This article teaches you how to turn on your Android’s microphone and what to do if it’s not working.

What to Know

  • Tap Settings > Privacy > App Permissions > Microphone to toggle which apps can use your microphone.If your call is muted, tap Mute so you can speak again.If your microphone doesn’t work, check that there are no obstructions.

How to Turn on Microphone on an Android Phone

If your microphone appears to be switched off on your Android phone, it’s simple to turn it back on. Here’s where to look and how to enable your microphone.

  • Tap Settings.
  • Tap Privacy.
  • Tap App Permissions.
  • Tap Microphone.
  • Toggle all the apps listed to the green switch.
  • If you only want to enable the microphone on some apps, choose to toggle them accordingly.

How Do I Unmute My Microphone on Android?

If you’re taking a call on your Android phone and you appear to be muted, so the caller can’t hear you, fixing the issue is pretty easy once you know where to look. Here’s what to do.

These instructions and menu options are based on Android 11. Yours might be different based on which version of Android you are running.

Tap Settings.

Tap Privacy.

Tap App Permissions.

Tap Microphone.

Toggle all the apps listed to the green switch.

If you only want to enable the microphone on some apps, choose to toggle them accordingly.

  • Look at your phone while the call is in progress.
  • Tap Mute to untick the relevant box.
  • You should now be able to speak into your Android phone and be heard by the caller.

Where Is the Microphone on My Android Phone?

The microphone on Androids is typically at the bottom of your phone. Look at where you plug your phone in, and you’ll see some vents or holes. Speak into the mic directly to be heard by others or to speak to your phone.

Look at your phone while the call is in progress.

Tap Mute to untick the relevant box.

You should now be able to speak into your Android phone and be heard by the caller.

Why Is My Android Microphone Not Working?

If your Android microphone doesn’t appear to be working, there are some key things you can try to get it operational again. Here are some tips on what to do.

Don’t cover the microphone with your hand or fingers when you’re making a call or using the microphone in some other way. 

  • Check your microphone isn’t obstructed. Your microphone has openings on it, and if dirt particles accumulate, it can stop the microphone from working correctly. Check your hands or fingers aren’t covering it too when in use. Check your cell phone network signal is strong. If your cell phone signal is weak, it can affect how well your microphone appears to be working.Check the microphone is enabled. Follow the above instructions to ensure your microphone is enabled for the app with which you’re trying to use it.Restart your phone. If you’ve tried everything else, try rebooting your phone. That usually fixes many common issues. Repair your phone. If your phone’s microphone continues not to work, you may need to have it repaired or replaced.

  • How do you turn off the microphone on an Android phone?

  • To turn off the mic on an Android phone, tap Settings > Privacy > App Permissions > Microphone, and then toggle all apps’ microphone permissions to off (white).

  • How do you remotely turn on your Android phone’s microphone?

  • If you’re looking for a way to turn your Android device into a remote microphone, there are apps on the Google Play Store that claim to help you accomplish this. If you download the WiFi Ear app or get the Mic Stream remote mic app, you’ll need to install them on two Android devices. One will work as a microphone and one as a receiver. It’s a way to join a meeting without being physically there or turning your device into a baby monitor.

To turn off the mic on an Android phone, tap Settings > Privacy > App Permissions > Microphone, and then toggle all apps’ microphone permissions to off (white).

If you’re looking for a way to turn your Android device into a remote microphone, there are apps on the Google Play Store that claim to help you accomplish this. If you download the WiFi Ear app or get the Mic Stream remote mic app, you’ll need to install them on two Android devices. One will work as a microphone and one as a receiver. It’s a way to join a meeting without being physically there or turning your device into a baby monitor.

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