The Airpods Pro microphone might not work on your Windows PC if the PC’s Windows/drivers or firmware of the AirPods are outdated. Moreover, the corrupt or incompatible Bluetooth Windows driver may also cause the issue.
The issue arises when the user fails to use the AirPod mic on his Windows PC (sometimes after a Windows update and sometimes when trying for the first time), although the AirPods work perfectly as the sound output device.
Before proceeding with the solutions to use the AirPods Pro mic on Windows, check if disconnecting and reconnecting the AirPods and PC resolves the mic issue. Moreover, ensure the “Allow Access to Your Microphone” and “Choose Which Apps Can Access Your Microphone” settings are enabled in the Privacy Settings of your System.
Also, check if the AirPods Pro is the Default Communication Device in the Sound Control Panel. Furthermore, ensure the Telephony service is enabled in the Services tab of the headset Properties in Settings>> Devices>> Devices and Printers.
1. Update Windows, Drivers, and Firmware of Airpods
The AirPod’s mic might not work if its firmware or Windows/device drivers are outdated as it can create incompatibility between the devices (i.e., the PC and AirPods). In this context, updating the Windows drivers and firmware of the AirPods may solve the problem.
- Update your System’s Windows and device drivers (especially Bluetooth drivers). Make sure no optional update is pending uninstall. Also, if you are using an OEM utility (like Dell Support Assistant), then use it to update the drivers.
- After updating, check if the AirPod mic is working fine. If the issue persists, put the AirPods in their case, bring the case close to your iPhone, open the case’s lid, and dismiss the notification on the iPhone. Then update the firmware of the AirPods in the iPhone’s Settings>> General>> About>> AirPods>> Firmware Version.
Open AirPods in the About of Your iPhone - After updating the firmware of the AirPods, check if the AirPods mic is clear of the issue.
Check Firmware Version of AirPods
2. Re-add the AirPods Pro to the System
The AirPods Pro mic issue could be a result of a temporary glitch of the communication/Bluetooth modules of the System. In this case, re-adding the AirPods Pro to the System may solve the problem.
But before proceeding, make sure there is no Bluetooth interference from any other device (e.g., disable Bluetooth of your iPhone) and unpair both devices (i.e., your PC and the AirPods).
- Put your AirPods in their charging case and held the pairing button of the case.
- Now, without releasing the pairing button, open the AirPods case’s lid and wait until the green light blinks.
Press the Pairing Button on the AirPods’ Case - Then release the pairing button and on the Windows system, press the Windows key.
- Now type ‘Bluetooth and Other Devices Settings‘ and click on Add Bluetooth or Other Device.
Open Bluetooth and Other Devices Settings - Then click on Headset and right-click on the Speaker icon (in the System’s tray) after successfully pairing oSystem’svices.
Click on Add Bluetooth or Other Device - Now choose Sounds and then head to the Recording tab.
Open Sound - Then right-click on the AirPods Pro Stereo and choose the Default Device.
Set AirPods Pro Stereo as the Default Device - Repeat the same in the Playback tab and check if the mic works fine. If not, then try the steps again after a system reboot.
3. Change the Applications’Settings
If the issue is only with some applications, then that application may not have been properly configured to use the AidPod Pro mic. In this context, making the relevant changes in the application’s settings may solve the problem. For elucidation, we will discuss the process for the Zoom application.
- Launch the Zoom Settings and head to the Audio tab.
- Now expand the dropdown of Speaker and choose Headset Airpod.
- Then expand the dropdown of Microphone and choose Headset Airpod.
Set Headset Airpod as the Speaker and Microphone in the ZZoom’sSettings - Now relaunch the application and check if it is working fine.
If the issue persists, check if choosing Stereo as Speaker and Microphone as ‘’Same as System’‘resolves the problem.
4. Run the Built-in Troubleshooters
The AirPod Pro mic might fail to work if essential OS modules (like Bluetooth, audio, etc.) are stuck in operation. In this scenario, running the Windows built-in troubleshooters may clear the glitch and thus solve the problem.
