Microphone is not working with airpods

Question

Microphone is not working with airpods and i can only hear

Answer 1

Hi! First, you should use your AirPods on another computer or phone to check if the microphone is working properly.

After that, if you have another microphone or headphones, test them on your computer.

After these tests, you can check if your microphone permissions are correct:

1. Open Windows Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone > Enable Microphone access.
2. Under Allow apps to access your microphone, check the apps you want to have microphone access. For websites, you must allow microphone access in your browser (Edge, Google, Firefox).
3. You can also test your microphone at:

https://mictests.com/

DISCLAIMER: This is not a Microsoft website, but it provides accurate and safe information. Be aware of ads that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Please research any product advertised on the site before deciding to download and install it.

Answer 2

Follow these steps in Windows 11 to get the AirPods microphone working (so they are used for both input and output):

1. Make sure the AirPods are properly connected
   • Put the AirPods in the case, open the lid, and ensure they are paired and connected via Bluetooth.
   • If needed, remove and re-pair them from Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
2. Set the AirPods as the default input (microphone)
   1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   2. Under Input, go to Choose a device for speaking or recording and select the AirPods device (not the internal mic).
   3. Select > to the right of the AirPods input device.
   4. On the properties page, select Start test under Microphone test and speak into the AirPods. Then select Stop test and Play to confirm the recording.
3. Check that apps can use the microphone
   1. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone (Windows 11 equivalent of the Windows 10 path).
   2. Ensure microphone access is turned on for the device and that apps that need the AirPods mic have permission.
4. If the microphone still does not work
   • Run the Recording Audio troubleshooter:
     • Go to Settings > System > Sound.
     • Scroll down to Advanced and choose Input devices under Troubleshoot common sound problems.
   • If Windows is not detecting the AirPods as an input device at all, reinstall audio drivers:
     1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
     2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
     3. Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device (check Attempt to remove/Delete the driver for this device if shown), then Uninstall.
     4. Restart the PC so Windows reinstalls the drivers automatically, or in Device Manager select Scan for hardware changes.
     5. In Device Manager, right-click the audio driver and select Update driver.

After these steps, confirm in Settings > System > Sound that the AirPods are selected under both Output and Input, and that the microphone test shows activity when speaking.

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References:

• Fix microphone problems
• internal microphone on windows 11 not working - Microsoft Q&A
• earbuds wont pair - Microsoft Q&A