AirPods Mic Test

Check the microphone in your AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. Pick your AirPods as the input, talk, and watch the level meter — then record a clip to hear how you sound on calls.

Private — audio never leaves your device
Ready to test

Click to start the microphone test

Your browser will ask for permission to use the mic.

Input level −∞ dB
Volume—
Peak—
Frequency—
Listening0:00

Settings

2.0×
80%

Turn all three off to hear your microphone’s raw sound.

Microphone details

Microphone
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Microphones found
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Permission
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Sample rate
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Channels
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Latency
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Audio processing
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Recording format
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How to test your AirPods microphone

  1. Connect your AirPods. Put them in your ears and make sure they are connected to this device (see the steps for each device below).
  2. Start the test. Click Start test and choose Allow when your browser asks to use the microphone.
    The microphone test before it starts, with the Start test button and the microphone menu
  3. Choose your AirPods. Pick them in the microphone menu at the top right of the test. On iPhone and iPad the connected AirPods are used automatically.
  4. Speak normally. If the bars or waveform move, the level meter lights up and the status says Microphone is working, the AirPods microphone works. Speech usually sits between −35 and −15 dB.
    The microphone test in Spectrum view with moving bars, an input level of −23 dB and the green status “Microphone is working”
  5. Record a clip. Press Record, say a sentence, press it again and play the clip back to hear exactly how you will sound in calls and voice notes.
    A recording in the Recordings list with a player and download and delete buttons

Use AirPods as the microphone on each device

Which AirPod has the microphone?

Every AirPod has its own microphones, so you can test either one alone. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your AirPods’ name near the top, then Microphone, and choose Automatically Switch AirPods, Always Left AirPod or Always Right AirPod. Setting one side explicitly is a quick way to find out whether one microphone is weaker than the other.

Why do AirPods sound worse on a computer?

When a Windows PC or an Android phone uses AirPods as a microphone, Bluetooth switches to a call profile (Hands-Free) with lower audio quality, and music may suddenly sound flat. That is normal Bluetooth behaviour, not a fault. Apple devices handle this better but still use a reduced call quality while the microphone is in use.

AirPods mic not working? Fix it step by step

  1. Check the message on the test. If it says Microphone access blocked, the browser or your device is stopping websites from using the microphone — continue with the next step.
    The microphone test showing the red message “Microphone access blocked” with instructions
  2. Allow the microphone for this site. Click the icon to the left of the address bar, open Site settings and set Microphone to Allow, then reload the page. On iPhone, tap aA in Safari’s address bar › Website Settings › Microphone › Allow.
    Chrome site settings with Camera and Microphone set to Allow
    Chrome and Edge site settings. In Firefox and Safari on a Mac, click the microphone icon in the address bar instead.
  3. Make sure the AirPods are the input. Mac: System Settings › Sound › Input. Windows: Settings › System › Sound › Input — pick the “Headset” or “Hands-Free” entry. Then choose the AirPods in the test’s microphone menu.
  4. Allow the browser to use the microphone. Mac: System Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone. Windows: Settings › Privacy & security › Microphone.
  5. Clean the microphone mesh. Gently brush the small grilles on the stem with a dry, soft-bristled brush or a dry cotton swab. Earwax and dust are the most common cause of a muffled AirPods mic.
  6. Reset the connection. Put both AirPods in the case, close the lid for 15 seconds and try again. If that doesn’t help, forget the AirPods in Bluetooth settings and pair them again, or reset them by holding the case button until the light flashes amber, then white.
  7. Update your device. AirPods firmware updates install automatically while they are connected to an up-to-date iPhone, iPad or Mac.

About this AirPods mic test

This test runs entirely in your browser. Your voice is analysed on your own device and is never uploaded or stored; recordings disappear when you close the tab. It works with every AirPods model — AirPods (2nd, 3rd and 4th generation), AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max — as well as Beats and other Bluetooth earbuds, on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows and Android.

Frequently asked questions

How do I test my AirPods microphone?

Connect your AirPods, start the test above, choose your AirPods as the microphone and speak. If the level meter moves, the microphone works. Record a short clip and play it back to check the sound quality.

Can I test the AirPods mic on Android or Windows?

Yes. Pair the AirPods over Bluetooth, select them as the input device, then run this test in Chrome, Edge or Firefox. Expect lower call-quality sound, which is normal for Bluetooth headsets on these systems.

Why is my AirPods mic muffled?

Usually dirt or earwax on the microphone mesh. Clean it gently with a dry soft brush, then check that the AirPods — not the built-in mic — are selected as the input device.

Do both AirPods have a microphone?

Yes. Each AirPod has its own microphones. On iPhone or iPad you can set the microphone to always use the left or right AirPod in the AirPods settings to test each side.

Is the recording uploaded anywhere?

No. Everything happens locally in your browser. Recordings stay in the open tab until you download them or close the page.