10 Ways To Fix An Airpods Microphone - WikiHow

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How to Fix an AirPods Microphone: iPhone, PC, Mac, & More Download Article Troubleshoot an AirPods mic that's muffled or doesn't work at all Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Charge Your AirPods 2 Try Using Only One Microphone 3 Switch Your Audio Input on a Computer 4 Change the Audio Input on an iPhone Call 5 Clean the Microphones 6 Turn Off Noise Cancellation (AirPods Pro and Max) 7 Update the AirPods Firmware 8 Update iOS on Your iPhone or iPad 9 Reset Your AirPods 10 Check for Water Damage 11 Contact Apple for Support + Show 8 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by James Bell and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: March 6, 2026 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by James Bell and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. James Bell is a Phone Repair Specialist at Phone Techs in Winchester, California. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in cell phone, tablet, game console, and PC repairs. Phone Techs is an Akko Partner. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 384,849 times.

Do people tell you that they can't hear you when you're using your AirPods on calls? Whether your voice sounds muffled or your mic isn't working at all, it can be frustrating to get anything less than crystal-clear microphone quality from your premium headphones. This wikiHow article will teach you simple ways to fix an AirPods microphone when it's not working on AirPods Pro, Max, and any other AirPods model.

AirPods Mic Not Working: Quick Fixes

• Charge your AirPods for 30 minutes.
• Switch from automatic microphone selection to Always Left or Always Right.
• Clean the microphone meshes if your voice sounds muffled or cuts out.
• Check your audio settings to make sure you're using the right input.
• Turn off ANC by switching to Transparency mode.
• Update your AirPods firmware, and make sure iOS is up to date.

Steps

1

Charge Your AirPods

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1. If your AirPods battery is low, the microphone might stop working. This is because your AirPods might be trying to use the microphone in one of the AirPods that's already too low on battery power. If people can't hear you at all while you're trying to speak on the phone, or if your voice is going in and out, place your AirPods in their charging case and charge them for at least 30 minutes before trying again.[Image:Fix an Airpods Microphone Step 1.jpg|center]]
   • To check your battery level, place the AirPods into the charging case (if using AirPods original or Pro), open the lid, and hold the case close to your iPhone or iPad. In a few seconds, you'll see the charging status.[1]
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2

Try Using Only One Microphone

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1. By default, your AirPods automatically choose which microphone to use. If you're having problems with your microphone cutting out some of the words you say, try disabling the automatic mic selection so your AirPods stop switching between microphones while you're speaking. Here's how:[2]
   • Open Settings on an iPhone or iPad.
   • Tap the name of your AirPods.
   • Tap Microphone.
   • Choose either Always Left AirPod or Always Right AirPod.
   • Try calling someone on the phone or making a voice memo to test. If this doesn't make your microphone start working again, try switching to the other (left or right) microphone.
   • If you stick with using just one AirPod mic, you could run into problems if the battery in the microphone-enabled AirPod runs too low. If the microphone isn't working while you're using just one, give your AirPods a charge and try again.

3

Switch Your Audio Input on a Computer

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1. If you're using a PC or Mac, try switching the microphone input in your settings. If your computer has a built-in microphone (common on nearly all laptops) or you have other microphone-enabled devices connected, your computer may be trying to use the wrong mic. To fix this, you'll just need to select your AirPods as the audio input. Here's how:
   • Mac
     • Click the Apple menu and select System Settings.
     • Click Sound in the left sidebar.
     • Click Input.
     • Select your AirPods as the input. If you don't see them, make sure you're wearing them and that they are paired with your Mac.
     • Drag the volume slider up.[3]
   • Windows
     • Open your Windows Settings.
     • Click System.
     • Click Sound.
     • Under "Input," select your AirPods. If you don't see them, make sure you're wearing them and that they're paired with your PC.
     • Drag the slider to the right to increase the volume.[4]
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4

Change the Audio Input on an iPhone Call

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1. If your AirPods mic isn't working while you're on an iPhone call, try switching the input. While on a call, follow these steps:[5]
   • Swipe down from the upper-right area of the home screen to open Control Center.
   • Tap the yellow Phone Controls button at the top.
   • Tap Input.
   • If anything other than your AirPods is selected, the input is set incorrectly. Tap your AirPods to switch to your AirPods microphone, and the person you're speaking with should be able to hear you.

