GearCheckHow to test AirPods microphones
- Put both AirPods in and make sure they are connected to the device you're using.
- Start the test and allow microphone access.
- Choose your AirPods in the microphone menu (on iPhone they're used automatically when connected).
- Speak and record. The meter should move as you talk; play back the recording to judge clarity.
Test each AirPod separately
If only one microphone is faulty, you'll sound fine some of the time and muffled at other times. On an iPhone, go to Settings → [your AirPods name] → Microphone and choose Always Left AirPod, run the test, then switch to Always Right AirPod and test again. Set it back to Automatic afterwards.
Fixing a muffled or quiet AirPods mic
- Clean the mesh. Earwax and pocket lint block the tiny microphone grilles. Use a dry cotton swab or a soft, clean toothbrush — never liquids or sharp objects.
- Reset the AirPods. Put them in the case, open the lid, hold the button on the back for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white, and pair again.
- Update firmware. Firmware updates install automatically while AirPods are charging near a connected iPhone.
- On Windows, make sure the “Headset” or “Hands-Free” version of your AirPods is selected as the microphone.
AirPods microphone quality explained
Over Bluetooth, two-way audio uses less bandwidth than music, so voice calls through AirPods sound narrower than a wired microphone — and on Windows and Android your music also sounds worse while the mic is active. Apple devices use a better voice codec, so AirPods usually sound clearest on an iPhone or Mac. The Frequency view in the test shows this: most of your voice will sit below about 8 kHz.
Testing other earbuds or a headset? Use the headset mic test or the general mic test. Check that both sides play sound with the left/right speaker test.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my AirPods microphone?
Put both AirPods in your ears so they are connected, open this page, press Start mic test and allow microphone access. On a Mac or PC, choose your AirPods in the microphone menu. Speak normally and watch the meter, then record and play back 5 seconds.
Which AirPod has the microphone?
Both. By default the microphone switches automatically to whichever AirPod is in use. You can force it to one side on iPhone: Settings → [your AirPods] → Microphone → Always Left or Always Right. That’s also how to check whether one microphone is faulty.
Why do people say my AirPods sound muffled?
Dirt in the microphone mesh is the most common cause — the small grille at the bottom of the stem, and on AirPods Pro also the top mesh. Clean it gently with a dry cotton swab or soft brush. On Windows, AirPods also switch to a lower-quality hands-free mode during calls.
Do AirPods work as a microphone on Windows?
Yes. Pair them in Settings → Bluetooth & devices. Windows lists them as “Headphones” (stereo, no mic) and “Headset” or “Hands-Free” (with mic). Choose the Headset entry as your microphone; sound quality drops while the mic is in use.
Why does the test hear nothing from my AirPods?
Check that the AirPods are the selected microphone, that they are in your ears (they pause when removed), and on iPhone that Safari has microphone permission in Settings → Safari → Microphone. If audio plays but the meter stays flat, try forcing the microphone to the other AirPod.