Why do my AirPods not work during telephone calls? The question of the source of the iconic sound pieces is one of the most frequently asked. Despite the staggering popularity of consumer earphones and headphones, several players are redefining how we perceive sound.
In my opinion, Apple’s AirPods are among the best earphones ever built, and one may not fully appreciate this until they have used them personally.
While AirPods are a magnificent piece of technology, they have at times been subject to criticism for some unforeseen hardware or software issues.
A particular subject of discussion has been the complaint of some users that their AirPods are prone to malfunctioning during calls.
Following hours of searching the internet, I am writing this article to explain to you why AirPods may not function properly during phone calls. I will discuss my findings concerning this topic as well as other Airpod related topics.
Why can’t I hear my callers when I’m using AirPods?
Please ensure you are using the latest version of iOS, as well as an updated version of your third-party calling application. Reset your AirPods once you have completed the software update.
The AirPods’ microphone settings are another reason why callers cannot hear you when you are using them to call over the internet or via cellular. AirPods offer users the option to choose which microphone setting they want to use when connected to a device.
There are three different microphone settings: right, left, and automatic. The other earpiece cannot activate its microphone if the other earpiece is set to leave or right.
If you have difficulty setting your microphone, you may want to set it to automatic instead. The AirPods use the microphone of the device when the automatic setting is selected.
You may also experience difficulties hearing when you are wearing your AirPods because debris may cover the microphone. This is a common but relatively overlooked cause.
AirPods can be cleaned gently to eliminate the debris issue.
However, you should be careful not to damage the AirPods irreparably.
What is the procedure for resetting AirPods?
It is a good idea to also reset your AirPods after each operating system update of your smartphone.
Besides ensuring that your AirPods are compatible with your operating system, resetting them can at times be a possible solution when your AirPods seem to be acting strange.
- Ensure that your AirPods have at least fifty percent charge before you attempt to reset them.
- Close the lid of the charging pod for 30 seconds while placing AirPods in it.
- You may forget this device by going to your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings and then tapping it. This will ensure that any past connections between your phone and AirPods are completely wiped.
- Hold the setup button on the back of the charging case when you open the lid. Press and hold the button until the status light flashes amber and then white; this should take about fifteen seconds.
- The AirPods case must be open to connecting to your smartphone. Follow the instructions on your smartphone for connecting the earbuds.
Why don’t my AirPods work on calls?
In terms of practicality and functionality, wireless headsets are well known for functions such as making telephone calls.
It is not unusual for wireless headsets, such as AirPods, to fail when you need them most.
I have compiled a list of a few of the possible reasons why your AirPods may not work on calls and possible solutions you can use before having them repaired.
I’ve discussed some reasons in this post that apply only to a small number of people, while other reasons have a wider appeal. Don’t be afraid to try out the next solution if one does not work for you.
1. Audio call settings
During calls, some smartphones may not automatically route audio input and output to AirPods, especially those that run on Android.
This usually means that audio input and output will be handled by the handset when it is necessary.
It is possible to fix this problem by selecting Bluetooth as your audio output of choice when placing the call.
2. Dust on the hardware
With the debris previously discussed, your AirPods may not perform optimally during calls due to debris getting in the way of the microphone.
In my experience, lint is the most commonly found object lodged inside the mouthpiece of AirPods.
Other debris such as dust may be stuffed into the area and can be removed by blowing it away.
3. Bluetooth disruptions
Bluetooth signals from your phone to AirPods may not always remain clear due to external interference, such as conflicting signals from other devices near you.
This problem can be resolved by turning off the Bluetooth function on your phone, then turning it back on after a few seconds.
Even though this fix does not eliminate outside interference that is beyond your control, it provides a quick reboot of the connection, which is sometimes all that is needed.
4. Outdated software
There may be some aspects of AirPods which are incompatible with older operating systems, such as calls.
The AirPods are a relatively new technology, but much work has gone into making them compatible with existing systems.
A free and well-deserved software update for your device won’t harm anyone, even if you are not experiencing problems related to an outdated OS.
5. Muting the AirPods volume on your smartphone
On the internet, I have encountered many Airpod users who have tried to figure out what was wrong with their devices and ended up just adjusting the volume.
Despite being connected to the phone, some smartphones disable sound input and output from wireless headsets. Check your audio output and input settings before joining a call if this is you.
What is the best way to talk to Siri on my AirPods?
We would not feel completely satisfied with AirPods if they did not work with Siri, Apple’s AI assistant.
You can interact with Siri through your AirPods quite easily; the process depends on the version of AirPods you have.
You can say “Hey Siri,” as you would on your iPhone when using AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. Using the standard AirPods, you can activate Siri by double-tapping one of the AirPods.
Are the AirPods waterproof?
The fact that AirPods are not waterproof may cause some to consider it a shortcoming of the product in comparison to its Apple counterparts.
Waterproof speakers are not possible due to the inability to produce them without compromising the sound quality.
Of course, I have little technical knowledge in this case, so I would not rule out the possibility of the next release from Apple Park being waterproof AirPods.
Apple is confident that AirPods will withstand both dust and sweat, to soften the blow of the announcement that AirPods are not waterproof.
Do AirPods have built-in noise cancellation?
The AirPods Max and AirPods Pro include a noise cancellation function with three different modes.
Under Active Noise Cancellation, the microphones on the AirPods which face outward will pick up any outside sound and forward it to the noise-canceling system.
With this external noise countermeasure, you can hear only what you want to hear both inside and outside your ears.
When the AirPods are in Transparency mode, some external sounds are allowed to pass through so that you can hear and take in the surroundings.
Noise cancellation in Off mode is similar to that in Transparency mode, but Off mode does not interfere with external sounds in any way.
Closing Thoughts
There are some times when AirPods will fail, but this does little to detract from their overall record as one of the best consumer headsets in the world.
In addition, we often learn how to solve some everyday problems by studying the experiences of others who have experienced similar or related issues.
The fact that some people have had negative experiences with their AirPods should not discourage you from purchasing your pair.
