From time to time, you may encounter issues with the AirPods wireless headphones microphone, either due to dust buildup in the microphone hole, headphone settings, etc. If your AirPods microphone isn't working, you hear noise during a call, or the person you're talking to can't hear clearly, the following may help:
1- Reconnect AirPods to iPhone:
Reconnecting your AirPods to your iPhone can help fix some problems with your AirPods, and all you need to do to reconnect is to plug both earbuds into the charging case and take them out again.
Also check the AirPods battery level as the volume will drop when the battery has less than 10% charge. Make sure to charge your AirPods for at least 30 minutes before trying to use them again.
2- Clean the microphone grille:
If your AirPods wireless headphones have been used for several months, a lot of dirt may have accumulated in the microphone hole, which can affect the sound quality during calls. So, clean the microphone grille to remove the dirt that is causing the problem.
To clean your AirPods, spray rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, and don't get too wet. Next, gently wipe the microphone grille on the bottom of the AirPods, then use a toothpick to remove any visible dirt, being careful not to damage the grille covering the microphone.
3- Make sure that the AirPods are not exposed to water:
AirPods are water and sweat resistant, but you should not submerge them in water or swim with them in your ears because the microphone may not work properly or your hearing may be muffled if water gets into the earcups. If your AirPods get a little wet or sweaty, wipe them with a soft, dry cotton cloth. Do not use a heat source and do not air dry.
4- Check your microphone settings:
If only one microphone is working on your AirPods, it may be due to a configuration you have done. So, follow the steps below to check if your microphone setting is enabled to use two microphones:
- Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone, then open the Settings app.
- Select (AirPods) and tap the (Microphone) option on the AirPods settings page.
- Select the option (Automatically switch AirPods) instead of (Always left AirPods) or (Always right AirPods). This ensures that your AirPods automatically select the best microphone for audio reception.
5- Restart the iPhone:
Restarting your iPhone and all devices connected to your AirPods can fix issues like microphone issues.
To restart the latest iPhones that support Face ID, press and hold the side power button and either volume button at the same time for a few seconds. On older iPhone models that have a screen button, press and hold the side power button until the lock screen appears.
Then swipe the (Power) icon to the right to turn off the phone, wait 30 seconds, then press the side power button again to restart the iPhone, then try using the AirPods to make sure the problem is resolved.
6- Update the operating system on the iPhone:
AirPods microphone problems can be caused by an iOS issue. So make sure your iPhone is running the latest OS version by going to the Settings app, then General, then (Software Update). If a new update is available, install it and then make sure that the AirPods microphone problem is fixed. .