How To Fix AirPods’ Microphones Not Working

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Many of us use our AirPods both to listen and talk at the same time. Apple has created them for top-quality that exceeds most competitors so as to accommodate all the talking. AirPods are usually dependable, but sometimes the microphone seems to stop working. 

In this article, I’ll walk you through some step by step instructions to fix AirPods’ microphones not working. AirPod microphone issues can be really annoying because they make it impossible to use Siri or make hands-free calls. So keep reading to find out helpful troubleshooting tips.

Discover helpful troubleshooting tips to fix AirPods' microphones not working

How Can You Fix AirPods’ Microphones Not Working?

The qualities of AirPods undoubtedly make them one of the best earphones available. However, it might be annoying when your Airpods stop working, especially if you use them frequently to take calls. Here are some typical ways to fix AirPods’ microphones not working. 

Reconnect the AirPods to your iPhone

Most times, you can fix AirPods’ microphones not working by establishing a new connection with your iPhone, especially if they worked properly just a moment earlier. Simply place both earphones in their charging case (or the Smart Case if you have the AirPods Max) and pull them out again.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the battery level in your AirPods because, if it falls below ten percent, audio quality may suffer. Before attempting again, make sure your AirPods have had at least a 30-minute charge. Another step in the troubleshooting process to narrow down microphone problems to a particular device is to disable AirPods’ automatic device switching.

Disable Noise Cancellation

Effective noise cancellation mostly depends on crystal-clear microphone audio, however some people disable this function to enhance the sound of their AirPods.

Open the Control Center while wearing the earphones, and hold down the Volume slider for a long time until the extra controls display. Next, turn it off by tapping the Noise Control symbol in the lower-left corner of the screen. Disabling noise cancellation this way may be just what you need to fix AirPods’ microphone not working.

Examine the Microphone Settings

Both AirPods include a microphone, and by default, they’re set to use the one in the best earbud. However, there is a feature that allows you to pick which earpiece the AirPods should always use. You may have set this back to default and forgotten about it, or it may have been altered by accident. 

You can check necessary settings to fix AirPods’ microphones not working. Allow the AirPods to switch microphones automatically to achieve optimal performance. This can prevent complications, such as if one of the AirPods’ batteries is nearly or completely dead. Follow these steps:

  • Place the AirPods in your ears and connect them to your iPhone. If your AirPods aren’t connected to your iPhone at this point, this won’t work. 
  • Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Select Bluetooth.
  • Tap the i to the right of your AirPods in the list of Bluetooth devices. 
  • Click on Microphone, then click Automatically Switch AirPods on the Microphone page.

Update AirPods Firmware

Due to issues in some firmware, the Airpods mic might not function. Apple usually releases a fix as quickly as possible when such issues are discovered. As such, you can update your AirPods to the most recent firmware to fix AirPods’ microphones not working.

Also consider upgrading your iPhone to the most recent version while you are updating your AirPods. Updated to the most recent versions of their respective software, AirPods and iPhones are more likely to function at their peak levels.

Restart your iPhone

It’s a common belief that shutting down your smartphone and turning it back on solves a number of issues. Restarting the iPhone may thus be the quickest way to fix AirPods’ microphones not working and get them back up and running. 

This is especially true if the issue with your AirPods is related to something inside your iPhone, such as a software driver that allows the microphone to function with a specific app.

To restart your iPhone:

  • Hold the Side and either Volume button for a few seconds while using Face ID devices. 
  • Hold the Side button until you see the shutdown screen on your iPhone if it has a physical Home button. 
  • Following that, to turn the device off, slide the Power symbol to the right. For your iPhone to restart, wait 30 seconds and then press and hold the Side button once again.

Reset and Re-pair your AirPods

If one or both of the microphones on your AirPods aren’t working, you can also try to reset the earphones. Place both of your AirPods in the charging case, then hold down the Status button on the back (or the Noise Control button and the Digital Crown on the AirPods Max) for a few seconds to cause the LED status indicator on the front to turn amber.

Once you’ve successfully reset your AirPods, open the lid (or remove your AirPods Max from the Smart Case) and place the charging case next to your iPhone. When a pop-up of nearby AirPods appears on your iPhone, tap Connect to continue reconnecting the earbuds. Check afterwards to see if this works to fix AirPods’ microphones not working.

Reset the Network Settings on Your iPhone

AirPod microphone issues can also be brought on by incorrect iPhone network settings. So to fix AirPods’ microphones not working, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings to try to reset them. To confirm the operation, you need to type in your passcode.

I’m sure you’ll find the tips and suggestions above helpful to fix AirPods’ microphones not working. Keep in mind that a certified technician may be required to fix your AirPods if they have hardware problems.

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