5

Clean the Microphones

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1. Swab away dust and debris with a dry cotton swab. AirPods can collect all sorts of dirt and grime, especially in the recessed areas in which your microphones and speakers are located. If anything is blocking your microphone, your voice will sound muffled or distorted on the phone and in recordings. Using a completely dry cotton swab, gently brush away debris from all recessed areas, taking care not to press too hard into the speaker mesh. If that doesn't work and you're using AirPods 3 or 4, use these steps for a deeper microphone mesh cleaning:[6]
   • To clean the meshes of your AirPods 3 and 4, you can use some micellar water that has "PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides" on the ingredient list, such as Neutrogena HydroBoost Micellar Water and Bioderma SensiBio H2O Micellar Water, as well as some distilled water, a soft children's toothbrush, 2 cups, and 1 paper towel.
   • Dip the toothbrush in some micellar water, then use it to gently brush the meshes in circles for about 15 seconds.
   • Turn the AirPod over and blot it dry using a paper towel.
   • Repeat for all the meshes.
   • When you're done, rinse the toothbrush in distilled water, then repeat the process.
   • Allow your AirPods to dry completely for at least 2 hours before using them again.
   • Also, clean the case of your AirPods or AirPods Pro with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
   • Alternatively, take your AirPods to an Apple store to get them professionally cleaned.
   EXPERT TIP

   James Bell

   Tech Expert James Bell is a Phone Repair Specialist at Phone Techs in Winchester, California. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in cell phone, tablet, game console, and PC repairs. Phone Techs is an Akko Partner. James Bell Tech Expert

   AirPod microphones have the same problems as the foil of the speaker. They're susceptible to dust blockage and liquid contamination. The best thing to do is take it into a shop and have them cleaned professionally to see if they can get the mic functioning.

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6

Turn Off Noise Cancellation (AirPods Pro and Max)

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1. Opt for Transparency Mode over Active Noise Cancellation. Transparency Mode allows more noise in from the outside ANC, which, in theory, should be more about what you hear than what others hear. Still, many AirPods Pro and Max users on Apple's forums report that people can hear them more clearly in Transparency Mode than when ANC is enabled.[7]
   • To switch to Transparency Mode on AirPods Pro, squeeze and hold one of your AirPod stems until you hear a tone.
   • To switch on AirPods Max, just press the noise control button on the top of the earpiece next to the Digital Crown dial.
   • You can also open Control Center while you're wearing your AirPods, tap and hold the volume slider, then tap the Listening Modes icon at the bottom-left. From there, select Transparency to switch.

7

Update the AirPods Firmware

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1. Apple occasionally releases firmware updates for AirPods. If a firmware update is available, it will install automatically when your AirPods are turned on and connected to an iPhone or iPad over Bluetooth.[8]
   • To check the firmware version for your AirPods, open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad, tap the "i" in a circle next to your AirPods, and see the "Version" section.
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8

Update iOS on Your iPhone or iPad

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1. Keep your operating system up to date so you always have the latest bug fixes. Apple releases a major operating system update yearly, as well as security and bug fixes as needed. Sometimes these updates address issues that affect AirPods, including updates to improve audio and Bluetooth connections. To update iOS:[9]
   • Open the Settings app.
   • Tap General.
   • Tap Software Update.
   • If an update is available, install it.

