Have you noticed that the interlocutor asks you questions on the phone, and voice messages are recorded with interference? Or have applications like Google Assistant and WhatsApp stopped recognizing speech? Problems with the microphone on Android smartphones are a common phenomenon, but it does not always require a visit to the service center. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is associated with software glitches, incorrect settings or simple clogged connectors.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasons for poor microphone performance on Android, from obvious (plug in the headphone jack) to hidden (application rights conflict). You'll learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, which settings to check first, and when you should really call a technician. And also why, after updating the system, the microphone may start to “wheeze” and how to fix it without resetting to factory settings.

Spoiler: in half the cases, simply rebooting the device helps. But if this doesn’t work, read on.

1. Checking the underlying causes: mechanical damage and blockages

Before delving into the settings, rule out physical malfunctions. Start with a visual inspection:

  • 🔍 Microphone hole (usually located at the bottom of the case next to the charging connector) - is it clogged with dust, lint or dirt? Use a flashlight to see details.
  • 🎧 Headphone jack (if equipped): Insert and remove the headphones several times. Sometimes the contacts become oxidized or debris gets stuck, causing the system to “think” that an external device is connected and disconnect the main microphone.
  • 💧 Traces of moisture: If the phone was dropped in water or used in the rain, corrosion could damage the microphone contacts. Signs - a green coating on the board (visible during disassembly) or sudden failures after getting wet.

If the microphone hole is clogged, do not use sharp objects to clean it! It is better to use toothpick with cotton woolmoistened in alcohol, or special electronics brush. Suitable for a 3.5 mm jack dry cotton stick - gently rotate it inside to remove dust.

⚠️ Attention: If the phone was dropped from a height or subjected to strong shocks, the microphone could move away from the board. In this case, only disassembling the device at a service center will help. Do not try to open the case yourself - on modern smartphones (for example Samsung Galaxy S23 or Xiaomi 13), microphones are often soldered to the motherboard.
📊 How often do you clean the connectors of your smartphone?
Once a month
Only when problems arise
Never cleaned
I use a cover with dust protection

2. Software failures: reboot, cache and application rights

If mechanical damage is excluded, the problem is most likely software. Start with the simplest:

  1. Restart your smartphone. It sounds trivial, but in 30% of cases this solves the problem - especially if the microphone has stopped working after a long time without being turned off.
  2. Check application permissions. Go to Settings → Applications → [Select an application where the microphone does not work] → Permissions and make sure that access to the microphone enabled.
  3. Clear the cache. To do this, in the same application settings, press Storage → Clear cache. If the problem is a system failure, this may help.

Pay special attention system applications, such as Google (responsible for voice search) or Phone. Sometimes after updating Android, their cache conflicts with the new version of the OS. If clearing the cache did not help, try reset application settings (in the same storage menu).

Cause of failure Symptoms Solution
Permissions conflict after OS update The microphone works in some applications, but not in others Reset permissions for all applications in Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Special access → Microphone access
Full system services cache Slowdown, lags when recording voice Clear cache via Settings → Storage → Cache data
Google services failure Voice search does not work, but calls are normal Update Google Play Services to Play Market or roll back to the previous version
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or ColorOS from Oppo) there is a “Smart Cleaning” function that can automatically limit background processes, including access to the microphone. Go to Settings → Battery → Smart cleaning and disable it for problematic applications.

Restart smartphone|

Check microphone permissions for applications|

Clear system application cache (Phone, Google)|

Update Google Play Services|

Try to record your voice in another application (for example, Voice Recorder)-->

3. Conflicts with Bluetooth and external devices

If the microphone stops working after connecting Bluetooth headsets, wireless headphones or even smart watches, the problem may lie in incorrect switching of audio routes. Android sometimes “forgets” to return sound to the main microphone after disconnecting the external device.

To fix this:

  1. Disable everything Bluetooth devices in Settings → Connected devices.
  2. Turn on and off airplane mode for 10 seconds - this will reset the audio routes.
  3. If the problem persists, go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings (this will not delete your data, but will reset all network connections, including Bluetooth).

On some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy s One UI) there is a separate setting for the priority of audio devices. To find it:

Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality and effects → Advanced → Output device priority

Make sure that the default external device is not selected here.

Why may the microphone not work after connecting headphones?

When you connect headphones with a microphone (even wireless ones), Android automatically switches the audio input to them. If the disconnection occurred incorrectly (for example, the headphones were discharged or went out of Bluetooth range), the system may “freeze” in this state. As a result, the built-in microphone is turned off, although the external device is no longer present.

4. Crashes after updating Android: what to do?

Operating system updates often bring not only new features, but also bugs. If the microphone stops working immediately after the update, the culprit is most likely:

  • 🤖 Driver conflict —new versions of Android may not interact correctly with old audio codecs.
  • 🔄 Resetting audio settings —after the update Sometimes user microphone settings are reset (for example, noise reduction).
  • 🛑 Blocking background processes — in new versions of Android (starting from 12), restrictions on access to the microphone in the background have been strengthened.

Solutions:

  1. Roll back to the previous firmware version (if available). To do this, download the official firmware from the manufacturer's website and flash via Fastboot or Recovery.
  2. Enable developer mode and check the audio settings: 
    Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times)

    Return to Settings → System → For developers → Disable absolute volume

    This option sometimes solves problems with the microphone after updates.

  3. Reset the settings to factory settings (last option). Before doing this, make a backup copy of your data!
⚠️ Attention: On devices with chips Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme), audio calibration may be lost after the update. In this case, only flashing via EDL mode will help (requires a special cable and software). Do not try to do this yourself without experience!
💡

If the microphone works after rolling back to the old firmware, report the bug to the manufacturer through the official support channel. Often such problems are fixed in subsequent patches.