- Press the Windows key and open Settings.
- Now select Update & Security, and in the left pane, navigate to the Troubleshoot tab.
Open Update & Security - Then, in the right pane, open Additional Troubleshooters and click on Bluetooth to expand it.
Open Additional Troubleshooters - Now click on the Run the Troubleshooter button and let its process complete.
Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter - Then apply the troubleshooter suggestions and check if the AirPod Pro mic is operating fine.
- If the issue persists, run the Recording Audio troubleshooter and check if that resolves the mic issue.
Launch the Recording Audio Troubleshooter
5. Use the Hands-Free Mode
Suppose your Bluetooth adapter (mainly internal adapters) does not support the Stereo mode operation of the AirPods Pro. In that case, switching to the Hands-Free AG Audio option may solve the problem (but the sound quality may be a bit deteriorated).
- Click on the Speaker icon in the SSystem’sTray to expand the sound devices panel.
- Select the Headset (AirPods Hands-Free AG Audio) option and check if the AirPod mic is working fine.
Select Headset (AirPods Hands-Free AG Audio) - If the issue persists, right-click Windows and select Device Manager.
- Now expand the Sound, Video, And Game Controllers option and right-click on the AirPods Stereo.
Disable AirPods Stereo in the Device Manager - Then select Disable Device and confirm to disable the AirPods Stereo device.
- Now exit the Device Manager and reboot your PC.
- Upon reboot, check if the AirPod Pro mic is working fine.
6. Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver
If your System’s Bluetooth driver is corrupt or incompatible, your AirPods mic won’t work. In this case, reinstalling the Bluetooth driver may solve the problem.
- First, launch a web browser and download the latest Bluetooth driver version from the OEM website.
- Then right-click the Windows logo button and open Device Manager.
- Now expand Bluetooth and right-click on the Bluetooth device.
Uninstall the Bluetooth Device in the Device Manager - Then, in the menu shown, choose Uninstall Device, and on the next window, checkmark the option of Delete the Driver Software for This Device.
Delete the Driver Software of This Device for the Bluetooth Driver - Now click on Uninstall and let the uninstallation complete.
- Then reboot your PC and upon reboot, let Windows install a generic driver (if it does so).
- Now check if the mic issue is resolved. If not (or the Windows did not install a generic driver), install the latest driver (downloaded at step 1) and check if the mic has started functioning.
- If the issue persists, right-click on the Device MManager’sBluetooth device (repeat steps 2 to 3) and choose Properties.
Open Properties of the Bluetooth Device in the Device Manager - Now, head to the Driver tab and note the Bluetooth driver in use. After that, click on the Update Driver button.
Note Down the Bluetooth Driver and Click on Update Driver - Now choose Browser My Computer for Drivers, and on the next window, select Let Me Pick from a List of Available Driver on My Computer.
Browse My Computer for Drivers - Then, in the list of drivers, select a driver (but not the one currently in use) and click on the Next button.
Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer - Now reboot your PC and check if the AirPod Pro mic is working fine.
- If the issue persists, you may try another driver at step 11 (you may have to uncheck Show Compatible Driver) and check if that resolves the mic issue (you may try all the drivers one by one).
If none of the drivers does the trick for you, check if using the Bluetooth Headset Helper by Broadcom resolves the mic issue. If the problem persists, you may try to use an external (or another Bluetooth adapter using Bluetooth 5.0 like Jabra Link 380) to resolve the issue.
Kamil Anwar
Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode.
AirPods are known for their sound quality and other exceptional features, and the best part is that they can even be enjoyed by Windows users as well. We have already talked about how you can connect Apple AirPods to your Windows PC.
But, what if despite trying everything in your capacity, you find that AirPods are not connecting to Windows 10? Worry not, in this blog we’ll have a look at some effective steps that will help you get over the “AirPods not working windows 10” issue.
