AirPods Microphone Not Working: How To Fix In Minutes

Working from home, I have to get on a call with my manager almost every day, and my AirPods come in handy.

That was until yesterday when I realized the AirPods microphone was not working on calls.

So, while I could hear the sound from the other end, my voice was not going through. I had to switch to using my phone’s microphone to finish the call.

Later, after double-checking my AirPods, I started sifting through troubleshooting guides to figure out what was wrong with the microphone.

Most articles talked about cleaning the AirPods or reconnecting them to my phone, but neither helped.

Finally, I came upon a forum related to Siri listening in. And my AirPods microphone was back to normal within seconds.

If your AirPods microphone is not working, turn off the Listen for “Hey Siri” option in the Siri menu. If the AirPods microphone continues not to work, reset the AirPods and re-pair them with your audio device.

Stop Siri From Listening in

Siri is a really helpful tool for hands-free calls and text message dictation.

But it needs access to your device (or AirPods) microphone to listen to your commands for such tasks.

However, if you are using AirPods on a call, Siri may prove more of an obstacle than help while trying to listen in.

This can cause the AirPods microphone to stop your voice from getting to the person on the other end.

Fortunately, you can resolve this by limiting Siri’s access to your AirPods’ microphone.

• Open Settings on your iOS device.
• Select Siri & Search.
• Turn off Listen for “Hey Siri”. 

Note: You don’t need to worry about missing out on Siri, as you can find an option in ‘Siri & Search’ which enables you to access it by pressing the ‘Side’ button.

Check Your Microphone Settings

Each AirPod has its own microphone allowing you to make calls and interact with Siri effortlessly.

By default, the microphone is set to ‘Automatic’, which means either of your AirPods can act as one. So, even if you are using one AirPod, it will be the microphone.

However, if you set the microphone to one AirPod and use the other one during a call, your voice won’t go through.

To fix this problem, you need to use the specific AirPod or change your microphone settings.

• Launch Settings.
• Open Bluetooth.
• Click on the i icon beside your AirPods.
• Go to Microphone.
• Select Automatically Switch AirPods.

An Update Can Fix Your AirPods Microphone

Updating your AirPods firmware to the latest version can also help you get its microphone working again, as reported by several people.

These are the latest firmware versions for various AirPods models.

You can check your AirPods firmware version via these steps on an iOS device:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth.
3. Tap on the i icon next to your AirPods name.
4. The About section will display the firmware version under Version. 

If your AirPods are missing the latest patch, you can’t manually install it.

But you can force an update by putting them inside the charging case connected to a power supply near the paired iOS device for a couple of hours.

Otherwise, you will have to wait for Apple to release a new update.

Updating the firmware is also a highly effective fix if your AirPods are flashing orange.

Note: You can’t update AirPods via an Android device. If you are an Android user, you need to connect your pair to an iOS device to update them.

Clean Your AirPods Microphone

Using AirPods for a long time without cleaning them can cause dust and dirt to accumulate in the microphone.

This, in turn, can cause the microphone to stop working normally.

The microphones are located on the bottom of your AirPods. Inspect the area and make sure it’s not clogged.

Use a cotton swab, soft toothbrush, or smooth dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the microphone.

You can also use a small amount of rubbing alcohol to clean them. But avoid using any other fluid (like water), as it can damage them.

Apart from that, make sure your AirPods are not running on low battery. If they are, put them on charge for an hour before using them.

Dirt can also be a reason why your right AirPod is not charging.

Reset Your AirPods and Re-pair Them

Resetting your AirPods should be your penultimate solution.

Doing so will disconnect them from your paired device and eliminate all pairing malfunctions causing the microphone not to work.

Follow these steps to reset your AirPods:

1. Put the AirPods in the charging case and close its lid.
2. Wait for 60 seconds.
3. Open the case lid and take out the AirPods.
4. Go to Settings on your iOS device.
5. Choose Bluetooth.
6. Click on the i icon beside your AirPods.
7. Select Forget This Device and restart your iOS device.
8. Now, place your AirPods back in the case, but keep the lid open.
9. Long-press the Setup button for 10-15 seconds or until the LED turns white.
10. Follow the connection prompt on the audio device screen to connect your AirPods.

If you use AirPods with an Android device, you can re-pair them via ‘Available Devices’ under ‘Bluetooth’ settings.

This method is also a proven fix if your left AirPod Pro is not working.

Microphone Still Not Working? Get Your AirPods Replaced

If you have followed all solutions detailed in this guide but can’t get your AirPods microphone working again, it may be damaged.

In that case, you will need to repair or replace them by contacting Apple Support.

Apple provides a one-year warranty for any AirPods hardware repair.

However, if you have purchased AppleCare+, you will get two years of accidental damage protection at a service fee of $29 per incident (plus any applicable tax).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my AirPods sound robotic?

Your AirPods may produce a robotic sound due to accumulated debris or outdated firmware.

How do I test my AirPods microphone?

You can test if your AirPods microphone works by calling someone or recording a voice note or video.

How can I reset my AirPods microphone?

You cannot reset your AirPods microphone. However, you can reset your AirPods to fix any microphone issues via these steps:

Put your AirPods in the charging case, but keep the lid open. Next, press and hold the ‘Setup’ button on the case for 10-15 seconds or until the LED turns white.

Where are my AirPods microphone settings?

You can find your AirPods microphone settings by navigating to Settings > AirPods on your iOS device.