How to Fix AirPods Microphone Not Working Issue?

When an AirPods microphone stops working, your voice may be silent, muffled, or static on calls/recordings. In most cases, the problem is one of these: the app is using the iPhone/iPad mic instead of AirPods, the mic mesh is blocked, one AirPod is not connected/charging, the battery is low, or Bluetooth has a temporary glitch.

Note: These steps are for iPhone/iPad (iOS/iPadOS). If you use AirPods with Mac/Android/Windows, the same ideas apply (routing, permissions, cleaning, re-pairing), but menu paths differ.

1. Make Sure the Call/App Is Using AirPods for Audio Input/Output

AirPods can be connected, but the call/app may still use the iPhone/iPad microphone. Fix routing first so you are not troubleshooting the wrong input.

1. Put AirPods in your ears and confirm they are connected.
2. Start a test call or open Voice Memos.
3. On a phone call, tap Audio (speaker icon) and select AirPods.
4. In third-party apps (WhatsApp/Zoom/Instagram/Discord), open the in-call audio/device menu and select AirPods, then retest.

2. Disable Siri from AirPods Controls

This is mainly to rule out odd behavior while testing. If it makes no difference, you can turn Siri controls back on later.

1. Put AirPods in your ears and make sure they are connected.
2. Open Settings.
3. Tap your AirPods.
4. Open the control option (Press and Hold / Double-Tap, depending on model).
5. Change the action from Siri to another option (such as Noise Control / Listening mode) and test the mic.

3. Try One AirPod Microphone at a Time

AirPods can switch the mic between left/right. If one side is clogged or the switching gets stuck, your voice can drop out. Locking the mic to one side gives stable testing and helps identify a bad AirPod.

1. Put AirPods in your ears and open Settings.
2. Select your AirPods.
3. Tap Microphone.
4. Select Always Left AirPod and test.

If the left works, switch to Always Right AirPod and test again. If only one side works, the other likely has a blocked mesh, charging/contact issue, moisture damage, or an internal mic fault.

4. Clean the AirPods

A blocked mic opening can cause muffled voice or static. Clean the mic meshes on the stem/housing, not only the main speaker grille.

1. Place AirPods on a clean, dry surface.
2. Wipe with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
3. Gently brush the mic mesh with a soft, dry brush. Do not use sharp tools and do not push debris into the mesh.

5. Turn Off AirDrop

Rarely, heavy wireless scanning in crowded areas can affect stability. Turning off AirDrop is a quick test to reduce background activity while you troubleshoot.

1. Open Control Center.
2. Tap AirDrop.
3. Select Receiving Off, then test a call/recording.

6. Reset AirPods

Resetting clears pairing/config glitches and forces a clean reconnect. Make sure the case and AirPods have enough charge before you start.

1. Forget AirPods on your device.
2. Put both AirPods in the case and charge the case for a few minutes.
3. Open the lid and press/hold the case button until the light flashes amber, then white.
4. Bring the open case near your iPhone/iPad and pair again.

If the microphone still does not work: After routing checks, single-side mic testing, permissions, battery/charging verification, cleaning, and a reset, the issue is likely hardware-related (damaged/clogged mic mesh, moisture damage, charging/contact damage, or a failing mic). Test the AirPods on another iPhone/iPad to confirm, then contact Apple Support or your retailer for service options.