How to Clean AirPods’ Microphone If Stops Working
By Robert Jones · 2022-11-03
Got AirPods with a dodgy mic? Muffled calls or Siri ignoring you? Before you chuck 'em, nine times out of ten it's just a bit of grime. Let me show you how to sort it out right, without breaking the bank or your tiny tech.
Right, so you've got a pair of AirPods, and the mic's playing up. Happens a lot, doesn't it? Especially if you're like me, always on the go, chucking 'em in pockets or just leaving them on the workbench. They're brilliant little things for convenience, but all that tech in such a small package means they can be a bit delicate, especially when it comes to the bits that pick up your voice. Now, I've seen all sorts over my twenty-odd years tinkering with speakers, amps, and everything in between. From high-end studio gear to a tenner's worth of earbuds, the one constant is muck. Dust, earwax, lint, even just plain old grime from your hands – it gets everywhere. And when it gets into the microphone grille of something as tiny as an AirPod, it can completely mess up your calls or voice commands. You end up sounding like you're talking from inside a tin can, or worse, completely silent. So, before you throw them across the room in frustration, or worse, fork out for a new pair, let's have a go at sorting them out. Most of the time, a bit of careful cleaning is all it takes to get that mic working perfectly again. It's not rocket science, but you do need to be gentle. They're not built like a tank, after all. **Quick Verdict: Give those tiny mics a careful clean with the right tools, and you'll likely save yourself a new pair.** ### Who it's for: * Anyone with muffled or non-functioning AirPod microphones. * Those who want to avoid shelling out for new AirPods unnecessarily. * People who use their AirPods frequently for calls or voice commands. * Folks who aren't afraid to be a bit delicate with small tech. ### Who should skip it: * People with physically damaged AirPods (cracked cases, exposed wiring). * If you're completely ham-fisted and likely to break small electronics. * If you've tried everything here and the mic still isn't working – it might be time for Apple support.  *How to Clean AirPods’ Microphone If Stops Working — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Do AirPod Microphones Fail, Anyway? It's usually down to one thing: blockages. Think about where your AirPods spend most of their time. In your ears, right? And what's in your ears? Earwax, natural oils, and a bit of ear fuzz. Then, when you take them out, they often end up in a pocket, a bag, or just rattling around on a desk. All these places are hotspots for lint, dust, crumbs, and all sorts of tiny bits of debris. The microphones themselves are really small, often just tiny pinholes or a mesh grille. It doesn't take much to clog them up. A build-up of earwax is probably the most common culprit. It can get pushed into those tiny openings every time you put them in. Then it dries, hardens, and bam – your voice is gone. Dust and pocket lint are another big one. Especially if you're someone who works in a dusty environment, like a workshop (hands up, guilty as charged), those tiny fibres love to find their way into every crevice. Moisture can also play a part. Sweat from a workout, or even just humidity, can mix with dust and wax to create a really sticky, stubborn blockage. It's like concrete for tiny electronics. And once it's in there, it needs a bit of coaxing to get it out without damaging anything. So, understanding *why* it happens is the first step to knowing *how* to fix it without making things worse. ## What You'll Need: The Toolkit for Tiny Tech Before you start poking around, make sure you've got the right gear. This isn't a job for a butter knife or a screwdriver. We're talking delicate bits here, so precision is key. You don't want to scratch the finish or, even worse, push the gunk further in or damage the microphone itself. Here's my go-to list: * **Soft, lint-free cloth:** A microfibre cloth is perfect. What you use for glasses or camera lenses. Avoid anything that sheds fibres, like a tea towel. * **Cotton swabs (Q-Tips):** The standard ones are fine, but if you can get hold of the thinner, pointed ones, even better. Some people prefer dental picks with cotton wrapped around them for more control. * **Soft-bristled brush:** A clean, dry, soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal. Or a small, clean paintbrush. Something with bristles that are fine enough to get into small spaces without being abrasive. * **Blu Tack or similar adhesive putty:** This is brilliant for pulling out stubborn bits without leaving residue. Don't use super glue, obviously. Just a little blob of the sticky stuff. * **Isopropyl alcohol (99%):** *Only use a tiny, tiny amount*, and only if absolutely necessary for really stubborn grime. Make sure it's high percentage to evaporate quickly. Do *not* drench anything. A slightly dampened cotton swab is the most you'd ever want. * **Magnifying glass (optional, but recommended):** Trust me, these things are tiny. A bit of magnification helps you see what you're doing and avoids accidental damage. My old eyes certainly appreciate it! * **Good lighting:** A bright desk lamp is essential. No point squinting in a dark room. You need to see every speck of dust. ## Step-by-Step: Getting That Mic Sparkling Again Alright, gear sorted? Let's get down to it. Take your time with each step. Patience is a virtue here, especially with something so small and, let's face it, expensive to replace. ### 1. Power Down and Disconnect First things first, safety. While AirPods don't have an "off" switch in the traditional sense, you want to make sure they're not connected to your phone and aren't actively trying to pick up sound. Pop them back in their charging case. This also means you won't accidentally trigger Siri or play music