Before we proceed with the troubleshooting steps, here are the kind of issues that you might face when trying to connect AirPods to Windows 10 –
Kinds of Issues You Might Face When AirPods Don’t Work Correctly On Windows 10 –
When AirPods cease to work as they should, users come across the following types of issues.
- AirPods are connected but no sound can be heard on Windows 10 laptop or PC
- AirPods are paired but not connected to Windows 10
- One AirPod is working whereas the other is not
- AirPods frequently disconnecting from Windows 10
Ways To Fix AirPods Not Connecting To Windows 10
The below mentioned fixes can cater to a variety of issues that can stop you from enjoying AirPods on your Windows 10 PC –
– Check If You Have The Latest Firmware
Agreed that updating Windows to the latest version or even upgrading Windows 10 Bluetooth drivers is one of the best ways to fix AirPods not connecting to Windows 10. Having said that, if your AirPods’ firmware is outdated, it might become incompatible with devices, for instance, Windows 10.
So, how do you check your AirPods firmware and update it?
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Head to the Bluetooth menu
- Locate your AirPods in the given list of devices
- Tap on the i next to your AirPods. You will get the About section. Check the firmware.
Note: However, if your AirPods are connected, click i next to your AirPods. On the next screen, locate the About section to check the Firmware.
- If your Firmware is updated to the latest version, it’s perfectly fine, but, if not, the update should install when you connect your iPhone via Bluetooth
– Update Bluetooth Drivers
Now, we have mentioned that upgrading Bluetooth drivers is one of the best moves to resolve AirPods not working on Windows 10 or even if you face issues like AirPods seen connected but you still can’t hear sounds. One of the easiest ways to update or install the latest Bluetooth drivers is to use third-party driver updater software.
Advanced Driver Updater, for instance, is undoubtedly one of the best driver updater utilities out there. So, what is Advanced Driver Updater?
It is one utility that can take the headache of searching for the right drivers. Using this driver updater tool, you can easily install and update the right drivers for Windows, and that too in just a few simple clicks.
How Does Advanced Driver Updater Work?
Download Advanced Driver Updater
- Download, install and launch Advanced Driver Updater
- Click on Start Scan Now
- From the list of outdated drivers select your outdated Bluetooth driver
- Click on the Update driver option and wait for the process to complete.
Other Reasons To Choose Advanced Driver Updater
- You can create a backup of old drivers before updating them
- Restore backup in case something goes wrong
- Schedule driver scan at your desired time
- Exclude unused or unwanted drivers from the scanning list
– Set Your AirPods As Your Default Communications Device
Quite possibly, you have not set AirPods as your default communications device. This step is especially known to be effective in case AirPods not connecting to Windows 10 or AirPods mic not working –
- Right-click on the sound icon present at the bottom right corner of your Taskbar
- Click on Sounds
- Click on the Playback tab (if you haven’t yet) and then right-click on the AirPods and choose Set as Default Communication Device
Note: Your Device (AirPods) must be connected for the set as default function to work, or it will be greyed out
– Keep Your Windows Up To Date
With every update, Microsoft aims at patching issues and vulnerabilities. And, as reported by many users, AirPods not connecting to Windows 10 could be one of them. To update Windows 10, steps are mentioned below –
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Click on Update & Security and click on Windows Update
- From the right-hand side click on Check for updates
- If the update is available, fetch the updates
Restart your PC and now check if you can connect AirPods to Windows 10 and if they are working just fine on your computer.
