8 Simple Ways to Fix Microphone Problem on Android
Let’s admit it, Android mic problems aren’t uncommon. Having microphone problems on your Android is definitely one of the most annoying things that a phone user can experience. Isn’t it frustrating when you’re in the middle of a call and suddenly all you hear is static? What if it was an urgent business call? What if it was a phone interview?
The cause can be either software malfunction or hardware damage. Inspect damages to your phone. Did you drop your smartphone recently? Did you install apps that can potentially affect your mic? If you didn’t do either of these things but are still experiencing problems, don’t worry. I have tips on how to fix microphone problems on Android.
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Causes of Android Mic Problems
There are various causes on why your phone’s mic is not working. Let’s look at a few of them:
- Sound hindrances. Check if there are any obstructions in the microphone. (It’s possible that your mic glitch could have a build-up of dirt. When was the last time you cleaned your phone?)
- Software upgrades
- Third-party apps
- Hardware problems
I made a guide for you to follow down below. Fixing the microphone problem on your Android phone is surprisingly simple. Following the steps below could save you a lot of time and money and help you avoid paying for a technician.
Side note: To check whether your microphone is working fine after each quick fix, use your recorder or do a test call to a friend or family member.
Tips to Fix Your Microphone Problems on Android
- Do a Quick Restart
- Clean Your Microphone With a Pin
- Disable The Noise Suppression
- Remove Third-Party Apps
- Use One Microphone at a Time
- Force Stop Bixby Voice
- Install Phone Doctor Plus App
- Get it Repaired
1. Do a Quick Restart
To fix the microphone problem in your Android, try this simple trick first up! If you haven’t restarted your phone in a long time, now is as good a time as any. Restarting your smartphone clears any open apps, and can possibly be a quick fix to your problem.
Turn off your phone and wait for about 10-30 seconds before turning it on again. The process will refresh your system. Check to see if the problem is solved.
2. Clean Your Microphone With a Pin
This mic fix on your Android phone is simple, yet it’s super helpful. Your phone accumulates dirt from using it for extended periods of time.
Mobile phones are vulnerable to dust or small debris, and can get into the small openings of your phone. You might not know it, but tiny fabric pieces can get stuck, especially if you’re always carrying it in your pocket.
Your mic is a small hole beside the USB connector. You can either blow at it directly or get a small pin or a thin needle and carefully poke the hole to remove any dirt inside.
3. Disable The Noise Suppression
Some Android phone releases come with a cool feature called noise suppression/noise reduction. It reduces the background noise when you are on a call or recording a video.
However, this can be a cause of why your microphone is acting up.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Call Settings.
- Look for the Noise Reduction option and disable it.
- Restart your phone and check if the problem is solved.
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4. Remove Third-Party Apps
Some applications can cause your phone to malfunction. They can sometimes interfere with your phone and users might experience minor anomalies. and this might be the root cause of the microphone problem in your Android.
Run your phone in safe mode to disable all third-party apps temporarily. Try a test call or use the recorder to check the microphone.
If it is working fine, then the culprit is within your apps. You can check the apps that are using the microphone by going to Settings -> Apps -> App permissions -> Microphone permissions.
You can try checking each app one by one, but that can take time. If you want a quick fix, you can back-up your phone to retain all vital information and do a factory reset.
Related: Award-Winning Android SMS Backup and Restore Software for You
5. Use One Microphone at a Time
You might not notice it, but you might have connected your phone to a Bluetooth device that has its own mic. Be sure to disconnect your phone from other devices and do a quick restart.
Related: 9 Best Bluetooth Headsets on Amazon
6. Force Stop Bixby Voice
Are you a Samsung Galaxy S9 user who is experiencing the same problem? It could be because of the Bixby Voice.
Open your phone’s settings and tap Apps. From there, select Bixby Voice, choose Force Stop and check if the problem is solved.
7. Install Phone Doctor Plus App
Phone Doctor Plus has a toolkit that will let you test your earphones and microphone. It is multi-patent, and it has real system information, functions, and can check about 30 smartphone hardware items.
8. Get it Repaired
Get it fixed, which is one of the last options for fixing the microphone problem on Android. If your microphone is broken or malfunctioning, you should have it serviced at a service center.
You can call the customer service hotline to get additional information about the phone. If your phone is still under warranty, you won’t have to pay anything.