while you're cleaning. ### 2. Initial Inspection: What Are We Dealing With? Take one AirPod out. Use your magnifying glass and good light to really examine the microphone grilles. These are usually the tiny slots or holes at the bottom of the stem (for the main outward-facing mic) and sometimes a smaller hole near the top, closer to the ear tip. For AirPods Pro, there are also inward-facing mics. Look for any visible build-up: earwax, dust, lint. Identify where the problem lies. ### 3. The Soft Brush Attack This is your first line of defence. Take your soft-bristled brush. Gently, and I mean *gently*, brush across the microphone grilles. Use short, sweeping motions to try and dislodge any loose dust or debris. Don't push the brush hard into the holes; you're trying to sweep stuff *out*, not push it *in*. Think of it like dusting a very delicate miniature. Work your way around all the microphone areas you can see. ### 4. The Blu Tack Blot This is where the sticky putty comes in handy. Tear off a small piece of Blu Tack – about the size of a pea. Knead it a bit in your fingers to make it pliable and warm. Then, gently press the Blu Tack onto the microphone grille. Don't mash it in. Just a gentle press, hold for a second or two, and then pull it straight off. You'll be surprised at what this can pull out – stubborn earwax, tiny fibres, bits you didn't even know were there. Repeat this a few times, using a fresh surface of the Blu Tack each time, until it comes away clean. I've used this trick on everything from my kid's grotty headphones to a dusty turntable stylus. It's surprisingly effective and non-abrasive. Just make sure it's a fresh piece of putty; you don't want to introduce more dirt. ### 5. Cotton Swab (Damp, if Needed) For more stubborn, sticky residue, especially dried earwax, a cotton swab can be useful. If you're using isopropyl alcohol, *only* put a tiny, tiny drop on the tip of the cotton swab. You want it barely damp, not wet. The swab should feel almost dry to the touch. Then, very gently dab and wipe around the microphone grilles. The alcohol helps to dissolve the waxy build-up. *Do not let any liquid drip into the openings.* We're talking microscopic amounts here. Allow it to air dry completely for a good 10-15 minutes before even thinking about using them again. Honestly, I'd try the brush and Blu Tack first. The less liquid you introduce to electronics, especially tiny ones, the better. Only go for the alcohol if the grime is really cemented in there. ### 6. The Compressed Air Conundrum (Use with Extreme Caution, or Avoid) Now, some people swear by compressed air. I'm usually pretty wary of it for small electronics, particularly microphones. Why? Because if you use it too close or with too much force, you risk pushing the debris *further into* the microphone, or even damaging the delicate diaphragm inside. It can also introduce moisture if you're not careful. If you *must* use it, hold the can upright, at least six inches away from the AirPod, and use very short, gentle bursts. Never tilt the can, as it can spray propellant. Honestly, the brush and Blu Tack method is much safer and usually just as effective without the risks. I've seen more damage caused by compressed air than helped, especially with people being a bit heavy-handed. ### 7. Test Them Out Once you're confident they're clean and completely dry (if you used any moisture), pop them back in your ears and test them. The easiest way is to make a quick phone call to a friend or family member and ask them how you sound. Better yet, record a voice memo on your phone and play it back. Listen for clarity and volume. If it's improved, brilliant! If not, you might need another gentle pass over the microphone areas. ## Troubleshooting Beyond Cleaning If, after all that careful cleaning, your AirPod microphone is still giving you grief, it might not be a physical blockage. There are a few other things worth checking before you write them off. ### 1. Check AirPod Microphone Settings Sometimes, it's a software quirk, not a hardware issue. Your iPhone (or whatever Apple device you're using) allows you to choose which AirPod microphone is active. By default, it's set to "Automatic," meaning it switches between the left and right AirPod depending on which one it thinks is picking up your voice best. Sometimes this can get a bit confused. To check this: * Go to **Settings** > **Bluetooth** on your iPhone. * Tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods. * Scroll down and tap **Microphone**. * Try changing the setting from "Automatic" to **Always Left AirPod** or **Always Right AirPod**. This forces your device to only use one mic. If one of them then works perfectly, it tells you the other one is the problem child. This is a simple fix, and I've seen it sort out more than a few frustrated users. It's always worth checking the obvious software stuff before digging deeper. ### 2. Reset Your AirPods A full reset can sometimes clear up software glitches that are messing with the microphone function. It's a bit like turning your computer off and on again, but for your tiny earbuds. To reset them: * Put both AirPods in their charging case and close the lid for 30 seconds. * Open the lid. * On your iPhone, go to **Settings** > **Bluetooth** and tap the "i" icon next to your AirPods. Tap **Forget This Device**, then confirm. * With the AirPod case lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white. * Place your AirPods near your iPhone and follow the on-screen steps to reconnect them. This will factory reset them, clearing any weird settings or temporary bugs that might be causing the microphone issue. Worth a punt before giving up. ### 3. Update Your Device Software Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running the latest version of iOS/iPadOS/macOS. Apple regularly releases updates that include bug fixes, and sometimes these can