Audio & Camera

Microphone Not Working on Android? Fixes That Work

People can't hear you, or recordings are silent, permissions, cleaning and mic testing.

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Phones carry 2-3 microphones, and each app may use a different one. That's why you can be silent on calls but fine on videos. Diagnose which mic and which app first.

  1. 1Test the mic objectively with our Microphone Test, a moving waveform proves the main mic works.
  2. 2Check app permissions: Settings → Apps → (app) → Permissions → Microphone → Allow.
  3. 3Clean the mic holes (tiny holes at bottom and near the camera) with a soft dry brush, never needles.
  4. 4Remove case/protector covering a mic hole.
  5. 5Restart; test in Safe Mode (recorder apps and 'assistants' can hijack the mic).
  6. 6Silent only on speakerphone or video = the secondary mic; that's a repair-shop part.

Tip: Bluetooth earbuds connected? Calls may be using their mic. Disconnect and retest before assuming the phone is at fault.

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