Microphone not working on a phone or tablet: how to fix it

Test the microphone

Open this page on the phone with the problem, press Start microphone test, allow the prompt, and speak. Audio is analysed on the device and never uploaded. Then narrow the problem down:

• The test works but one app does not: the problem is that app's permission or settings.
• Calls fail but the test works, or the reverse: phones often use different microphones for different tasks, so one may be blocked.
• Nothing works anywhere: work through the fixes below, then see when it is the hardware.

Fixes for any phone

1. Disconnect Bluetooth. Audio may be routed to earbuds, a car, or a watch. Turn Bluetooth off and test again. This is a very common cause.
2. Restart the phone. This releases a microphone held by a stuck app.
3. Remove the case and screen protector. Either can cover a microphone hole.
4. Clean the holes gently. Use a soft dry brush. Do not push a pin or needle in, because that can damage the microphone's protective mesh.
5. Close other apps. Calls, voice recorders, and screen recorders may hold the microphone.
6. Update the system and the app. Install pending updates, then test again.

Fix the microphone on Android

Menu names differ between Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Pixel, and other brands, so use the search bar in Settings if yours looks different.

Turn on microphone access

1. Swipe down to open Quick Settings.
2. Find the Microphone access tile and turn it on. On supported phones, turning it off blocks every app.
3. Alternatively, search Settings for Microphone access.

Allow the app

1. Open Settings → Apps and choose the app.
2. Open Permissions → Microphone.
3. Choose Allow only while using the app.

For a browser, also open the site's settings from the menu next to the address bar and allow the microphone.

Reset the app

In the app's settings, clear its cache, then reopen it. If that fails, reinstall it. You may lose data stored only in that app.

Rule out other apps

Restart in Safe Mode, if your phone offers it, and test the built-in recorder. If it works there, a third-party app may be interfering.

Fix the microphone on iPhone and iPad

Allow the app

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone.
2. Turn on the app you are using.
3. For dictation or voice commands, check Speech Recognition in the same section.

Allow Safari

If the microphone prompt never appears on a website, open Settings → Apps → Safari (or Settings → Safari on older versions), open Microphone under Settings for Websites, and choose Ask or Allow. Then reload the page.

Check the microphones separately

Record a short video with the front camera, then the rear camera, and play both back. Then record a Voice Memo. If only one is quiet or silent, that microphone may be blocked or faulty.

Reset settings if needed

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset → Reset All Settings restores settings without deleting your data, but it removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and preferences. Treat it as a late step.

External and wireless microphones

• USB-C and Lightning microphones: try a different adapter. Some adapters are audio output only, and some apps need to be told to use the external input.
• Wireless clip-on receivers: confirm the transmitter is paired and not muted, and check that the app accepts an external microphone. A receiver can appear connected while the app keeps using the built-in microphone.
• Earbuds: if your voice is faint on calls, check which earbud is set as the microphone in its app, or use the phone's microphone.

Different problems on a computer? See the headset microphone guide or the general microphone fix.

When it is the hardware

Suspect a fault if the built-in microphone stays silent in calls, video, and the recorder, with Bluetooth off and after a restart. Water damage or a drop are common causes. Back up your phone and contact the manufacturer or a repair shop.

Frequently asked questions