We’re not going to mince phrases — should you’re right here, there’s an affordable probability that a number of of the microphones in your AirPods are damaged. However earlier than you soar to that conclusion, there are a selection of troubleshooting steps you possibly can strive that may be easier fixes than spending cash at an Apple Retailer.
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Assuming your AirPods are charged and related, you possibly can strive techniques like rebooting gadgets, flipping Bluetooth and/or Automated Ear Detection on and off, and ensuring all software program and firmware updates are in place. You also needs to clear your AirPods and test their microphone settings. In the event you’re nonetheless unsuccessful, you possibly can strive resetting your AirPods, however after that you will want to speak to Apple help.
How one can repair AirPods microphone that’s not working
Aside from the ultimate two, that are a bit extra drastic, the steps under will be tried in any order you are feeling like. Additionally, whereas a few of these may appear apparent, it’s helpful to rule them out earlier than resorting to Apple help or shopping for a wholly new set of headphones.
Cost your AirPods
![AirPods Pro battery levels AirPods Pro battery levels](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AirPods-Pro-battery-levels.jpg)
It occurs to the most effective of us — considering our headphones are good to go, however on checking, realizing that we skipped charging for one too many workdays or health club classes. Keep in mind, lithium batteries will proceed to empty even once they’re not getting used, if often very slowly.
You may test AirPods’ battery life by bringing them an Apple machine and opening the case. In the event that they’re already in your ears, test your machine’s Batteries widget. In fact, in case your headphones are totally depleted, you gained’t see any on-device information.
Put your AirPods again of their case
That is unlikely to do a lot, however placing your AirPods again of their case for 30 seconds or so may power a state change that “wakes up” your microphones.
Toggle Bluetooth on and off once more
The audio pathways in iOS and iPadOS will be…quirky. That signifies that should you power a Bluetooth audio machine to reconnect, it would resume working correctly. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and flip the toggle backwards and forwards. You too can strive the identical on a Mac by going to Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth.
Toggle Automated Ear Detection on and off once more
Normally, ear detection is a superb function of AirPods and plenty of different trendy headphones, provided that it saves the difficulty of pausing and restarting playback when that you must discuss to somebody. Nevertheless it may very well be that your AirPods aren’t kicking again into gear once they’re alleged to, during which case you would possibly strive going to Settings > [your AirPods’ name here] and toggling Automated Ear Detection on and off once more. Your AirPods must be on and related for these menu gadgets to seem.
Examine microphone settings
A comparatively unknown function of AirPods is that with earbud fashions (not the Max, in different phrases), you possibly can power them to favor the left or proper bud for mic enter. The default is automated switching.
To be sure you’ve received the configuration you want, go to Settings > [your AirPods’ name here] > Microphone and select between Mechanically Change AirPods, All the time Left AirPodor All the time Proper AirPod.
Replace software program and firmware
![Apple AirPods Pro 2nd generation true wireless earbuds setup pop up iphone update The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) case is open and contains the earbuds next to an iPhone 12 mini, which prompts the user to update to iOS 16.](https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Apple-AirPods-Pro-2nd-generation-true-wireless-earbuds-setup-pop-up-iphone-update-scaled.jpg)
Lily Katz / Android Authority
It may very well be {that a} firmware glitch is inflicting havoc. In all probability not, however there methods to test your firmware model and power an AirPods replace if one is offered.
It’s additionally price updating iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and/or macOS. Regardless of Apple’s outdated “it simply works” mantra, the corporate is commonly squashing bugs and altering compatibility. To be honest, some bugs are going to be not possible to foretell in an more and more complicated tech panorama.
Clear your AirPods
In case your AirPods are actually filthy, it’s attainable that a number of mic inputs are blocked. Be aware that there’s a selected method of safely cleansing AirPods, and it’s vital to comply with this to keep away from damaging the microphones or creating blockage the place there wasn’t any earlier than.
Restart related gadgets
Typically, restarting an iPhone, iPad, or Mac could reset issues behind the scenes in a method that resolves audio issues. Ever discover that your iPhone runs barely smoother after a reboot? Comparable idea.
Reset your AirPods
That is the primary of our “drastic” choices, however resetting AirPods actually doesn’t harm a lot. It’s extraordinarily simple to re-pair them, and all that you must do after that’s make sure that settings like quantity and noise cancellation are again the way in which you like. As soon as AirPods are related along with your Apple ID, you’ll additionally be capable of swap audio between new and outdated Apple gadgets with zero effort.
Contact Apple help
In the event you’ve tried the entire earlier steps with none success, that implies a {hardware} or software program difficulty that solely Apple or a licensed restore outlet can resolve. Go to Apple’s help web site or e book an appointment at an Apple Retailer or third-party service store.
In the event you’re not lined below AppleCare, be ready to pay for repairs, assuming they’re attainable. AirPods aren’t actually designed to be mounted, so it’s extra probably you’ll be given a substitute or (should you’re out of guarantee) must pay for a substitute your self. Wanting the very expensive AirPods Max, it could make extra sense to improve to the most recent AirPods, or discover one other highly-rated earbud model.