– Pair AirPods To Your Computer Again
Maybe you are not able to connect AirPods to your computer because of some fault in the Bluetooth module of your computer. If that is the case, you can again try and add AirPods Pro to your computer and check if you have been able to resolve the issue –
- First, unpair your AirPods and make sure that they are not connected to any other device as well
- Put the AirPods back in the case and hold the pairing button. While holding the pairing button, open the case’s lid and wait till you see a green light blinking
- Now, release the pairing button
- In your Windows search bar type Bluetooth and other devices settings
- From the right-hand side click on Add Bluetooth or other device
- Select Sounds and then move to the Playback tab
- Right-click on AirPods Pro Stereo and select Default Device
- Repeat the process mentioned check if now your microphone is working correctly
– Use A Third-Party Bluetooth Adapter
It’s quite a possibility that your inbuilt Bluetooth adapter is unable to accommodate AirPods which is why you are facing all the different kinds of issues. And, if even after trying the above steps, you find that the AirPods are still not working on your Windows 10 laptop or PC, you can give a third-party Bluetooth adapter a spin. Many users have reported that buying and using a Bluetooth adapter fixed issues.
Wrapping Up:
Are your AirPods working fine on Windows 10? Or, more specifically, are you now able to connect AirPods to Windows 10? If yes, which of the above methods worked wonders for you. If you liked what you read, do give this blog a thumbs up and for more such updates keep reading Tweak Library.
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AirPods earphones are great, but many users are having issues, and according to them, AirPods microphone is not working properly.
This issue can happen only for one AirPod or for both headphones. We also have a solution for the first scenario.
This can be a problem on both Mac and PC, and in today’s article, we’re going to show you how to fix this problem once and for all.
Why is AirPod mic not working on calls?
It’s not uncommon to experience issues with these earbuds, and many have reported that AirPods are not working in Windows 11.
These issues can result in low AirPods volume on Windows 11 and other operating systems, therefore it’s crucial that you fix that.
For more information, be sure to read our can’t connect Bluetooth headphones to PC guide, or check the solutions below.
How can I fix the AirPods microphone issues?
1. Update your Bluetooth drivers
If AirPods microphone isn’t working properly, it’s advised that you update your Bluetooth adapter driver.
Apparently, you need to download Bluetooth Headset Helper from 2013 for Broadcom devices to fix this problem.
If you don’t want to do that manually, you can always use specialized driver updating tools to update your drivers automatically.
2. Use a Bluetooth adapter
Sometimes your built-in Bluetooth adapter can’t handle AirPods, and that can lead to issues such as AirPods microphone not working.
To fix that, you might want to consider buying a new Bluetooth adapter. Many users reported that they fixed this issue on Windows 10 by buying a Bluetooth adapter, so be sure to consider that.
3. Continue using the microphone
- Tap your headphones to activate the microphone.
- Keep talking and AirPods will pick up your voice after a second or two.
This is a simple workaround, but few Mac users reported that it worked for them, so you might want to try it.
4. Check your firmware
- Check your firmware version. Several users claim that the 3A283 version caused the problem.
- If you don’t have the latest firmware, try updating it and check if that solves the problem.
- In case the issue persists, it would be best to contact the Apple-certified repair center.
Some users managed to clear this problem by updating the firmware for the AirPods so do that right now.
To do that, you only need to start charging your AirPods while still connected to your iPhone. Of course, the smartphone should also be connected to the Internet.
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5. Verify the Active Microphone Settings
- Go to the Settings menu on your device.
- Tap the Bluetooth option.
- Tap on the Info icon from your AirPods.
- Then tap the Microphone and enable the Automatically Switch AirPods option. That will enable the AirPods to use the most suitable microphone.
This solution is only if the microphone is working on only one AirPod so make sure you perform the steps above.
6. Restart your smartphone
This issue can be simply caused by a connectivity issue from the iPhone that is not recognizing any inputs so you should restart the device.
To do that, just hold the Side button and Volume Down button pressed together at the same time for a couple of seconds.
If your iPhone has a home button, you only need to keep the Side button pressed to reset the device.
AirPods are great, but if the AirPods microphone isn’t working for you, be sure that your drivers are up to date, or try our other solutions.
If you also have problems connecting your AirPods to your MacBook, we have an excellent guide to fix that problem quickly.
