How to Repair Airpods’ Microphone

By default, AirPods automatically select the microphone to use. If you experience voice interruptions when using the microphone, disable automatic microphone selection so that AirPods stop switching between the two microphones. Proceed as follows:

• Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
• Tap Bluetooth .
• Tap the “i” in the circle next to the AirPods.
• Tap the Microphone option at the bottom of the screen.
• Select Always Left or Always Right . ^[2]
• Try talking to someone on the phone or make a recording to check. If the quality of the microphone still does not improve, try switching to another microphone (left or right).
• If you use only one microphone, you may experience problems when the battery of the headset used with the microphone is running low. If the microphone does not work when you use only one microphone, switch to the other microphone and try again.

The majority of AirPods Pro and Max users say that disabling the entire noise cancellation mode improves microphone quality. If other people can hear ambient sounds louder than your voice, disabling all special mode during calls will fix the problem. You can always reselect your favorite noise cancellation mode when listening to music or podcasts.

• Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
• Tap Bluetooth .
• Tap the “i” icon in the circle next to AirPods.
• Tap Off . ^[3]

Use a dry cotton swab to remove dirt. AirPods can accumulate dirt, especially in the recesses of the microphone and speaker. If the microphone is muffled, your voice will be hard to hear or unclear during calls and recordings. Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the dirt in the recessed areas, and avoid pressing hard on the speaker grille. ^[4]

• Use a soft, dry, dust-free cloth to clean the AirPods or AirPods Pro case.
• Do not use sharp, rough objects or wet wipes to clean AirPods.

Are AirPods waterproof? Although Airpods Pro and third-generation AirPods are waterproof and sweat-proof, the rest of the lineup doesn’t have these two features. ^[5] Even if AirPods are waterproof, they can still get wet, which means you shouldn’t use them in the shower or sauna, put them in the washing machine, or soak them in water. water. If water gets into the AirPods, the microphone (and other AirPods features) will be damaged.

• When AirPods get wet, you need to dry them in a dry place for at least a day until completely dry before using.
• If you have AppleCare+, you can replace your damaged AirPods with water for a relatively low cost.

“Forget” and re-pair AirPods can fix Bluetooth problems. While this deletes any customizations you’ve created for your AirPods, such as button settings, it can fix microphone issues such as intermittent, hard-to-hear, and squeaky sound.

• Place your AirPods or AirPods Pro in the charging case and close the lid.
• Wait 30 seconds and open the lid. Keep opening the lid.
• Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Tap Bluetooth .
• Tap the “i” icon in the circle next to the AirPods.
• Tap Forget This Device and confirm.
• Press and hold the button on the back of the charging case for about 15 seconds until the light shows amber and turns white.
• Pair your AirPods again by placing them near your phone or tablet and following the onscreen instructions. ^[6]

Selecting Transparency Mode instead of Active Noise Cancelation (ANC for short) can fix the problem. Transparency Mode helps you hear more outside sounds than ANC – in theory, that’s what you hear instead of others. However, the majority of AirPods Pro and Max users on the Apple forums said that others can hear better when you use Transparency Mode instead of ANC. ^[7]

• To switch to Transparency Mode on AirPods Pro, you will squeeze and hold one of the earbuds until you hear an alarm.
• To switch modes on AirPods Max, press the noise control button on the top of the headset, right next to the Digital Crown.

Apple releases firmware updates for AirPods from time to time. The new update will automatically install when AirPods are turned on and connected to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth.

• To check the version of the firmware you’re using, open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad, then tap the “i” in the circle next to your AirPods and look at the “Version” section. .

Update your operating system so you always have the latest fixes. Apple releases operating system updates each year, along with necessary security and bug fixes. These updates sometimes fix issues affecting AirPods, including updates that improve Bluetooth connectivity and sound. Update the iOS operating system in the following way:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap General .
• Tap Software Update .
• Install available updates.