AirPods Microphone Not Working: Fixes That Work

If your AirPods microphone isn’t working, the fix is usually a quick settings change, a re-pair, or a cleaning—not a trip to the Apple Store. This guide walks you through the most common causes and the exact steps to get your mic back online, whether you’re on calls, recording voice memos, or using Siri.

Why Your AirPods Mic Stops Working

AirPods microphones fail for a handful of reasons, and most are surprisingly mundane. The most frequent culprit is automatic microphone switching—your AirPods may be routing audio to the mic that’s clogged with debris or damaged. Other common causes include:

• Bluetooth glitches: Temporary software hiccups that break the audio link.
• Low battery: When one bud dies, the mic can drop out.
• Dirty or blocked mesh: Earwax and lint physically block the tiny mic ports.
• Outdated firmware: Bugs that Apple patches in updates.
• Settings misconfiguration: The mic might be set to “Automatic” when you need it on one specific bud.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Start with these three steps—they resolve the majority of mic issues in under two minutes.

1. Toggle microphone settings: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your AirPods, then tap Microphone and switch from “Automatic” to “Always Left” (or Right). Make a test call. If it works, you’ve found the issue—switch back to Automatic later.
2. Re-pair your AirPods: Put them in the case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then re-open. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap “Forget This Device.” Hold the setup button on the back of the case until the light flashes white, then re-pair as new.
3. Clean the mic mesh: Use a dry, soft-bristled brush (a clean toothbrush works) to gently sweep the small mesh openings on the stem or the outer edge of each bud. Do not use water, alcohol, or sharp objects—you can push debris deeper or damage the mesh.

Check Your Bluetooth and Battery

If the quick fixes didn’t work, look at the basics. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure your AirPods show as “Connected.” If they’re connected but the mic is dead, check the battery status—open the case near your iPhone and look at the popup. If one bud shows a very low charge, it may shut off its mic to save power. Put both buds in the case and charge them to 100% before testing again.

Also, check if your AirPods are connected to another device (like an iPad or Mac) that might be stealing the audio. Disconnect them from all other devices, then reconnect to your primary phone.

Update AirPods Firmware

Apple occasionally releases firmware updates that fix mic-related bugs. To force an update:

1. Place your AirPods in the charging case and plug it in.
2. Keep the case near your iPhone (within Bluetooth range).
3. Leave them connected for 10–15 minutes. The update installs automatically.

To check your current firmware, go to Settings > Bluetooth > tap “i” next to your AirPods—the firmware version is listed at the bottom. If you’re unsure what the latest version is, a quick web search will tell you.

When It’s a Hardware Problem

If you’ve tried all the above and the mic still doesn’t work on one specific bud, the hardware may be damaged. Common signs:

• The mic works in one bud but not the other, even when you set it to “Always Left” or “Always Right.”
• You hear crackling or static on calls.
• The mesh looks visibly dented or clogged beyond simple cleaning.

In this case, you have a few options:

• Use the other bud: Set the mic to the working side and use that bud for calls.
• Contact Apple Support: If your AirPods are under warranty (usually one year), you may get a free replacement.
• Consider repair: For out-of-warranty units, a battery or mic repair might cost less than new AirPods—but often it’s cheaper to buy a new pair.

AirPods Microphone Not Working on Android or PC

AirPods work with non-Apple devices, but the mic behaves differently. On Android or Windows, AirPods use the standard Bluetooth headset profile, which can be finicky. Here’s what to check:

• Check the input device: In your app or OS settings, make sure the input is set to “AirPods” (not the phone’s built-in mic).
• Disable absolute volume: On Android, go to Developer Options and turn off “Disable Absolute Volume” if you’re hearing no audio or mic issues.
• Use only one bud: Some Android devices only support mic input on one side—try using the left or right bud alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my AirPods mic work on calls but not voice memos?

This is usually a permissions issue. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and make sure the app (like Voice Memos) has permission enabled. If it’s already on, force-quit the app and try again.

Why is my AirPods mic so quiet?

A quiet mic is often caused by a partially blocked mesh or the mic being set to the wrong side. Clean the mesh gently, then test both buds individually by setting the mic to “Always Left” and then “Always Right” in Bluetooth settings.

Can I replace just the microphone in my AirPods?

Apple does not offer a standalone mic replacement. If the mic is faulty and your AirPods are out of warranty, you’ll likely need to pay for a battery service (which includes the mic) or buy new AirPods.

Why does my AirPods mic work only when I’m not wearing the other bud?

This is often a Bluetooth bandwidth issue. When both buds are active, the mic may switch to the bud that has a better connection. Try resetting your AirPods (forget and re-pair) and make sure both buds are fully charged.

Does the AirPods Pro mic work differently than the regular AirPods?

Yes—AirPods Pro have multiple mics (one inward-facing, one outward-facing) for noise cancellation, but the same troubleshooting steps apply. If you’re having mic issues on Pros, also check that noise cancellation isn’t causing a feedback loop on calls.

Will resetting my AirPods erase my settings?

Resetting (forgetting and re-pairing) will remove your custom double-tap settings and ear tip fit test results, but you can easily redo them. It won’t affect your Apple ID or other device settings.

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