AirPods mic not working
A blocked microphone permission or an unselected AirPod is a common cause. Run the mic test first to see whether the page can hear input and which issue to address.
Run the test first
Mic test
What the mic test checks
The test listens to your microphone and measures the sound level it receives. Speak near the AirPods and watch the test result. If the level responds, the microphone is sending sound to the page. If it stays still, the page is not receiving usable input.
The reading does not tell you that the microphone is good in every call or app. It shows whether sound reaches this test in your current setup. A still reading can point to blocked access, an unavailable or unselected input, or input volume that is too low.
Tell which case you have
Run the linked mic test and use its result with the case names shown on the page. If the page cannot get permission to use the microphone, this is the NotAllowedError case. The listed steps cover microphone access for a browser or app on Mac, and app access on iPhone.
If the microphone cannot be found, this is the NotFoundError case. The listed steps cover choosing which AirPod acts as the microphone on iPhone or Mac, selecting the AirPods or headset as the input on Mac or Windows, and pairing the AirPods again on Windows.
If you can select the input but the test bar barely responds or does not move, the general case may fit. Its listed Windows step is to raise input volume and watch the test bar again. Follow the relevant steps shown on this page, then rerun the test.
Why AirPods microphone problems happen
The test needs permission to listen. If the browser or app does not have microphone access, it cannot receive sound, even when the AirPods are connected.
The page also needs an available microphone input. The wrong input may be selected, or the AirPods may not appear as an input device. On Windows, the listed steps include removing the AirPods and pairing them again.
Low input volume can make the test bar respond very little. This is why a low or still bar does not point to one cause by itself. Check the case that matches the test and your device, then read the bar again.
When to seek repair or replacement
The listed steps cover access, input selection, volume, and Windows pairing. They do not include repair or warranty instructions, so this guide cannot say when a device qualifies for repair or replacement.
If the microphone still does not send sound after you follow the steps for your case and rerun the test, seek help from the device seller or support service to ask about repair or replacement options.
By the error your test showed
Blocked
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Turn on the microphone for your browser or app on a Mac
Switch on the microphone for the app in the list.
Source: Control access to the microphone on Mac, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Check that the app may use the microphone on iPhone
Make sure the app is switched on in the list.
Source: If the microphones on your iPhone aren't working, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Not found
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Choose which AirPod is the microphone on iPhone
The default is Automatically Switch AirPods. If you pick Always Left AirPod or Always Right AirPod, that one stays the microphone even when it is out of your ear or in the case.
Source: Change the settings of your AirPods and AirPods Pro, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Choose which AirPod is the microphone on a Mac
Wear the AirPods and make sure they are connected first. Then pick automatic switching, or fix the left or right AirPod as the microphone.
Source: Change the settings of your AirPods and AirPods Pro, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Pick the AirPods as the Mac sound input
Select them in the list of sound input devices and check the input volume slider.
Source: Change the sound input settings on Mac, Apple Support, checked November 6, 2026
Pick the headset as the input device in Windows
Choose it under Input. For a Bluetooth device, check that its status in Bluetooth & devices shows it is connected for voice and music.
Source: Test your microphone, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Remove the AirPods from Windows and pair them again
Charge them, put them in pairing mode, remove them from the list and add them again. Turning Bluetooth off for ten seconds and on again can also help.
Source: Troubleshoot Bluetooth not connecting in Windows, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Busy
The device is there but could not be opened: another app may be using it, or the system or a driver stopped it.
Setting not available
The device cannot deliver what the test asked for, such as a resolution or a sample rate.
Not allowed on this page
The browser blocks devices here, for example inside a frame on another site or under a company policy.
Interrupted
Something stopped the device while it was starting. Try again; if it happens again, restart the browser.
Other checks
No steps for this system in this section. Choose All systems to see them.
Raise the input volume and watch the test bar
Speak and watch the bar under Test your microphone. If it does not move, raise the input volume.
Source: Test your microphone, Microsoft Support, checked November 6, 2026
Questions
How do I test my AirPods microphone?
Open the linked mic test and speak near the AirPods. The page measures the sound level it receives and shows whether the bar responds. Use the result to identify the case that matches your setup.
Why does the mic test show no sound?
The page may not have microphone permission, may not have found the microphone input, or may receive too little input volume. Check whether the result matches NotAllowedError, NotFoundError, or the general case, then follow its listed steps.
What does a moving test bar mean?
It means the page is receiving sound from the selected microphone. It only shows input reaching this test in the current setup; it does not confirm how the microphone works in every other use.
Why are my AirPods missing from the microphone list?
The page may not see them as an available input, or a different input may be selected. The listed steps cover choosing an AirPod or selecting the headset as the input, and Windows pairing again.
Can low input volume make my AirPods mic seem broken?
Yes. If the bar barely responds, the input level may be too low. The listed volume step is for Windows; rerun the test after following it.
When should I replace my AirPods?
This page's steps do not include repair or warranty guidance, so the test alone cannot establish that replacement is needed. If the microphone still does not send sound after the relevant steps, ask the seller or support service about repair or replacement options.