When your AirPods don’t work and stop picking up your voice, every call turns into a guessing game of “Can you hear me now?” The sound quality might still be fine for music, but when you talk, nobody can hear you because the AirPods refuse to cooperate.
Before you think they are damaged or dead, you should consider some common causes, and most of them can be fixed in minutes. This guide tells you all the best ways you should try to fix your AirPod mics to use them on any device.
Charge AirPods and Reconnect
A low battery can create microphone dropouts or complete failure. Each AirPod has its own separate mic and power source, and when one runs low, the microphone can disable itself.
Put both AirPods in the charging case for at least 30 minutes, then reconnect them to your device. To check their charge levels, place the charging case near your iPhone or iPad and open it; you will see a status that tells you both earbuds’ battery percentage. If your AirPods have enough charge but the microphone still doesn’t respond, move to software and settings.
Turn Off Automatic Microphone Switching
By default, AirPods automatically switch which earbud works as the mic. It’s designed for convenience but can sometimes confuse the system, which leads to cutouts or muffled sound.
You can set the mic to always use one earbud instead of switching:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth and tap the (i) next to your AirPods.
- Scroll to Microphone and choose Always Left AirPod or Always Right AirPod.
Test both sides and if one sounds better and clear than the other, stick with it as your default microphone.
Clean the Microphones and Charging Case
Microphone issues often come down to simple obstruction. Dust, pocket lint, or skin oil can easily clog the small microphone mesh on the AirPods stem.
Use a dry cotton swab or soft brush to gently clean around the microphone area. Avoid using liquid cleaners or sharp objects — moisture and abrasion can damage the mesh permanently.
Also, check inside the charging case. Debris inside the contacts can stop proper charging, which in turn causes the mic to behave unpredictably.
Disable Noise Control Modes During Calls
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode are great for listening, but they sometimes interfere with how AirPods process your voice on calls. Disabling these modes during conversations can improve clarity.
On your iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to your AirPods.
- Tap Noise Control, then choose Off.
Once your call is done, you can turn ANC or Transparency Mode back on for music or podcasts.
Check for Bluetooth Issue
If you’ve connected your AirPods to multiple devices — an iPhone, MacBook, or even an Apple TV — they might be switching connections mid-use. That can leave your microphone linked to one device while you’re trying to talk through another.
To fix this:
- Temporarily turn off Bluetooth on your other nearby devices.
- Reconnect your AirPods to the device you’re currently using.
You can also disable automatic device switching entirely under your AirPods’ Bluetooth settings if this happens often.
Reset and Re-Pair Your AirPods
If your AirPods still refuse to use their microphone properly, a reset can clear up most firmware or Bluetooth glitches. Here’s how to do it:
- Place both AirPods in the case and close the lid.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Open the lid and go to Settings → Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Tap the (i) next to your AirPods and choose Forget This Device.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED flashes amber, then white.
- Reconnect your AirPods by holding the case near your iPhone and following the setup prompt.
After resetting, test the microphone in a voice memo or call.
Inspect for Moisture Damage
AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) are water- and sweat-resistant, but they’re not waterproof. If your AirPods have been exposed to rain, heavy sweat, or water, the microphone could be temporarily disabled.
Dry them in a cool, dry place for at least 24 hours — do not use heat or compressed air. If the microphone still doesn’t work afterward, and your AirPods are covered by AppleCare+, Apple can usually replace the affected unit at a reduced cost.
Update Your Firmware and iOS
Firmware updates often include small but crucial fixes for connection or audio performance. Unfortunately, AirPods update automatically when they’re connected to your iPhone or iPad and charging — there’s no manual “Update” button.
To check the firmware version:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to your AirPods.
- Look for the Version field.
Also ensure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest OS version. Apple’s system updates frequently include AirPods-related bug fixes behind the scenes.
Try Transparency Mode for Clear Calls
Some users report that switching to Transparency Mode improves microphone pickup during phone or FaceTime calls. The feature amplifies ambient sound, which can help balance your voice when speaking. To enable it, press and hold the AirPods stem until you hear a tone (or press the noise control button on AirPods Max).
When to Contact Apple Support
If you’ve gone through all these steps and your AirPods microphone still doesn’t respond, the issue might be hardware-related. You can reach Apple Support online at getsupport.apple.com or book a Genius Bar appointment for in-person help.
For AirPods Pro units manufactured before October 2020, Apple offers a free service program addressing known sound issues, which may include microphone failures.
Final Thoughts
Most AirPods microphone problems stem from settings conflicts, minor software issues, or debris buildup — not permanent damage. A quick cleaning, reset, or adjustment to mic settings usually brings them back to full function.
If nothing works, Apple’s repair or replacement process is typically quick, especially if your AirPods are still under warranty.
Your AirPods are small, but they’re still sophisticated audio hardware. Treat them with the same care you’d give your iPhone, and they’ll return the favor with clear sound — and a working mic — every time you call.
