you are using has microphone access.
Examples:
Phone
FaceTime
Zoom
Messenger
4. Disconnect and Reconnect Your AirPods
Go to Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods.
Tap Forget This Device.
Put AirPods back into pairing mode.
Connect them again.
5. Restart Your Phone or Computer
A simple restart can fix temporary Bluetooth and microphone problems.
Restart your:
iPhone
Android phone
Mac
Windows PC
Then reconnect your AirPods.
6. Turn Off Automatic Ear Detection (Test)
Sometimes the sensors can cause problems.
On iPhone:
Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods.
Turn Automatic Ear Detection off.
Test the microphone.
7. Reset Your AirPods
Put both AirPods into the charging case.
Close the lid for 30 seconds.
Open the lid.
Press and hold the button on the back of the case.
Hold until the light flashes amber, then white.
Pair your AirPods again.
8. Test With Another Device
Connect your AirPods to another phone or computer.
If the microphone works, the problem is likely your device settings.
If the microphone still does not work, the AirPods microphone may be damaged.
Common Symptoms This Fixes
People cannot hear you on calls.
AirPods microphone sounds muffled.
Siri cannot hear you.
Voice recordings have no sound.
Zoom or Teams cannot detect the microphone.
One AirPod microphone works but the other does not.
These steps work for AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 1, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max. #airpods
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases.