5. Viruses and malware: how to check?

Malicious applications can block access to the microphone or use it in the background (for example, for spying). Signs of infection:

  • 📱 The microphone activates spontaneously (the recording indicator in the status bar lights up).
  • 🔋 Rapid battery drain for no apparent reason.
  • 📡 Increased mobile data traffic.

To check system:

  1. Install an antivirus (Malwarebytes, Kaspersky Mobile or Bitdefender) and scan the device.
  2. Check the list of applications with access to the microphone: 
    Settings → Privacy → Permission manager → Microphone

    Uninstall suspicious apps.

  3. Start the phone in safe mode (press the power button → “Safe Mode”). If the microphone works fine in it, one of the installed applications is to blame.

Be especially careful with applications from third-party sources (not Play Market). Even legitimate apps (for example flashlights or launchers) sometimes ask for unnecessary permissions, including access to the microphone.

💡

To track which application is using the microphone in the background, install Access Dots (for Android 10+) or Hidden Eye. These utilities show camera and microphone activity in real time.

6. Hardware faults: when to contact service?

If all software methods have been tried, and the microphone still does not work, the problem is most likely hardware. Here are the signs when you should contact a specialist:

  • 🔊 The microphone does not work in all applications, including the standard voice recorder.
  • 📞 During the call, the interlocutor hears only noise or silence, but you hear it normal.
  • 🛠️ The phone was dropped, got wet or was repaired (for example, replacing the display).
  • 🔧 In test menu (dial ##4636## or #0#) microphone shows an error.

The cost of repair depends on the model:

Type of fault Average cost of repair (2026) Repair time
Replacement of the main microphone 1 500 — 3 500 ₽ 1–2 hours
Replacement of the cable with microphone (for example, after a fall) 3 000 — 6 000 ₽ 2–4 hours
Cleaning/repair after moisture exposure 2 000 — 10 000 ₽ 1–3 days
Replacement of the audio codec (audio processing chip) 5 000 — 15 000 ₽ 3–5 days

On devices with moisture protection (IP68) (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel 7) repair costs more due to the complexity of disassembly. If the phone is under warranty, do not open it yourself - this will void the warranty.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, iPhone or flagship Android) microphones are duplicated - one is used for calls, the other for noise reduction. If only noise reduction does not work, and the voice is transmitted, the problem may be in the additional microphone (usually located next to the main camera).

Each manufacturer has its own “sores” associated with microphones. Here are the most common:

  • 📱 Samsung (One UI): After updating to Android 13/14 the sound in calls may disappear due to a failure in the service. com.samsung.android.app.telephonyui. The solution is to clear the cache of this application.
  • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI): In the security settings there is an option “Block microphone for background applications”. Disable it in Settings → Privacy → Special permissions.
  • 📱 Google Pixel: These devices often lose microphone calibration after updates. Resetting helps via Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
  • 📱 Realme/Oppo (ColorOS): In some firmware, hardware noise reduction is disabled. Turn it on in Settings → Sound → Call quality → Voice enhancement data-i="235">. Check for updates in Settings → Sound → Call quality → Voice enhancement.

On devices Huawei And Honor (without Google services) microphone problems are often related to lack of updates for audio drivers. Check for updates in AppGallery or install them manually through HiSuite.

Why on Xiaomi can the microphone turn off during the game?

On Xiaomi smartphones with processors MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 11) there is a bug: when the performance mode is activated (Game Turbo), the system limits access to the microphone to save resources. Disable this option in the game settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the microphone not working on Android

🔍 Why does the microphone work in the voice recorder, but does not work during calls?

This indicates a problem with audio routing during calls. Most often, a glitch in the application is to blame. Try: Phone. Try:

  1. Clear cache and application data Phone.
  2. Install an alternative application for calls (for example, Google Phone).
  3. Check the network settings: sometimes the problem occurs when VoLTE or VoWiFi.
🎤 How to check if the microphone is working on Android?

There are several ways:

  • Use standard voice recorder (record a few seconds and listen).
  • Call another phone and check the sound quality.
  • Log in test menu (codes: ##4636## or #0#) and select Audio → Microphone Test.
  • Install the application Microphone Test from Play Market.
🔧 Is it possible to fix the microphone yourself?

If there is a problem software (glitches, viruses, settings) - yes. But if the microphone is physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), independent repair is fraught with:

  • Damage to cables or the motherboard.
  • Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
  • Deterioration of protection against moisture (on devices with IP68).

The exception is cleaning the microphone hole from dust (see section 1).

📱 Why did the microphone stop working after replacing the display?

On most smartphones, the microphone and display are connected to to one cable. If, when replacing the screen, the technician damaged the contacts or connected the cable incorrectly, the microphone may turn off. Solutions:

  1. Return to the service center and ask to reconnect the cable.
  2. If the repair warranty is valid, ask for a free fix.
  3. Check whether the cable does not come off when you press the case (sometimes contact is lost due to poor fixation).
🔄 How to reset the microphone settings to factory settings?

In Android there is no separate reset option for the microphone only, but you can:

  1. Reset settings all applications: 
    Settings → System → Reset → Reset application settings

    This will return the permissions and cache to factory settings.

  2. Run full reset (will delete all data!): 
    Settings → System → Reset → Delete all data
  3. For devices Samsung there is a separate option to reset call settings: 
    Settings → Device maintenance → Reset → Reset call settings