Mar 05, 2020 Most Macs, including all laptops, have a built-in microphone, but an external microphone typically affords better sound quality. Different Macs have different port configurations: Not all Macs have a line-in port, and some models of MacBook have a single audio port that can be used as both audio line-in and line-out. Jan 25, 2020 If your microphone is not working as expected, these websites and apps will be useless. Configure the microphone settings On your Mac, go to Apple menu System Preferences Sound Input and select a mic (built-in internal one usually) and check the input levels.
Lately, users have been facing issues with the AirPods microphone not working. With no whereabout and troubleshooting idea, this eventually lighted an entire discussion thread, sharing various reasons. While AirPods serve as a handy tech gadget for listening to music, calling, and syncs well with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, there can be some odd days when they stop functioning well.
Acknowledging all of this, I decided to explore possible reasons behind facing this issue and solutions to overcome it.
- Quick fixes for your AirPods microphone not working
Where is the microphone located in AirPods?
We all know that AirPods have a powerful microphone. However, not many know where it's located. Perhaps, this is why resolving the AirPods microphone not working can be a challenge. So, before we go ahead, let's first know this.
Your pair of AirPods have two noise-reduction microphones. They can be found at the bottom of the main shaft. It's the thin silver section with matching grills.
Now that you know the location let's learn about possible reasons behind it not working.
Possible reasons for the AirPods microphone not working issue
Microphone On Macbook Pro Not Working
- Dust particles: It might be due to a fall or after an adventurous outing that dust may accumulate in or around your microphones.
- Not fully charged: Another common reason can be your AirPods running out of battery.
- Pairing issue: This can be due to slow processing, not picking Bluetooth signal, etc. Though rarely faced, this is pretty common in wireless devices, especially when there's some form of interference.
- Settings: This shouldn't need an explanation. Most of the issues on smart devices can be resolved by making slight changes in the settings.
Now that we are acquainted with the possible reasons, let's get to know;
Quick fixes for your AirPods microphone not working
1. Clean the microphone
Microphone Not Working Macbook Air
Take a dry cotton swab and clean your microphone using it. Also, consider cleaning with a soft-bristled brush to remove debris, if any. I would suggest you do this with speaker meshes from time to time to ensure having a seamless listening experience. Just remember being gentle.
2. Resolve the AirPods battery issue
- Dust particles: It might be due to a fall or after an adventurous outing that dust may accumulate in or around your microphones.
- Not fully charged: Another common reason can be your AirPods running out of battery.
- Pairing issue: This can be due to slow processing, not picking Bluetooth signal, etc. Though rarely faced, this is pretty common in wireless devices, especially when there's some form of interference.
- Settings: This shouldn't need an explanation. Most of the issues on smart devices can be resolved by making slight changes in the settings.
Now that we are acquainted with the possible reasons, let's get to know;
Quick fixes for your AirPods microphone not working
1. Clean the microphone
Microphone Not Working Macbook Air
Take a dry cotton swab and clean your microphone using it. Also, consider cleaning with a soft-bristled brush to remove debris, if any. I would suggest you do this with speaker meshes from time to time to ensure having a seamless listening experience. Just remember being gentle.
2. Resolve the AirPods battery issue
If your AirPods run off battery quickly, consider turning autodetection mode on. Here's how to do it.
Note: Ensure your AirPods are connected with your iPhone or iPad and active.
- Open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the (i) icon against your AirPods. Now, turn on autodetection mode.
3. Reconnect your AirPods
Turn off Bluetooth and switch it on again after some time. While this will reconnect your AirPods to iPhone and iPad, I suggest you take your AirPods off and keep them in the case for around 10 seconds. This should help resolve the issue.
If this doesn't work, you may also consider doing a factory reset for your AirPods.
4. Check Bluetooth settings on iPhone
Mic On Macbook Not Working
- In the Settings app on your iPhone, tap Bluetooth.
- In the list of My devices, select your AirPods.
- Tap Microphone and select either left or right AirPod from the available options.
5. Connect with Apple Care center
If none of those mentioned above fixes work, there's probably some hardware issue. Under such a scenario, I would recommend visiting the nearest Apple Care center for a solution.
AirPods microphone not working? Find all the solutions
The solutions listed here are based on fundamental reasons that may affect the performance of your microphone. I hope that these helped you resolve the issue. If you have any other pro-troubleshooting tips or concerns, share them in the comments below.
Mayank is a published author and a tech-blogger with over ten years of writing experience for various domains and industries. At iGeeks, he mostly writes about blogs that solve user-problems and guide them on unleashing the full potential of their Apple Device. He can often be found with his headphones on, typing to the rhythm of some country song.
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