If your phone microphone is not working during calls, it is likely due to compacted lint in the mic port, a Bluetooth routing issue, or restricted app permissions. You can fix this by carefully cleaning the bottom mic hole with a wooden toothpick, disabling Bluetooth, and verifying microphone access in your privacy settings.
Step 1: Test Your Microphone
Before attempting any physical fixes, test the microphone to see if it’s completely dead or just muffled. Use our free diagnostic tool:
Launch the Free Online Mic Test
Step 2: Clean the Microphone Port
The most common cause of a muffled microphone is dirt and lint from your pocket getting compacted into the small microphone hole at the bottom of the phone.
- Turn off your phone.
- Take a wooden or plastic toothpick (never use metal pins, as they can puncture the mic membrane).
- Gently scrape the inside of the microphone hole to dislodge debris.
Step 3: Check App Permissions and Bluetooth
Sometimes your phone is connected to a Bluetooth device in another room, and the call audio is routing there. Turn off Bluetooth temporarily to force the audio back to the phone. Additionally, ensure the phone app has microphone permissions enabled in Settings.
FAQ
Why does my mic work on speakerphone but not on normal calls?
Modern smartphones have multiple microphones. The bottom mic is used for regular calls, while the top mic is used for speakerphone and video recording. If only normal calls fail, your bottom mic is blocked or broken.