How to fix an Android microphone that's not working

⚡ Fast fix

• Can't hear you? Test the mic in more than one app before assuming it's broken.
• App acting up? Check that it still has permission to use the microphone.
• Lint happens. A blocked microphone opening can muffle or block your voice.
• Restart first. A quick reboot can clear temporary microphone glitches.

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You start a call, record a voice message, or try to use voice search, and the other person can't hear you clearly—or at all.

Asurion Experts troubleshoot Android™ audio issues every day, and we've found the fastest way to narrow the problem down is to figure out whether it happens in one app or everywhere. Here's where we'd start.

Why did my Android mic stop working?

Most Android microphone problems come down to two things: something is physically blocking the microphone, or software is preventing an app from using it.

The physical issues are usually where we start. Debris packed into the microphone opening and water exposure are among the most common reasons we see microphones stop working. Settings and permissions are another common cause, but once those are set correctly, they usually stay that way unless someone changes them manually.

The goal is to figure out whether you're dealing with a hardware problem or a settings problem before you start changing things.

Test the microphone in more than one app

Before changing settings or assuming the microphone has failed, we want to know whether the problem follows the microphone or stays with one app.

The easiest way to answer that is by testing it in a few different places.

Try:

• Recording your voice in the Voice Recorder app.
• Making a phone call.
• Sending a voice message in another app.

If the microphone works everywhere except one app, the phone's hardware is probably fine. If two or three different apps all have the same issue, it's usually safe to assume the problem is with the microphone itself.

Check Android microphone permissions

If the microphone only stops working in one app, permissions are one of the first places we'd look.

Start inside the app that's giving you trouble. Some apps have their own microphone settings, and it's quicker to check those first before digging through the phone's system menus.

If everything looks normal there:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select the app.
4. Tap Permissions.
5. Make sure Microphone is set to Allow.

Close and reopen the app when you're finished, then test the microphone again.

Clean the microphone opening

It doesn't take much debris to affect a phone microphone.

Pocket lint, dust, and dirt can partially block the microphone opening, making your voice sound muffled or much quieter than normal.

Take a close look at the microphone opening near the bottom edge of the phone. If you see debris, remove it gently with compressed air or a soft brush. Avoid using metal objects or anything sharp, since they can damage the microphone.

If the phone was recently exposed to water damage, give it time to dry completely and avoid charging it until you're sure there's no moisture left. Water can affect microphone performance quickly, and if the problem sticks around afterward, the phone may need a repair.

Restart your phone and reset settings

If permissions look right and the microphone opening is clear, restart your phone next.

A restart clears temporary software glitches that can interfere with audio and app access. If the problem sticks around, a settings reset is worth trying before assuming the microphone itself has failed.

Keep in mind that a settings reset returns things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and system permissions to their defaults, but it doesn't erase your photos, apps, or other personal files.

When your Android microphone may need repair

By this point, we've usually answered the important question: is this an app problem, a settings problem, or a hardware problem?

If the same microphone issue shows up across multiple apps, you've already checked permissions, cleaned the microphone opening, restarted the phone, and reset settings, it's reasonable to suspect the microphone itself.

At that point, the troubleshooting becomes less about software and more about confirming whether the microphone or another internal component needs repair.

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FAQ

Why can't people hear me on my Android phone?

Start with the basics. Check for debris, microphone permissions, and whether the problem happens in more than one app.

How do I test my Android microphone?

Record your voice, make a phone call, and send a voice message. If all three have the same problem, the microphone may be the issue.

Why does my microphone only work in some apps?

That's usually a permissions issue. Make sure the app is allowed to use your microphone.

Can lint block an Android microphone?

Absolutely. It doesn't take much debris to muffle your voice or block the microphone opening.

Can water damage make my Android microphone stop working?

Yes. Even a small amount of moisture can affect microphone performance. If it doesn't improve after drying out, the phone may need a repair.