“They can’t hear me on a phone, but I can hear” - how to fix the problem on Android in 10 minutes

You call a friend or colleague, but instead of the usual “Hello” you hear: “Are you on a jammer? I can't hear you! At the same time, you can clearly distinguish each sound from the other side of the tube. Is the situation familiar? The problem when the interlocutor cannot hear your voice on an Android phone.occurs more often than it seems. This could be due to either trivial settings or hardware faults. In this article we will analyze all possible reasons —from a clogged microphone hole to firmware failures—and give step-by-step guide for smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme and other brands.

It is important to understand: if the problem appears suddenly, most likely it is a software failure or mechanical contamination. If the microphone stops working after being dropped, exposed to moisture, or repaired, you cannot do without a visit to the service center. But in 80% of cases you can solve the problem yourself in 5-15 minutes, without resorting to the help of specialists. Next is a detailed guide with illustrations, video instructions and proven life hacks.

1. Checking basic settings: volume, modes, resolutions

Start with the obvious - check the sound and resolution settings. Often, users accidentally activate modes that block the microphone or disable access to it for the Phone app. Here's what you need to do:

• 🔊 Microphone volume: During a call, press the volume up button - a slider will appear on the screen. Make sure the microphone level (usually indicated by a microphone icon) is not at zero. On some smartphones (for example Xiaomi), this option is hidden in the additional settings.
• 📵 Airplane or Do Not Disturb mode: Open the notification shade and check if these modes are activated. They may block voice transmission.
• 🔒 Permissions for the Phone app: Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions and make sure microphone access is turned on.
• 🎧 Connected headphones or Bluetooth devices: Sometimes the system “forgets” to switch back to the main microphone after turning off the headset. Try connecting and disconnecting the headphones again.

If you are using dual SIM cards, check the settings for each of them separately. On some smartphones (for example Samsung Galaxy A54), the microphone may be turned off for the second SIM when there is an active call on the first.

⚠️ Attention! On smartphones with Android 12+ (for example, Google Pixel 7 or OnePlus 11) the “Voice Improvement” function has appeared in the call settings. Sometimes it distorts the sound so that the other person hears you intermittently. Try disabling it in Settings → System → Sound → Voice enhancement.

2. Cleaning the microphone hole: dust, dirt, moisture

The most common physical reason is dirty microphone array. Dust, pocket lint, or makeup residue (if you're talking with the phone against your cheek) can block the sound. On most smartphones, the main microphone is located:

• 📱 At the bottom of the case (next to the connector USB-C or Micro-USB) - on Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Realme.
• 🔄 On the top edge (next to speaker) - on Google Pixel, OnePlus, some models Huawei.
• 🎤 An additional microphone for noise reduction may be on the rear panel (for example, on iPhone-shaped Android smartphones).

For cleaning you will need:

1. Soft toothbrush (new, not used for its intended purpose!). Gently move it along the microphone grille without pressing.
2. Compressed air (spray can for cleaning equipment). Hold it vertically at a distance of 5–7 cm from the hole.
3. Cotton swabmoistened in isopropyl alcohol (not water!). Wipe the area around the microphone with it without touching the membrane.

⚠️ Attention! Never use for cleaning:

• 🧴 Water or wet wipes - this can oxidize the contacts.
• 🔪 Needles, toothpicks, paper clips - they break through the protective membrane of the microphone.
• 🧲 Magnets - they disrupt the operation of the sensors.

If the problem remains after cleaning, it may be the microphone detached from the board (often happens after falls). In this case, only disassembling the device will help.

3. Checking the microphone through the built-in Android tools

Before taking the phone for repair make sure that the microphone really does not work. To do this, use built-in services or third-party applications:

Test method	How to do it	What the result means
Dictaphone	Open the standard "Dictaphone" application, record 5-10 seconds of speech and listen to the recording.	If the recording is clear, the microphone is working, the problem is in the call settings. If it's quiet/distorted, the microphone is dirty or broken.
Google Assistant	Say “Okay Google” or click the microphone icon in the search bar. Try asking a voice request.	If the Assistant recognizes speech, the microphone is working. If not, there is a hardware or system problem.
Call to voicemail	Call your number from another phone and leave a voice message.	Allows you to check the microphone in call mode (sometimes it turns off only during a call).
Third-party applications	Install Microphone Test or Voice Recorder from Google Play. They show the signal level in dB.	Levels below -40 dB at normal speech volume indicate a malfunction.

