Phone microphone not working? 9 fixes when people can’t hear you
A quick voice memo test shows whether the mic is broken or a setting is getting in the way.
The fix
9 fixes, in order
- 1
Test with a voice memo and a selfie video.
- 2
Make sure you are not muted on the call.
- 3
Turn off Bluetooth to stop headphones taking the mic.
- 4
Check microphone permission for the app.
- 5
Take off the case and screen protector.
- 6
Clean the mic holes with a soft dry brush.
- 7
Restart the phone.
- 8
Update the software.
- 9
Test in safe mode on Android, then book a repair if still silent.
Frequently asked questions
Why can people hear me on speaker but not normally?
Phones use a different mic for each mode. The bottom mic may be blocked or damaged. Clean it and test again.
Is it safe to use a pin to clean the mic?
Use a soft dry brush instead. A pin can push through the mesh and damage the mic.
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