How to Fix an AirPods Microphone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Do people tell you that your voice sounds muffled or cuts out when using your AirPods on calls? Whether you own AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or standard AirPods, microphone issues can be frustrating, especially when you’re expecting crystal-clear audio from your premium headphones.
This guide will walk you through how to fix an AirPods microphone and ensure your mic works properly for calls, voice recordings, and virtual meetings. By following these steps, you can address common microphone problems and get back to enjoying clear, uninterrupted audio.
Keep reading to learn the best solutions for fixing your AirPods microphone, from cleaning to resetting your device and adjusting settings.
If your AirPods microphone isn’t working, several factors could be causing the issue, including dirt buildup, connectivity problems, or incorrect settings. Understanding these common causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll learn how to fix an AirPods microphone for good. With a few simple adjustments, you can restore clear audio and enjoy seamless communication.
1 Check the Battery
Check Your AirPods Battery Level
One of the most common reasons for AirPods microphone issues is a low battery. If your AirPods battery is low, the microphone may cut out or stop working entirely. This happens because your AirPods might try to use the mic from one AirPod that has insufficient battery, leading to inconsistent audio quality.
1. Charge Your AirPods
If people can’t hear you clearly or if your voice cuts in and out during calls, place your AirPods in their charging case and let them charge for at least 30 minutes before trying again. A fully charged battery ensures stable microphone performance.
2. Check the Battery Level
To verify your AirPods’ battery status:
- Place your AirPods (original or Pro) into the charging case.
- Open the case lid and hold it close to your iPhone or iPad.
- Wait a few seconds—your device will display the charging status of both the AirPods and the case.
Ensuring your AirPods have enough battery is a simple but crucial step in learning how to fix an AirPods microphone for clear and uninterrupted calls.
2 Try Using Only One Microphone
Check Your AirPods Battery Level
One of the most common reasons for AirPods microphone issues is a low battery. If your AirPods battery is low, the microphone may cut out or stop working entirely. This happens because your AirPods might try to use the mic from one AirPod that has insufficient battery, leading to inconsistent audio quality.
1. Charge Your AirPods
If people can’t hear you clearly or if your voice cuts in and out during calls, place your AirPods in their charging case and let them charge for at least 30 minutes before trying again. A fully charged battery ensures stable microphone performance.
2. Check the Battery Level
To verify your AirPods’ battery status:
- Place your AirPods (original or Pro) into the charging case.
- Open the case lid and hold it close to your iPhone or iPad.
- Wait a few seconds—your device will display the charging status of both the AirPods and the case.
Ensuring your AirPods have enough battery is a simple but crucial step in learning how to fix an AirPods microphone for clear and uninterrupted calls.
3 Turn Off All Noise Cancellation (AirPods Pro and Max)
Disable Noise Cancellation to Improve Microphone Quality
Many AirPods Pro and AirPods Max users report that disabling noise cancellation modes can help improve microphone quality. If the issue is that background noise is louder than your voice, turning off noise cancellation while on a call might solve the problem. Once the call is over, you can switch back to your preferred noise cancellation setting for music or podcasts.
1. Turn Off Noise Cancellation
To disable noise cancellation:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
- Tap Off under the Noise Cancellation section.
Turning off noise cancellation can be a quick fix for improving your AirPods microphone performance during calls. Afterward, you can easily return to your favorite mode when listening to music or podcasts.
4 Clean the Microphones and Speakers
Clean Your AirPods to Improve Microphone Performance
Dirt and debris can accumulate in the recessed areas of your AirPods, especially around the microphone and speaker mesh. If these areas are blocked, your voice may sound muffled or distorted during calls and recordings. Cleaning your AirPods can help restore clear audio quality.
1. Clean the Microphone with a Cotton Swab
To remove dust and debris:
- Use a dry cotton swab to gently swab away dirt from the microphone and speaker areas.
- Be careful not to press too hard into the mesh to avoid damaging the components.
2. Clean the AirPods Case
- Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the case of your AirPods or AirPods Pro.
3. Avoid Harmful Cleaning Tools
- Never use sharp, abrasive, or wet materials to clean your AirPods. These can damage the delicate parts.
If cleaning your AirPods yourself doesn’t help, consider taking them to an Apple Store for professional cleaning to ensure proper care and maintenance.
