Smartphone how-to and troubleshooting · Sound and microphone

Phone Microphone Not Working or Others Cannot Hear You: Troubleshooting Guide

Compare calls, recordings, videos, and individual apps to isolate permissions, accessories, blocked openings, or microphone hardware faults.

In this guide
  1. Start with “Record and play back your voice with the built-in recorder”
  2. Separate “Record and play back your voice with the built-in recorder” from “Compare a normal call, speakerphone, front-camera video, and rear-camera video”
  3. Diagnostic order for Phone Microphone Not Working or Others Cannot Hear You: Troublesh
  4. Use the lowest-impact sequence first
  5. Do not erase the evidence before isolating the cause
  6. Frequently asked questions

Start with “Record and play back your voice with the built-in recorder”

Do not assume the cause from the symptom alone. First determine whether the issue affects the whole phone, one app, one connection, or one accessory. Work from low-impact checks toward recovery or repair.

  • Record and play back your voice with the built-in recorder
  • Compare a normal call, speakerphone, front-camera video, and rear-camera video
  • Remove any case or protector that may cover a microphone opening

The key boundary to diagnose first

マイク位置と利用アプリを分離

Compare calls, recording, video, and speakerphone to identify the affected microphone path.

Before changing settings

Do not insert sharp objects into microphone openings.

When to escalate

Escalate with device, OS, error, and reproduction details when the issue persists after restart, controlled comparison, and update checks, or when physical damage, abnormal heat, account suspension, or carrier provisioning is suspected.

Separate “Record and play back your voice with the built-in recorder” from “Compare a normal call, speakerphone, front-camera video, and rear-camera video”

Scope of the issueWhere to check next
Only one app is affectedCheck app permissions, updates, storage, cache, and reinstall options
The whole phone is affectedCheck restart, system updates, free storage, and system settings
Other devices have the same issueCheck the network, service, charger, or accessory
The issue began after a drop or liquid exposureAvoid repeated power or charging attempts and contact official support

Diagnostic order for Phone Microphone Not Working or Others Cannot Hear You: Troublesh

Phone Microphone Not Working or Others Cannot Hear You: Troubleshooting Guide
This original diagram explains the decision order; it is not a copy of an Apple, Google, or manufacturer screen. Actual labels vary by device.

Use the lowest-impact sequence first

Complete one step at a time and test after each change. Do not change several settings at once.

  1. 1
    Disconnect Bluetooth headsets and select the phone microphone as the input source.
  2. 2
    Open app permissions, confirm microphone access, toggle it off and on, and test again.
  3. 3
    Remove the case and inspect microphone openings for surface debris. Do not insert sharp tools.
  4. 4
    Compare the built-in recorder, front video, rear video, and calls to identify which microphone path fails.
  5. 5
    Restart and update the phone and app. If only calls fail, also check network quality and call-processing settings.
  6. 6
    If several built-in functions cannot record audio, verify your backup and request official diagnostics or repair.

Do not erase the evidence before isolating the cause

  • Pushing needles or cotton swabs deep into microphone openings
  • Repeatedly reinstalling an app before checking permissions
  • Relying on the untested phone for an important call or meeting

Prevent the issue from returning

  • Make a short test recording after fitting a new case
  • Review microphone permissions after major system updates

Frequently asked questions

What if my screen looks different?

Menu names and locations vary by OS, manufacturer, model, region, and software version. Use the Settings search field and check the manufacturer guide for your exact model.

When should I stop troubleshooting?

Stop as soon as the issue is fixed. Change one setting at a time so you can identify what solved the problem and reverse it if necessary.

What should I do if the issue remains?

Record how to reproduce it, verify your backup, and contact the manufacturer, carrier, or app provider most closely related to the problem.

Official references

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