If people can’t hear you during calls, but your phone records audio fine in other apps, the problem is usually a software conflict or a blocked port. This guide provides 12 easy, working methods to restore your microphone functionality on any Android device.
Keywords: Android phone mic not working calls, fix microphone during phone calls, disable noise cancellation Android, microphone blocked by app, clean phone microphone port
Contents 📋
Fix 1: The Essential Hardware Checks (Microphone Ports)
Dust, dirt, or debris are the most common culprits for microphone issues.
1. Clean the Microphone Port(s)
Most modern phones have at least two microphones (one at the bottom for calls, one near the camera/top for noise cancellation and video).
- Identify Ports: Locate the tiny holes at the bottom and top/back of your phone.
- Use Air/Brush: Gently blow compressed air into the ports, or use a new, soft toothbrush to lightly scrub away debris.
- Important: Never stick a pin, needle, or toothpick into the microphone hole, as this can easily damage the diaphragm.
2. Remove Case and Screen Protector
Ensure your protective gear is not blocking the microphone holes.
- Remove the phone case and any thick screen protectors.
- Test a call without them. If the mic works, the case/protector was the issue.
3. Disconnect Accessories
If a Bluetooth device or a wired headset is connected, the phone routes the audio to that accessory instead of the built-in mic.
- Check your Bluetooth status and disconnect all paired accessories.
- Ensure the headphone jack (if present) is empty and clean.
Fix 2: Software Toggles and Quick Fixes
4. Restart Your Phone
A simple restart can clear temporary memory glitches affecting the microphone driver.
5. Disable Noise Cancellation/Suppression
Some Android phones have aggressive noise reduction settings that can mistakenly silence your voice.
- Open the Phone/Dialer app > Go to Settings or Call Settings.
- Look for options like Noise Reduction, Voice Clarity, or Noise Suppression and try disabling them.
6. Test with a Voice Recorder App
If the mic works perfectly in the Voice Recorder app but fails during calls, the issue is software-based (related to the Dialer app, permissions, or a conflict) and NOT physical hardware failure.
Fix 3: App Permissions and Conflicts
7. Check Microphone Permissions
Ensure the primary Phone/Dialer app has microphone access.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission manager.
- Select Microphone.
- Scroll down and confirm that your Phone app (and your alternate calling app, like WhatsApp) is listed under the "Allowed" section.
8. Clear Cache of the Phone App
A corrupted cache file can destabilize the app's functions, including mic access during a call.
- Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps.
- Find and tap on the Phone/Dialer app.
- Select Storage & cache > Tap Clear cache. (Do NOT clear storage/data).
9. Check for Third-Party App Conflicts
Recently installed apps, especially those requiring mic access (e.g., recorders, translators), can sometimes lock the microphone.
- Boot into Safe Mode: This loads the Android OS without third-party apps. Search online for your specific model's Safe Mode instructions.
- Make a call in Safe Mode. If the microphone works, an app you installed is the problem. Uninstall recent apps one by one to find the conflict.
Fix 4: Advanced System Troubleshooting
10. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If all fixes fail, a factory reset can eliminate any deep software corruption.
- Strong Warning: Backup all your data first, including photos and documents.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
11. Update Android OS
An outdated OS may contain bugs that affect hardware drivers.
- Go to Settings > System > System update.
- Install any pending updates.
12. Visit a Service Center
If the microphone fails even after a factory reset, and it doesn't work in the Voice Recorder app either, it indicates a physical failure of the microphone module. The phone requires professional repair.