address issues with accessories like AirPods. An outdated OS can often lead to all sorts of odd behaviour with connected devices. ### 4. Contact Apple Support If you've tried all the cleaning and troubleshooting steps and the microphone is still dead, it's probably time to admit defeat and contact Apple Support. There might be a genuine hardware fault that's beyond a simple clean. If they're still under warranty, you might be in luck for a replacement. If not, they might offer a repair or a discounted replacement. It's a faff, I know, but sometimes you just have to accept it's a bigger problem. ## Prevention is Better Than Cure, Eh? Once you've got those mics working again, you'll want to keep them that way. A bit of routine maintenance goes a long way, just like with any decent bit of kit. * **Regular Wiping:** Get into the habit of giving your AirPods a quick wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use. Especially wipe down the microphone grilles and the tips that go into your ears. This stops earwax and oils from building up in the first place. * **Keep the Case Clean:** Your charging case is the AirPods' home. If the case is full of lint and dust, it's just going to transfer to your AirPods. Give the inside of the case a regular brush out with a soft brush. * **Proper Storage:** Try not to just chuck them loose in your pocket or bag where they can collect lint. The charging case is designed to protect them, so use it! If you're putting them in a really dusty environment, consider a silicone skin or case cover for extra protection. * **Avoid Extreme Conditions:** Try not to expose them to excessive moisture, extreme temperatures, or really dusty environments if you can help it. Common sense, really, but easy to forget when you're on the go. Just a few minutes of care here and there can seriously extend the life of your AirPods and, crucially, keep that microphone picking up your voice loud and clear. ## Comparison: Cleaning Methods | Method | Effectiveness for Blockages | Risk of Damage | Recommended For | Notes | | :------------------- | :-------------------------- | :------------- | :---------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------- | | **Soft Brush** | Good for loose dust/debris | Very Low | Initial cleaning, light build-up | Gentle sweeping motions. | | **Blu Tack/Putty** | Excellent for stubborn wax/lint | Very Low | Earwax, compacted lint | Gentle pressing, pulling straight off. | | **Damp Cotton Swab (IPA)** | Good for sticky, dried grime | Low (if very careful) | Stubborn, baked-on earwax | Use *minimal* 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. Air dry fully. | | **Compressed Air** | Variable | High | *Not generally recommended* | Risk of pushing debris further in, or damage. | | **Sharp Objects (toothpicks/pins)** | High (if skilled) | Very High | *Absolutely avoid for mics* | Can easily scratch, puncture, or damage internal components. | ## FAQ: Your AirPod Mic Woes Solved ### Q1: Can I use water to clean my AirPod microphone? A: Absolutely not! Water and electronics, especially tiny ones like AirPods, generally don't mix well. You risk shorting out components or causing corrosion. If you *must* use a liquid, it should be 99% isopropyl alcohol, and only in microscopic amounts on a barely damp cotton swab, as it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue. Even then, I'd only use it as a last resort for really tough grime. ### Q2: How often should I clean my AirPod microphones? A: It really depends on how often you use them and where. If you're using them daily for calls, especially in dusty environments or during workouts, I'd recommend a quick visual check and gentle wipe-down every few days. A deeper clean with Blu Tack might be needed once a month or if you notice your call quality dipping. Think of it like brushing your teeth – regular maintenance stops bigger problems. ### Q3: My microphone still isn't working after cleaning. What next? A: If a thorough clean hasn't done the trick, first check your AirPod microphone settings (set to "Automatic," "Left," or "Right" AirPod). Then try a full reset of your AirPods and make sure your phone's software is up to date. If none of that works, it's likely a hardware fault, and you'll need to contact Apple Support. It's a pain, but sometimes these things just pack up. ### Q4: Can earwax seriously damage my AirPods? A: While earwax itself isn't usually "damaging" in a corrosive sense, a build-up can certainly block the microphone ports, making them completely ineffective. Over time, hardened wax can be tricky to remove without being too aggressive, potentially causing cosmetic damage if you're not careful. It's more of a functional blockage than a destructive force, but still a nuisance. ### Q5: Is it safe to use a vacuum cleaner on my AirPods? A: Good heavens, no! Don't even think about it. The suction power of a vacuum cleaner is far too strong and could easily damage the delicate internal components of your AirPods. It's overkill for a tiny blockage and poses a significant risk of irreparable harm. Stick to the gentle methods like brushes and Blu Tack. ## Final Word There you have it. Cleaning your AirPod microphones isn't some dark art, but it does demand a bit of a light touch and the right tools. Most of the time, those muffled calls or non-responsive Siri commands are just down to a bit of grot in places it shouldn't be. A careful brush, a bit of Blu Tack, and a whole load of patience can usually bring them back from the brink. I've seen countless bits of tech written off too early, just because a bit of simple maintenance wasn't done. Your AirPods are no different. Look after them, keep them clean, and they'll keep serving you well for calls, tunes, and everything in between. Don't rush it, be gentle, and you'll likely save yourself a fair bit of money and a trip to the Apple store. Good luck with it, mate!