When your AirPods don’t work and stop picking up your voice, every call turns into a guessing game of “Can you hear me?” The sound quality might 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 that most of them can be fixed in minutes. This guide tells you all the best ways you should try to fix your AirPods mic so they are ready to use them again 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 clearer than the other, stick with it as your default microphone.
Clean the Microphones and Charging Case
If you have used your AirPods for months without cleaning, dust, pocket lint, or skin oil can clog the microphone mesh on the AirPods stem. Use a dry cotton swab or soft brush to gently clean around the mic area.
Avoid using liquid cleaners or sharp objects, because moisture and abrasion can permanently damage the mesh. Further, check inside the charging case. If the grim or debris gets inside the contact, it will stop proper charging, which in turn causes the mic to be unpredictable.
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. Many AirPods users have claimed that disabling these modes during conversations improves clarity.
Follow these steps to do that 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 video streaming, music or podcasts.
Check for Bluetooth Issue
If you’ve connected your AirPods to multiple devices, including iPhone, MacBook, or Apple TV, trouble happens when they switch connections mid-use. That can leave your microphone linked to one device while you’re talking through another.
Here’s how to fix this issue created by Bluetooth connections:
- Temporarily turn off Bluetooth on all other nearby devices.
- Reconnect your AirPods to the device you currently want to use.
You can also disable automatic device switching under the AirPods’ Bluetooth settings if this situation happens a lot.
Reset and Re-Pair Your AirPods
If your AirPods still refuse to use their microphone properly, reset them to clear up most firmware or Bluetooth glitches. Here’s how to do it:
- Place both AirPods in the case, close the lid, and wait for 30 seconds.
- Open the lid and go to Settings → Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Tap the (i) next to AirPods and choose Forget This Device.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED flashes amber, then white.
- Put the case near your device and follow the setup prompt to connect AirPods to your iPhone.
Inspect for Moisture Damage
AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) are water- and sweat-resistant, but they aren’t waterproof. If your AirPods have been exposed to rain, heavy sweat, or water, the mic could get temporarily disabled.
If that happens, dry them in a cool, dry place for at least 24 hours but do not use heat or compressed air. If the microphone still doesn’t work afterward, and your AirPods are under AppleCare+, Apple will replace the damaged AirPods at a reduced cost.
Update Your Firmware and iOS
Firmware updates mostly come with 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.
This is how you can check the AirPods’ current firmware version:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to your AirPods.
- Look for the Firmware Version in the About section.
Also, make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest OS version. Apple’s system updates frequently include the company’s product-related bug fixes that you might not even know, and these patches also contain AirPods fixes.
When to Contact Apple Support
If you’ve gone through all these steps and your AirPods microphone still doesn’t work, the issue might be hardware-related. You can contact 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 has a free service program for known sound issues, which likely includes microphone failures.
Final Thoughts
Most AirPods microphone problems are due to settings conflicts, minor software issues, or debris buildup, not permanent damage. A quick cleaning, reset, or adjustment to mic settings can mostly bring them back to full function.
If nothing works, Apple’s repair or replacement process is fast, especially if your AirPods are still under warranty. Your AirPods are small, but they’re sensitive 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.