If the microphone does not work in any of the tests, continue to the next section. If it records sound, but the interlocutors do not hear you during calls, the problem lies in modem or firmware settings.

4. Resetting the network settings and updating the firmware

If the microphone is working, but the problem persists, the culprit may be mobile network settings or outdated software. Start by resetting network settings:

1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings (on some smartphones the path may differ: Settings → General → Reset).
2. Select "Reset network settings" or "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth".
3. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot and all network settings will return to factory settings.

After the reset, check if the problem is resolved. If not, update the firmware:

• 📱 Go to Settings → System → Update Software.
• 🔄 Click “Check for updates” and install available patches.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery charge is more than 50% before updating.

⚠️ Attention! On smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi after Major MIUI updates may cause the modem configuration to crash. If the problem appears after the update, try roll back to the previous version of the software via Fastboot or contact the service.

If there are no updates or they did not help, check APN settings (access points). Sometimes operators change parameters, and this affects the quality of calls:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN).
2. Select your operator's profile (for example, Beeline, MTS, Tele2).
3. If there are several profiles, try activating each one in turn and testing the microphone.

5. Problems with the SIM card and telecom operator

Sometimes it is not the phone that is to blame, but SIM card or operator. Here how to check:

• 📶 Switch on 3G/4G: In some regions, VoLTE (voice over 4G) is unstable. Try Settings → Mobile network → Network mode select "Only 3G" and test the call.
• 🔄 Reboot the SIM card: Turn off the phone, take out the SIM card, gently wipe it with a dry cloth (no alcohol!) and insert it back.
• 📞 Call with another SIM: If you have two SIM cards, try calling from each separately. If one works and the other does not, there is a problem with the SIM or tariff.
• 🏢 Contact the operator: Dial a combination to check the balance (for example, *100# for MTS or *111# for Beeline) and check whether outgoing calls are blocked.

If you recently changed your tariff or operator, check whether the service is enabled "Voice communication". On some tariffs (for example, “Internet cards”) it may be disabled by default.

What to do if the operator is at fault?

If the problem is on the operator’s side, request a report of the malfunction. According to the Law “On Communications” (Article 55), you have the right to compensation for interruptions in services if they last more than 24 hours.

6. Hardware faults: when repairs are inevitable

If all software methods have been tried, and the microphone still does not work, most likely the problem is hardware failure. Here are the most common reasons:

Cause	Symptoms	Solution
Detachment of the microphone from the board	The microphone periodically “disappears” when you press the housing. The sound appears if you press the bottom of the phone.	Disassembling and soldering of contacts is required. Cost: 800–1500 ₽.
Moisture ingress	The problem appeared after rain, swimming or condensation. There may be streaks on the screen.	Immediate drying in rice or silica gel (at least 48 hours). If that doesn’t help, replace the microphone.
Damage to the cable	The microphone works, but with interference. There may be problems with the speaker or camera.	Diagnostics in the service. Repair or replacement of the cable: 1500–3000 ₽.
Oxidation of contacts	The phone was dropped into water or was in a damp room. The microphone works intermittently.	Cleaning with alcohol and ultrasonic bath. In advanced cases, replace the microphone.

Average cost of replacing a microphone in service centers:

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy A-series: 1200–2000 ₽.
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note: 900–1500 ₽.
• 📱 Google Pixel: 2000–3500 ₽ (original spare parts).
• 📱 Budget smartphones (Tecno, Infinix): 600–1200 ₽.

⚠️ Attention! If you decide to replace the microphone yourself, consider:

• 🛠️ For Samsung and Google special screwdrivers are often required Pentalobe or Tri-wing.
• 🔥 When soldering, use a soldering station with a temperature no higher than 300°C, otherwise you will damage the board.
• 📦 Microphones for different models are not interchangeable (even if they look similar).