9

Reset Your AirPods

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1. "Forgetting" and re-pairing your AirPods can fix microphone issues. While this will erase any custom settings you've created for your AirPods, such as button configurations, it can clear up microphone problems like cutting out, distortion, and static.[10]
   • AirPods 1, 2, 3, and AirPods Pro 1 & 2
     • Place your AirPods into their charging case and close the lid.
     • Wait 30 seconds and then open the lid. Leave the lid open.
     • Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
     • Tap Bluetooth.
     • Tap the "i" in a circle next to your AirPods.
     • Tap Forget This Device and then confirm.
     • Press and hold the button on the back of the charging case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber and then white.
     • Pair your AirPods again by bringing them close to your phone or tablet and following the on-screen instructions.[11]
   • AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3
     • Place your AirPods into their charging case and close the lid.
     • Wait 30 seconds and then open the lid. Leave the lid open.
     • Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
     • Tap Bluetooth.
     • Tap the "i" in a circle next to your AirPods.
     • Tap Forget This Device and then confirm.
     • Open the charging case lid.
     • Double-tap the front of the case when the status light is on.
     • Double-tap again when the light flashes white.
     • Double-tap again when the light flashes faster.
     • When the light flashes amber, then white, pair your AirPods again by bringing them close to your phone or tablet and following the on-screen instructions.
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10

Check for Water Damage

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1. Did any liquids get into your AirPods? While AirPods Pro and 3rd- and 4th-generation AirPods are water-resistant and sweatproof, no other AirPods models are water-safe.[12] Even if your AirPods are water resistant, they aren't waterproof, which means you should never bring them into the shower or sauna, run them through the washer, or submerge them. If water gets into your AirPods, they can make your microphone (and every other feature of your AirPods) stop working entirely.
   • If your AirPods got wet, dry them out completely in a dry room for at least a full day before trying to use them again.
   • If you have AppleCare+, you can replace water-damaged AirPods for a small fee.

11

Contact Apple for Support

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1. If your AirPods microphone is still not working or the quality is still bad, contact Apple. Visit getsupport.apple.com to contact Apple's support team via instant chat or phone call. You can also use the support site to find an Authorized Service Provider (ASP) who can repair your AirPods.
   • Apple is aware of some sound issues affecting AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. If you have either of these models, hear static or cracking sounds, and your AirPods were made before October 2020, you can have your AirPods serviced by an Apple ASP at no cost.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question Why is my AirPods mic not working? James Bell Tech Expert James Bell is a Phone Repair Specialist at Phone Techs in Winchester, California. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in cell phone, tablet, game console, and PC repairs. Phone Techs is an Akko Partner. James Bell Tech Expert Expert Answer AirPods microphones are susceptible to dust blockage and liquid contamination. They can also get clogged up or damaged by debris, which can cause them not to work. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 32 Helpful 45

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References

1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/119912
2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/airpods/dev57e5b7e58/web
3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-the-sound-input-settings-mchlp2567/mac
4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-set-up-and-test-microphones-in-windows-ba9a4aab-35d1-12ee-5835-cccac7ee87a4
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/tCL4y7-2nM4?si=N7ssbM3yrKJYFx7Y&t=48
6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102672
7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108918
8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/106340
9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118575

More References (3)

10. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118531
11. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118531
12. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105046

About This Article

Co-authored by: James Bell Tech Expert This article was co-authored by James Bell and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. James Bell is a Phone Repair Specialist at Phone Techs in Winchester, California. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in cell phone, tablet, game console, and PC repairs. Phone Techs is an Akko Partner. This article has been viewed 384,849 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 7 Updated: March 6, 2026 Views: 384,849 Categories: Audio

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Article SummaryX

1. Charge your AirPods if the microphone isn't working at all. 2. Switch to one microphone if your microphone cuts out. 3. Turn off Noise Cancellation or try Transparency Mode. 4. Clean the microphones and speakers. 5. Check for water damage. 6. Reset the AirPods and pair again. 7. Update the firmware and iOS. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: James Bell Tech Expert Click a star to vote Co-authors: 7 Updated: March 6, 2026 Views: 384,849

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