The situation when during a call the interlocutor complains about the lack of sound, but you hear it perfectly, is one of the most common and annoying faults in smartphones Samsung Galaxy. This can happen both during a conversation over a cellular connection and in instant messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram. Most often, the problem lies not in a software glitch, but in the physical blocking of the microphone or a conflict in privacy settings.
In this article we will analyze in detail the diagnostic and troubleshooting algorithm, ranging from simple actions that take a couple of minutes to complex engineering tests. You will learn how to check microphone performance without third-party apps and understand whether a visit to a service center is required or the problem can be solved at home.
Primary diagnosis and physical causes
First of all, it is necessary to exclude banal physical obstacles. In modern smartphones Samsung microphones are located in different parts of the body: the main one (for speech) is usually located at the bottom, and the additional one (for noise reduction) is at the top. If these holes are clogged with dust, lint from clothes or pocket debris, the sound simply does not pass through to the membrane.
Carefully inspect the bottom end of the device in good lighting. Often the protective mesh becomes so clogged that brushing does not help. In this case, it is recommended to use a soft toothbrush or a can of compressed air, but you must act extremely carefully so as not to push the dirt deeper inside the case.
It is also worth checking whether there is a case installed on the phone that blocks the technical hole. Some silicone overlays, especially those that are not original or manufactured out of tolerance, may physically block access to microphone. Remove the case and try calling someone or recording a voice note.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to clean the microphone holes with a needle, pin, or toothpick. You risk damaging the protective membrane or piercing the microphone itself, which will lead to irreversible damage and require module replacement.
If physical cleaning does not produce results, move on to the software part. Sometimes the system freezes and does not switch the audio input to the desired microphone when changing modes (for example, when turning on speakerphone).
Try switching between normal mode and speakerphone during a call. If in hands-free mode (where another microphone is used) you can be heard well, then the upper microphone is working, and the problem is in the lower module or its connection.
Checking access rights and application settings
In versions of Android 10, 11 and later, which are installed on most current ones Samsung Galaxy, there is a strict control system privacy. The application may not have access to the microphone, even if it was installed a long time ago and worked correctly after system updates.
To check this, go to Settings → Applications. Find the problematic application in the list (for example, Phone, WhatsApp or Voice Recorder) and click on it. Next, select item Permissions. Make sure that the switch opposite the item Microphone is activated.
If permission is granted, but the problem persists, try resetting the application itself. This will not delete your data (contacts or correspondence), but will return the app to the factory configuration settings.
- 📱 Go to
Settings → Applicationsand select the desired app. - 🗑️ Click button
MemoryorStoragein the application menu. - 🔄 Select the option
Clear cacheand thenClear data. - ✅ Restart your smartphone and check the sound.
Often the problem occurs after a system update, when new security policies block access to background processes. In this case, checking access rights is a mandatory step before any complex manipulations.
Diagnostics through the Samsung engineering menu
In smartphones Samsung there is a hidden service menu that allows you to test all hardware components, including microphones, without installing third-party software. This is the most reliable way to understand whether the problem is hardware or software.
Open the application Phone and enter the special code #0#. A grid with various tests will appear on the screen. We are interested in the button Loopback or section related to audio. In some firmware, the microphone test is included in a separate button Mic.
When you start the test, the system will prompt you to speak into the microphone. If you see that the audio level indicator responds to your voice, then the microphone is physically working and transmitting a signal to the processor. If the indicator is silent or twitches barely noticeably, the problem lies in the hardware.
#0# -> Mic / Loopback -> Speak into the handset -> Look at the graphPlease note that in the Loopback menu two channels are often tested: the main (Receiver) and the speakerphone (Speaker). Test both options to localize the faulty module.
What to do if the code #0# does not work?
On some telecom operators or in certain regions, this code may be blocked. In this case, download the official Samsung Members app from the Galaxy Store. In the "Diagnostics" -> "Hardware Tests" section, find the microphone test.
Reset settings and update software
If tests show that the microphone works, but there is no sound in specific applications, a software conflict may have accumulated in the system. Problems with audio drivers or Google services may block audio transmission.
The first step is to update your software. Go to Settings → Software update → Download and installation. Even if the system says that you are using the latest version, try running the scan again - sometimes security packages fix hidden audio bugs.
A more radical but effective method is to reset the network settings. This action will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but often solves problems with audio routing when calling via VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling.
| Action | Impact on data | Effectiveness with audio problem |
|---|---|---|
| Reset settings network | Removing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairs | High (if communication failures) |
| Clearing the partition cache | Safe, data is not deleted | Medium (if glitches after updates) |
| Factory Reset | Deleting all data from the phone | Maximum (excludes software completely) |
If all else fails, the last software step remains - a full reset to factory settings. Before doing this, be sure to back up your data via Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
⚠️ Attention: A full reset will delete all photos, contacts and applications from the device’s internal memory. Make sure you have an up-to-date backup before clicking the confirm button.
☑️ Preparing for a full reset
The influence of energy saving modes and calls
Modern algorithms Samsung aggressively optimize energy consumption, which sometimes Causes the microphone to mute in background applications or when the signal is poor. Power saving mode may limit the operation of the audio processor.
Try disabling all power saving modes and checking communication functionality. It is also worth paying attention to the function Noise reduction. In some cases, it does not work correctly, perceiving the user’s voice as extraneous noise and completely drowning it out.
To disable this function, go to the application Phone → Three dots (menu) → Settings → Other call settings. Here, find the item Noise reduction and try changing its state (turn it on or off) to see if the situation changes.
Also, check your accessibility settings. Sometimes accidentally activated Hearing aid or mono mode can redirect audio streams in the wrong way, creating the illusion of a broken microphone.
If the problem only appears when the power saving mode is on, add the problematic application to the list of "Applications that will not go to sleep" in the battery settings.
When repairs are needed: hardware faults
If all software methods exhausted, the engineering menu shows no signal, and cleaning did not help, we are talking about a hardware failure. In smartphones Samsung Galaxy the bottom microphone often fails due to moisture, even if the phone did not sink, but was simply in a room with high humidity.
Also a common cause is the microphone cable coming off after a fall. In this case, the contact disappears periodically: today they can’t hear you, and tomorrow after a light tap on the body the sound appears again. This is a clear sign of poor contact.
Replacing the microphone in modern models is a simple procedure for the service center, but requires care. Often the microphone is soldered into the bottom board (sub-PCB), and the entire assembly, including the charging connector, has to be replaced.
- 💧 Ingress of moisture or condensation (oxidation of contacts).
- 📉 Mechanical damage after an impact or fall.
- 🔌 Loss of the cable or connector inside case.
- 🔥 Failure of the audio codec on the motherboard (rare).
The cost of repairs usually depends on the phone model and the price of spare parts. In most cases, replacing the bottom board takes about 30-60 minutes.
Can a microphone be repaired by blowing at home?
It is strictly not recommended. Blowing with your mouth creates moisture, which will only speed up oxidation. The use of compressors can create excess pressure which will damage the membrane. It is better to entrust ultrasonic cleaning to specialists.
Why can’t they hear me only on WhatsApp, but in regular calls everything is ok?
This indicates a software conflict with a particular application or a lack of access rights. Check permissions for WhatsApp in Android settings and try reinstalling the application.
Does the protective glass affect the operation of the microphone?
No, the protective glass is glued to the screen and does not cover the microphones that are located at the ends. However, cheap cases with thick sides can block the bottom hole.
What is the Loopback test and why is it important?
Loopback is a test in which the sound from the microphone is sent directly to the speaker. This allows you to instantly hear whether the microphone-processor-speaker circuit is working without having to call someone.