If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to contact professionals.

7. Hidden settings and engineering menu (for advanced)

If you are ready to experiment, you can try hidden Android settingsthat are not available through the standard interface. These methods are suitable for experienced users!

First, check engineering menu (works on most smartphones on MediaTek and some Qualcomm):

1. Open the Phone application.
2. Enter the code ##4636##.
3. Select "Phone information".
4. Scroll down to the block «Set audio» and check the settings microphone.

For smartphones on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, OnePlus, Xiaomi 11T) try the code ##843## —it will open a test of hardware components, including the microphone.

If you use root access, you can manually change the modem settings via Build.prop:

ro.telephony.call_ring.delay=0
persist.audio.fluence.speaker=true
persist.audio.fluence.voicecall=true

Add these lines to the end of the file /system/build.prop and reboot the phone. Be careful — incorrect editing can lead to bootloop (loop reboot).

8. solutions: instant messengers and external microphones

If repairs are postponed and you need to call urgently, use workarounds:

• 💬 Calls via instant messengers: In WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber use Internet calls. They often transmit voice better than the mobile network.
• 🎤 External microphone: Connect via USB-C or Bluetooth a headset with a microphone (for example, AirPods or Sony WH-1000XM5).
• 📱 Second phone: Use a second smartphone in hands-free mode or as a Bluetooth headset.
• 📹 Video calls: In Zoom or Google Meet sound quality is often better than a standard phone.

If you often encounter the problem, consider purchasing external microphone. data-i="281">On smartphones with (for example, Boya BY-M1 or Rode SmartLav+). It connects to the smartphone via USB-C or Lightning and provides crystal clear sound. Cost: from 1500 ₽.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about problems with microphone on Android

❓ Why do my interlocutors hear me quietly, but I don’t disappear completely?

This may be caused by:

• 🔇 Contamination of the microphone array (see section 2).
• 📉 Low microphone sensitivity (set in the engineering menu).
• 🎛️ Failure in the noise reduction settings (turn off in Settings → Sound → Voice enhancement).

Also check if do you cover the microphone with your finger during a call - on some smartphones (for example Samsung Galaxy S23) it is located next to the camera.

❓ After updating Android, the microphone stopped working. What to do?

This is a typical problem after major updates. Try:

1. Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset).
2. Clear the cache of the "Phone" application (Settings → Applications → Phone → Memory → Clear cache).
3. Roll back to the previous firmware version (if there is a backup).

If all else fails, write to the manufacturer’s support indicating the phone model and Android version. Sometimes they release “hot” patches for such bugs.

❓ Is it possible to fix the microphone. on your own?

Yes, but only if you are confident in your skills. For this you will need:

• 🛠️ A set of screwdrivers (Phillips, Pentalobe).
• 🔥 A soldering iron with a thin tip (if the microphone has moved away from the board).
• 🔍 Magnifying glass and tweezers.
• 📦 Spare microphone (buy at AliExpress or at a service center).

The difficulty of repair depends on the model. For example, in Google Pixel 6 the microphone is soldered to the motherboard, and in Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 it is on a separate cable. Before disassembling, look disassembly video specifically for your model on YouTube.

❓ Why does the microphone work in recordings, but does not work during calls?

This indicates a problem with modem or communication settings. Try:

1. Enable/disable VoLTE in the SIM card settings.
2. Reset network settings (see section 4).
3. Call through another application (for example, WhatsApp). If the microphone works there, the problem is in the standard “Phone” application.

On some smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22) there is a bug in which the microphone is turned off when Always On Displayis active. Try disabling this feature.

❓ How to check if your antivirus is blocking access to the microphone?

Some antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky, Avast) can block access to the microphone for unknown applications. To check:

1. Open your antivirus and find the section "Privacy Protection"** or "Permissions".
2. Check whether access to the microphone is blocked for the "Phone" application.
3. Temporarily disable the antivirus and make a test call.

If after disabling the antivirus the microphone works, add the “Phone” application to the exceptions or change the antivirus to a less aggressive one (for example, Bitdefender).