With AirPods, Apple has created one of the finest wireless headphones on the market right now. AirPods blend the experience of listening to audio and having hands-free conversations seamlessly with their receptive microphone. The microphone on your AirPods is located at the end of the stems. In this article, we show you the easiest ways to fix AirPods microphones that aren’t working.
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Ensure your AirPods are charged
The AirPods microphone may not be working simply because it has run out of charge. Check the charge left on your AirPods by placing them in the case and holding it close to your iPhone. Sometimes the AirPods may work on a low charge but the microphone may stop working. Charge your AirPods to get the microphone working again.
Put the AirPods back in the case for 30 seconds
Putting your AirPods back in their case resets the Bluetooth connection with your iPhone and fixes any minor issue that may be keeping the microphone from working. Simply place the AirPods back in the case for roughly 30 seconds and take them out again. Once they are connected to your iPhone, check if the microphone is working. This is the easiest way to fix any minor issue with your AirPods.
Check the Microphone settings on your iPhone
If you’re experiencing the microphone issue with just one AirPod, the problem may lie with the microphone settings. You can specify which AirPod microphone should be in use. Usually, your iPhone switches the microphone by default, depending on the AirPod you’re using, but you may have changed this setting and forgotten about it. Follow the steps listed below to set it back to default.
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Bluetooth.
Step 2: Select the ‘i’ icon next to your AirPods in connected devices.
Step 3: Select ‘Microphone’ and tap ‘Automatically Switch AirPods’.
Clean the Microphone
It is quite common for the microphone on your AirPods to get clogged by dirt. The microphones are located at the end of the stems on your AirPods. You can use a cotton swab to clean the dirt or wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Blow on the microphone to remove any small dust particles and check if they’re working again.
Turn off Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation is a great feature to have on your wireless earbuds but sometimes it can mess with the functioning of the microphone. Turn off noise cancellation and check if the mic functions have been restored to normalcy. To disable noise cancellation for your AirPods, go to the Control Center and long-press the volume slider icon. Tap on ‘Noise Control‘ and select ‘Off‘.
Did you accidentally drop your AirPods in the water recently?
AirPods are rated IPX4 for water resistance, which means they are resistant to sweat and minor water splashes but not entirely waterproof. It is advised that you don’t wear your AirPods while swimming or taking a shower. If your AirPods were subjected to water recently, check them for water damage. Wipe the AirPods with a clean, dry cloth and place them in a bowl full of silicate packets.
Forget and Re-pair your AirPods
If you’ve tried all of the methods mentioned above and the microphone of your AirPods still isn’t working, it may be due to a corrupted connection to your iPhone. You can try ‘forgetting’ the AirPods and pairing them again. Just follow these easy steps.
Step 1: Go to Settings and select Bluetooth.
Step 2: Select the ‘i’ icon next to the AirPods under ‘My Devices’.
Step 3: Select ‘Forget this Device’.
Scan for new Bluetooth devices and re-pair your AirPods with your iPhone.
Update the firmware of your AirPods
An older firmware version can often lead to certain malfunctions on your AirPods. While there is no way to manually update the firmware of your AirPods, it will update automatically once your iPhone is paired with the earbuds and has a stable internet connection. To check the firmware version of your AirPods, connect them to your iPhone and go to Settings>Airpods and scroll to the About section. Tap on ‘Version’ to check the firmware version of the buds and the case.
Reset your AirPods
Resetting your AirPods takes care of any temporary issues that may be keeping the earbuds or the microphone from working. To reset your AirPods, press and hold the Setup button at the back of the charging case until the notification light turns amber. Make sure the earbuds are inside the case throughout this process. Now, turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and pair your AirPods again.
Reset Network Settings
Restoring the network settings to factory default can fix any connection issues springing from customised settings. You will need to re-pair all your Bluetooth and WiFi connections after performing network settings reset. Here’s how you can go about it.
Step 1: Go to Settings and select General.
Step 2: Scroll down and select ‘Transfer or reset iPhone’.
Step 3: Select ‘Reset’ followed by ‘Reset Network Settings’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a microphone on AirPods?
Yes, each earbud on your AirPods carries a microphone that is turned on by default as soon as the AirPods are connected to your iPhone. You can use this microphone to make phone calls and control Siri.
Where is the microphone on AirPods?
The microphone is located on the stem of the AirPods. You can find it below the control panel.
Why can’t callers hear me on my AirPods?
If your voice isn’t able to get through on a call while your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, there is something wrong with the microphone. Clean the microphone on either AirPod and try again.
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Conclusion
These are the best and easiest ways to fix your AirPods microphone if they ever stop working. If you’ve tried all the methods above and the issue with the microphone still exists, you may have to get the problem diagnosed at an Apple Repair Center.
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