If your phone has passed its warranty time, you will be responsible for the repair costs or the microphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I test if my microphone has problems?
Try using your recorder or call a friend and see if your microphone is working satisfactorily.
Why is my microphone not working?
There are various causes of why your phone’s mic might not be working: sound hindrances, software updates, or third-party apps can affect these performance.
Where can I find apps on my device that can affect my microphone?
Go to Settings -> Apps -> App Permissions -> Microphone permissions. Here, you can see the apps that use the microphone.
How do I fix microphone problem on Samsung?
Samsung advises its users to try these methods to fix the microphone problem in their Samsung phones.
1. Remove accessories connected if any
2. Check the microphone by restarting and recording the voice
3. Check in safe mode. If the mic works fine in the safe mode, uninstall the apps, and recheck the mic in normal mode after turning safe mode off.
4. Check for software updates (Settings > About device > Software update > Update now)
5. Reset your device if none of these methods work
Note: If the microphone problem still persists, visit the nearest Samsung service center.
How do I change microphone settings on Android?
To change the microphone settings on Android, go to Settings > Apps > Permissions > Microphone. You’ll see the apps that have permissions to change the microphone settings. Allow or deny microphone access for apps as needed.
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Soundcheck
If you don’t get the results that you’re looking for, I strongly recommend that you do not try opening your device yourself. It will be better to get someone who knows what they’re doing. A friend might have advised you on a “quick fix” that can solve your problems by taking your phone apart and doing everything yourself but that might just do further damage.
Let the experts do it for you. If you have recently purchased your phone and it is still under warranty, make the most of it. Go to the nearest shop and have a professional handle the problem.
Did any of the steps above solve your Android microphone problems? Did you find any other fixes that can help your fellow Android users? You can share it with me through the comments section below.
I want to connect an external audio source via the headphone/mic jack on a Note 9. Nothing seems to work to make the phone recognize and use the mic input when a plug is inserted.
And yes, I am using a TRRS plug with ground on the second ring and the sleeve as the input signal. What makes Android recognize the plug insertion and use the external mic as input and turn off the internal mic?
I did a safe mode reboot and my mic is perfectly working on safe mode this means that it isn’t working due to a 3rd party app.
So how am I gonna find out that which app is the bad guy here.
Hi Kurosket, we recommend to observe all of your 3rd party apps. In most cases, the culprit could be those that require the use of the microphone.
How can we do that?
Hi Devapanchami,
You can know which third-party apps use the microphone by going to the app settings and check the third party app permissions. Look for microphone use. If this permission is checked for any of the apps, then most likely its using your phone’s microphone.
Wait. What is a safe mode reboot? Does it affect apps….I’m assuming it doesn’t.
Hi Heidi! Safe mode is a diagnostic tool that will help you get to the root of the problem. While safe mode is on, it will not load the apps but once you turn it off, your phone will run normally. If you want to know more about safe mode, this article might be a big help https://techsamaritan.com/what-is-safe-mode/
I see several are with me and have issues with Android Arlo app transmitting Mic to Arlo Pro cameras. I have reinstalled all twice now, checked all permissions, did a mic check with no issues. I have narrowed it down to phone as it works on laptop fine. I know Arlo is not my Galaxy repair service but hoping you have some input.
I have tried everything under the sun & still can’t get my ZTEM max pro to work, I’m sure the issue is with software, because what ever I try people CANNOT hear me
1) I can record conversation & can play it back perfectly,
2) I can record conversation while plugging the top mic hole
3) I can record conversation while plugging the bottom mic hole
4) I can even record conversation while plugging both mics simultaneously !!
I’ii be if I can figure out this thing out INCLUDING ALL YOUR SUGGESTIONS!!
PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!
Sorry guys I really experience the mic since yesterday & my Techno K7 has no call settings how is there any other option
Thanks that was useful
Thanks!
My microphone works nicely but whenever during a call I turn on my phone speaker,it stops working
Please help me.
It also happens sometimes when I don’t turn on speakee
Installing Phone Doctor Plus and letting it run made my mic work again. Before that people could only hear me if i turned on tye speaker during my calls. I had the same thing happen with the same exact phone and went and purchased a new one. Probably didn’t need to. Thanks for the fix.
Hi John! Glad we could help!