If your microphone isn’t working during calls, people can’t hear you clearly, or your voice sounds muffled, robotic, or cuts out, you’re not alone. Call microphone problems are extremely common and can be caused by dirt in the microphone holes, software bugs, app permission issues, network problems, or hardware damage. This complete guide walks you through every possible fix for both Android and iPhone.
1. Test the Microphone First
Before trying anything else, determine whether the microphone is actually malfunctioning or if the issue is specific to calls.
Test methods:
- Open your camera and record a video using the front camera
- Play the video back and listen to your voice
- Record a voice note in WhatsApp or Messenger
- Use your voice recorder app
If recordings sound fine, the issue is likely call-related or app-related—not a hardware problem.
2. Check if the Microphone Holes Are Blocked
Microphones are small and easily blocked by dust, lint, sweat, or debris. This causes muffled or silent audio during calls.
Clean your microphone holes:
- Use a dry toothbrush or soft brush
- Gently brush microphone openings
- Do not use needles or metal tools
- Do not blow hard air into the microphone (it can push dust deeper)
Most phones have multiple microphones—top, bottom, and rear—so clean them all.
3. Remove Your Case or Screen Protector
Some cheap phone cases block microphone holes, causing low or distorted sound during calls.
Try:
- Remove the case
- Test the microphone again
- Ensure holes line up properly when you put the case back on
If the microphone works without the case, replace it with a better-fitting one.
4. Restart Your Phone
A simple restart can fix temporary microphone glitches caused by apps or system bugs.
- Turn the phone off
- Wait 10 seconds
- Turn it back on
Test the microphone again afterward.
5. Check App Permissions
If your microphone only fails in specific apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, Viber), the app may not have permission to use it.
Android:
- Settings → Apps
- Select the app
- Permissions → Microphone
- Allow
iPhone:
- Settings → Privacy → Microphone
- Enable for the affected app
Lack of permission can prevent the microphone from being used during calls or voice notes.
6. Turn Off Bluetooth
If Bluetooth is enabled, your phone may be sending audio to a headset or speaker without you realizing it.
- Turn off Bluetooth
- Disconnect all wireless devices
- Restart the call
This is one of the most common reasons for microphone failure during calls.
7. Disable Noise Reduction (Android Only)
Some phones have noise reduction settings that can cause microphone issues.
Turn it off:
- Settings → Call Settings
- Disable Noise Reduction / Noise Cancellation
Turning this off can fix muffled or cut-out audio.
8. Check for Dirt in the Bottom Microphone
The primary microphone used for calls is usually located at the bottom of the phone. Dirt buildup can completely block sound.
Fix:
- Use a soft brush to clean it
- Use a wooden toothpick gently if dirt is visible
- Avoid pressurized air
If your bottom microphone is blocked, callers may not hear you at all.
9. Check Call Volume and Network Quality
Sometimes, the issue isn’t your microphone—the network connection is unstable, causing your voice to cut during calls.
Try:
- Switch between WiFi calling and mobile network
- Move to an area with better signal
- Disable VoLTE temporarily
Poor signal can make your voice sound robotic, delayed, or silent.
10. Reset Network Settings
Network or call-related bugs can affect microphone performance during calls.
Android:
- Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset WiFi, Mobile & Bluetooth
iPhone:
- Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings
This resets call-related services without deleting your personal data.
11. Update Your Phone Software
System updates often include microphone and audio bug fixes.
- Settings → Software Update
- Download and install updates
Old firmware may cause microphone glitches during calls.
12. Update or Reinstall the Calling App (Messengers)
If your microphone only fails on apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger:
- Update the app
- Clear cache (Android)
- Uninstall and reinstall
This refreshes corrupted app files that may be interfering with audio.
13. Try a Wired or Wireless Headset
This helps you determine whether the issue is hardware-related.
Test:
- Make a call with a wired headset
- Make a call with a Bluetooth headset
If your voice works perfectly with a headset, your phone’s built-in microphone may be damaged.
14. Boot Into Safe Mode (Android Only)
Safe Mode disables all third-party apps. If a downloaded app is causing the problem, Safe Mode will help identify it.
To enter Safe Mode:
- Hold power button
- Press and hold “Power Off”
- Tap “Safe Mode”
If the microphone works in Safe Mode, a third-party app was interfering with audio.
15. Reset All Settings
If none of the earlier steps worked, your settings may be corrupted.
Android:
- Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset All Settings
iPhone:
- Settings → General → Reset → Reset All Settings
This removes system glitches without deleting your files.
16. When It’s a Hardware Problem
If you tried all software fixes and your microphone still doesn’t work, there may be physical damage, including:
- Damaged microphone component
- Loose internal connection
- Water damage
- Corrosion on the microphone board
- Damage from dropping the phone
Signs your microphone is hardware-damaged:
- No sound in any recording
- Microphone works only in certain angles
- Callers hear static or buzzing
- Phone was dropped or wet recently
Fix options:
- Visit a technician
- Replace the microphone module
- Repair the charging board (many microphones are part of it)
Hardware repairs are usually inexpensive compared to screen or battery replacements.
Final Thoughts
Microphone problems during calls can be caused by dirt, blocked microphone holes, Bluetooth interference, software bugs, permission issues, or faulty hardware. By following the steps in this complete guide—cleaning the microphones, checking permissions, updating software, and testing with different apps—you can diagnose and fix most microphone issues at home.
If none of the methods work, your microphone may be physically damaged. In that case, visiting a repair shop is the best solution to restore call audio quality and microphone performance.