If your phone microphone is not working during calls, clean dirt from the bottom microphone hole using a soft brush, disable Bluetooth to disconnect background audio devices, turn off Phone Noise Suppression in call settings, and test audio hardware input using our free online microphone tool.
Microphone failures during phone or WhatsApp calls are usually caused by clogged mic grilles, software permission glitches, or active Bluetooth connections routing audio away from the handset. Follow these step-by-step diagnostic fixes.
Step 1: Test Your Phone Microphone Input Live
Before changing hardware settings, test if your primary microphone is detecting sound frequencies:
👉 Launch the Tool: Free Online Phone Microphone Tester Tool
5 Proven Ways to Fix a Broken Phone Microphone
1. Clean the Microphone Port Grille
Lint and pocket debris frequently block the small microphone hole located next to the USB charging port. Carefully brush away dust using a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush or wooden toothpick.
2. Disconnect Active Bluetooth Devices
Your phone may be silently routing microphone audio to a nearby pair of Bluetooth earbuds or smartwatch. Turn off Bluetooth in Quick Settings to force audio back to the native phone mic.
3. Reset App Microphone Permissions
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager > Microphone.
- Verify that Phone and WhatsApp are set to “Allow only while using the app”.
4. Disable Noise Suppression
On Android devices, go to Phone App > Settings > Accessibility and toggle off Noise Reduction or Noise Suppression, as aggressive noise cancellation algorithms can mute your primary voice channel.
For screen hardware diagnostics, check our guide on Testing and Fixing Dead Pixels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many microphones does a modern smartphone have?
Most modern smartphones feature 3 microphones: a primary mic at the bottom for calls, a top mic for speakerphone/noise cancellation, and a rear camera mic for video recording.