5 Check for Water Damage
Check for Water Damage in Your AirPods
Did any liquids get into your AirPods? While the AirPods Pro and 3rd generation AirPods are water-resistant and sweatproof, no other AirPods models are truly water-safe. Even water-resistant models are not waterproof, so you should never take them into the shower, sauna, wash them, or submerge them in water.
If water gets into your AirPods, it can cause the microphone—and other features—to stop working entirely.
1. Dry Your AirPods
If your AirPods got wet, place them in a dry room and let them air out for at least a full day before trying to use them again. This will allow any moisture inside to evaporate.
2. Consider AppleCare+ for Water Damage
If you’re an AppleCare+ subscriber, you may be able to replace your water-damaged AirPods for a small fee.
Be sure to avoid exposing your AirPods to excessive moisture in the future to prevent potential damage.
6 Reset Your AirPods
Re-Pair Your AirPods to Fix Bluetooth Issues
If you’re experiencing microphone problems like cutting out, distortion, or static, “forgetting” and re-pairing your AirPods can often resolve Bluetooth issues. Keep in mind, this process will erase any custom settings you’ve applied to your AirPods, such as button configurations, but it can help fix persistent connection or microphone issues.
1. Reset Your AirPods
- Place your AirPods (or AirPods Pro) into their charging case and close the lid.
- Wait for 30 seconds, then open the lid again (leave it open).
2. Forget the Device
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
- Tap Forget This Device, then confirm the action.
3. Reset the Charging Case
- Press and hold the button on the back of the charging case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber and then white.
4. Re-Pair Your AirPods
- Bring your AirPods close to your iPhone or iPad and follow the on-screen instructions to re-pair them.
This method can help resolve issues with your AirPods microphone and improve Bluetooth connectivity.
7 Try Transparency Mode on Calls (AirPods Pro and Max)
Switch to Transparency Mode to Improve Microphone Clarity
If you’re facing issues with your AirPods microphone, such as background noise overpowering your voice, switching to Transparency Mode may help. Transparency Mode lets more external noise in compared to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which can be beneficial for improving how clearly others hear you during calls. Many AirPods Pro and AirPods Max users have reported that they are heard more clearly in Transparency Mode than with ANC enabled.
1. Switch to Transparency Mode on AirPods Pro
- Squeeze and hold one of the stems of your AirPods Pro until you hear a tone, indicating the mode has changed to Transparency Mode.
2. Switch to Transparency Mode on AirPods Max
- Simply press the noise control button on the top of the earpiece, next to the Digital Crown dial, to toggle to Transparency Mode.
Switching to Transparency Mode can help others hear you more clearly, making it a useful adjustment if you’re experiencing microphone issues.
8 Update the AirPods Firmware
Check for Firmware Updates for Your AirPods
Apple frequently releases firmware updates for AirPods to improve performance, including microphone functionality. If an update is available, it will install automatically when your AirPods are turned on and connected to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth.
1. Check Your AirPods Firmware Version
To check the firmware version of your AirPods:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods.
- In the “Version” section, you will see the current firmware version.
Keeping your AirPods updated ensures that you have the latest performance improvements and bug fixes, which may help resolve microphone issues.
9 Update iOS on your iPhone or iPad
Keep Your iOS Updated for AirPods Performance
To ensure your AirPods work properly, it’s important to keep your operating system up to date. Apple releases major iOS updates annually, along with security patches and bug fixes as needed. These updates can resolve issues that affect AirPods, including improving audio quality and Bluetooth connections.
1. Update Your iOS
To update your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.
Regularly updating your iOS ensures your AirPods receive the latest fixes, which can help resolve any microphone or connectivity issues you may encounter.
10 Contact Apple for Support
Contact Apple Support if Your AirPods Microphone Isn’t Working
If your AirPods microphone is still malfunctioning or the audio quality remains poor, it’s time to reach out to Apple for further assistance. You can contact Apple Support via instant chat or phone call by visiting Apple’s Support Website. Additionally, you can use the site to find an Authorized Service Provider (ASP) who can repair your AirPods.
1. Apple Support for Known Issues
Apple is aware of certain sound issues affecting AirPods Pro and AirPods Max models. If you have either of these models and experience static or cracking sounds, and your AirPods were made before October 2020, you may be eligible for free servicing by an Apple ASP.
Reaching out to Apple Support can help resolve persistent microphone problems and ensure your AirPods are working at their best.