If you have any other suggestions to get rid of this problem, leave us the solution in a comment from the section below.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
Are you trying to connect your earbuds to your computer, but encountering issues? If yes, then no need to worry about it. We are going to share a complete guide on Not Working Airpods Microphone on Windows 10 here.
As you know Computers provide some of the best collection of services for the users. Users are also able to connect multiple devices on the system, but encountering problems are also quite common.
Earbuds
The AirPods or Earbuds are the smallest Bluetooth devices, which provide services of speakers and mic at the same time. The Apple Airpods are quite popular for providing the best experience of sound quality.
These devices are specially designed for Apple products, but they can easily connect with other devices and operating systems. So, if you are trying to connect them to your Windows OS, then stay with us.
Today we are going to share all available information related to the connectivity here with you all. So, if you want to know about it, then you guys can stay with us for the whole ad have fun learning.
How to Connect Earbuds Airpods to Windows 10?
The connection process requires Bluetooth access to the system. So, you need to open the Bluetooth program on your computer. Access Settings and open the Devices section, where you will get the Bluetooth section.
So, add a new device and select the first available option of Bluetooth. Now you have to press and hold the button, which is available on the case and wait until the light blinks white.
A new device will appear on your Windows, which you can easily connect and start using the Airpods on Windows 10 without any problem. There are some errors, which most of the users encounter.
Not Working Airpods Microphone on Windows 10
If you are facing issues with the microphone, then don’t worry about it. Here you will get a complete guideline to solve Not Working Airpods Microphone on Windows 10 easily.
You need to set the earbuds as the default communication device. So, the process is quite simple and easy for the users. You can follow the steps below for making earbuds default communication devices.
Access Windows Setting and open System section, in which you will get the Sound section in the panel. So, open the section of sounds and access the Sound Control Panel, through which you will get all connected devices.
So, Here you will get three sections, which are Playback, Recording, sound. Select your Earbuds and set them as default communication devices, which will resolve the problems of the microphone.
Update Bluetooth Driver
If you still encounter a problem with the mic, then you should try to update the driver. Outdated Drives are one of the most common reasons for encountering multiple unexpected errors.
So, start with a simple driver updating process, for which you have to access the device manager. Press Win Key + X, which will open the Windows context menu. Find the device manager and open the program.
Here you will get all information about the available device drivers on your system. So, access the Bluetooth drivers and make a right-click on them. Select the first option of updating the driver.
You can search online for the latest drivers and install them on your system. This will easily solve all problems related to Bluetooth connectivity and you can enjoy using Airpods on Windows.
If you are having a problem with Bluetooth, then we have some detailed information available for you. Try Fix Bluetooth Problems In Windows 10.
Update Windows or Optional Drivers
Updating OS is one of the best steps, which you should take to resolve any problem. The Optional drivers are also available to resolve unexpected problems if nothing else works for you.
So, get a complete update of OS from the Settings of your system. Access Security & Updates section and check for the latest updates. If you got any Update Drivers, then install them on your system.
Bluetooth Adapter
If nothing else works for you, then you have to get a new Bluetooth adapter. The problem should be with the adapter, which cannot run AirPods. So, using a new adapter or dongle will fix this issue for you instantly.
These are some of the best available solutions, which you can use to resolve the issue of the mic. If you are still getting errors, then you guys can leave the problem in the comment section below.
Conclusion
Now you guys know the solution of Not Working Airpods Microphone on Windows 10. If you want to get more informative content, then keep visiting our website and enjoy your quality time.
I can get my Airpods to connect to my windows desktop and music playback works but the microphone does not work. Any suggestions? Ive tried to pair and unpair and also restarted the machine.
Posted on Mar 19, 2017 7:14 PM
Posted on Oct 6, 2017 4:36 PM
The problem is that windows detects the airpods as a combination device. That means it detects the mic and the sound output separately. You can use the mic with no sound at the current time, but you can’t use both at once. really want apple to actually release a driver for windows to fix this problem
My Airpods mic isn’t working with Windows 10.