AirPod Mic Not Working? 6 AirPods Fixes to Try (2026)

Your AirPod mic stopped working and people on calls can’t hear you. Start by cleaning the mic mesh and checking the Bluetooth microphone setting.

#Why Does Your AirPod Mic Stop Working?

Earwax and lint can pack into the small mesh holes on the AirPod stem and block sound from reaching the microphone. The microphone setting can also be pinned to one earbud, and a stale Bluetooth pairing can interrupt call audio.

Work through the cleaning, settings, pairing, and firmware checks before considering a repair.

#Fix 1: Clean the Microphone Mesh

This is the fastest fix. The microphone sits at the bottom of each AirPod stem inside a small mesh grille that collects earwax, pocket lint, and skin oil.

Grab a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean cotton swab. Don’t use water or isopropyl alcohol directly on the mesh. Brush across the grille in short strokes, holding the AirPod upside down so debris falls out rather than in. After cleaning, make a short Voice Memos recording or test call to confirm the mic is picking up sound.

#Fix 2: Check the Microphone Setting in Bluetooth

iOS lets you pin the mic to one earbud or let it switch automatically. If you’ve set it to “Always Left AirPod” or “Always Right AirPod” and that bud has low battery or a glitch, the mic goes dead entirely.

Go to Settings > Bluetooth > [your AirPods] > Microphone and select Automatically Switch AirPods.

Apple’s AirPods settings guide explains that either earbud can act as the microphone when Microphone is set to Automatic. If you recently reset or re-paired the AirPods, check the setting again.

#Fix 3: Check App Permissions and Call Routing

If your mic works in Voice Memos but fails in a particular calling app, check that app’s permission and the active call route.

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and allow access for the affected third-party app if it appears in the list. Apple’s iPhone microphone guide says to contact the app developer if the app is not listed. The built-in Phone app does not have a separate microphone toggle there.

Check routing during a live call by tapping the audio icon. If AirPods aren’t listed as an option, the re-pair fix in the next section is your next step.

#Fix 4: Re-Pair Your AirPods

Re-pairing creates a fresh Bluetooth connection after cleaning and settings checks have failed.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the i icon next to your AirPods. Tap Forget This Device and confirm. Put both AirPods in the case and open the lid.

For AirPods 1, 2, or 3 and AirPods Pro 1 or 2, hold the setup button on the back for about 5 seconds, until the status light flashes white. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 use a double-tap sequence on the front of the case instead. Hold the open case next to your iPhone and follow the pairing prompt. According to Apple’s pairing guide, the exact control depends on the AirPods model.

If you’re dealing with AirPods that won’t connect at all, run that guide first since the pairing process is slightly different.

#Fix 5: Update AirPods Firmware

Check the AirPods firmware before diagnosing a hardware fault.

Check your version at Settings > Bluetooth, tap the Info button next to your AirPods, then scroll to About. Compare the model and version with Apple’s current firmware page, which Apple updates as new builds are released.

You can’t trigger a firmware update with a button. Apple says to keep the AirPods in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac connected to Wi-Fi, connect the case to power, close the lid, and wait at least 30 minutes. Reconnect the AirPods afterward and check the version again.

If you’re also seeing AirPods sound muffled, a firmware update sometimes fixes both at once.

#Fix 6: Factory Reset Your AirPods

A factory reset clears the AirPods pairing and starts fresh. Use this only after trying fixes 1 through 5.

According to Apple’s model-specific reset instructions, AirPods 1, 2, or 3 and AirPods Pro 1 or 2 use this sequence: put both AirPods in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, open it, then hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber and then white. AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 use three double taps on the front of the case instead. Then pair the AirPods again.

After resetting, go back to Settings > Bluetooth > [your AirPods] > Microphone and set it to Automatically Switch AirPods.

#When Should You Contact Apple Support?

If all six checks fail, contact Apple for a hardware diagnosis.

Check coverage at checkcoverage.apple.com using the serial number from Settings > Bluetooth > i icon > Serial Number. According to Apple’s AirPods repair page, a personalized estimate depends on the device, service option, and coverage.

If one earbud also drains faster than the other, see our guide on why one AirPod dies faster before booking a repair.

#Bottom Line

Start with cleaning the mic mesh and setting the microphone to Automatically Switch AirPods. If the mic still fails, check the affected app and call route, re-pair the AirPods, update their firmware, and then reset them. Contact Apple if all six checks fail.

For the phone side of call problems, our article on iPhone microphone not working covers the same issue from the device end.

#Frequently Asked Questions