The Airpods Pro microphone might not work on your Windows PC if the PC’s Windows/drivers or firmware of the AirPods are outdated.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The AirPod’s mic might not work if its firmware or Windows/device drivers are outdated as it can create incompatibility between the devices (i.e., the PC and AirPods).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.
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.
AirPods являются революционными по стилю и функциям, но лишь немногие пользователи сообщили о проблемах с ними. Микрофон AirPods не работает со своим ПК. Мы постарались углубиться в эту проблему и постарались найти для вас решение. Читайте дальше, если у вас возникнут проблемы с использованием микрофона AirPods на ПК.
В течение нескольких лет AirPods от Apple правили рынком, продавая миллионы наушников каждый год.
Apple всегда превосходила себя и выделялась из толпы своими продуктами, следя за тем, чтобы они полностью соответствовали системе iOS. Однако из-за того, что большинство пользователей предпочитают использовать ОС Windows, некоторые из совместимости продуктов Apple страдают. Так обстоит дело с Airpods. Пользователи сообщают, что они сталкиваются с проблемами адаптации при использовании микрофона на ПК.
Благодаря своему опыту Apple всегда старается сделать свою продукцию максимально доступной. AirPods отлично подходят и просты в использовании с iOS, однако с ПК дела обстоят иначе. При подключении их к ПК опция «головной телефон» появляется в диспетчере устройств. Пользователям сложно подключиться к таким приложениям, как Discord и Skype.
Как исправить микрофон AirPods на ПК?
Решение 1. Проверьте, обновлены ли Windows / драйверы.
Решение 2. Обновите прошивку
Решение 3. Настройте параметры звука на вашем ПК.
Решение 4. Используйте новый адаптер Bluetooth
Решение 5. Запустите встроенные средства устранения неполадок
Issue: For the past week, I can’t get my Airpods Pro to work on Windows 11. Any tips on how this could be resolved? Advice would be appreciated.
Solved Answer
The Apple AirPods Pro are widely recognized for its sound quality and noise-cancelling features, making them a popular choice among audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Their built-in microphone offers an additional layer of utility, providing a convenient way to make calls or use voice-activated services.
While AirPods Pro are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, many users also connect them to Windows computers for a more versatile use case. However, some users have reported experiencing issues with the AirPods Pro microphone when connected to a Windows system.
There are various reasons why the AirPods Pro microphone may stop functioning properly on a Windows computer. One common issue is related to incorrect settings within the Windows operating system itself. Users may find that the microphone is either not selected as the default input device or that privacy settings are restricting access to the microphone. Additionally, driver conflicts can occur when multiple audio devices are connected to the computer, making it difficult for the system to identify which device should be prioritized for audio input.
Another reason could be outdated firmware on the AirPods Pro. Just like any other electronic device, it also receives firmware updates to improve performance and resolve bugs. If your headphones are running on outdated firmware, this may result in compatibility issues with Windows, affecting the microphone’s functionality.
Moreover, Bluetooth connectivity problems may also play a role. Interference or weak signals can result in poor audio input, leading users to think that the Airpods Pro microphone is not working.
While these problems can be frustrating, there are several troubleshooting steps one can take to address the issue. Though the solutions will vary depending on the underlying cause, options may include adjusting system settings, updating drivers, or even altering Bluetooth configurations.
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Fix 1. Set AirPods as the default audio device
Sometimes, Windows may not automatically switch to your AirPods Pro as the default microphone when connected. To ensure your system uses the correct audio input, you’ll need to manually set them as the default device.
- Type Control Panel in Windows search and hit Enter.
- Navigate to Hardware and Sound, then click on Sound.
- A new window will pop up with multiple tabs; click on the Recording tab.
- Find your AirPods Pro in the list and right-click on them.
- Choose Set as Default Device and Set as default communication device from the context menu.
- Click OK to apply the changes.
Fix 2. Update drivers
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Outdated or incompatible drivers can result in the AirPods Pro mic not working properly. Updating your Bluetooth, sound, and other drivers can rectify this issue. For a quicker solution, we recommend using DriverFix.
- Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.
- Locate and expand the Bluetooth section.
- Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and wait.
- Once done, restart your system to implement changes.
- Do the same with Audio inputs and outputs and update your mic drivers.
Fix 3. Check privacy settings
Windows has privacy settings that control which apps have access to your microphone. Make sure your settings allow apps to access it.
- Go to Settings by pressing the Win+I keys simultaneously.
- Click on Privacy.
- Select Microphone from the left sidebar.
- Turn on the toggle under “Allow apps to access your microphone.”
Fix 4. Troubleshoot hardware and devices
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Windows comes with built-in troubleshooting tools that can identify and fix hardware-related issues.
- Type “Troubleshoot” in the Windows search bar and click on Troubleshoot settings.
- Click on Additional troubleshooters or Other troubleshooters.
- Choose Bluetooth and run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Fix 5. Reset AirPods Pro
Resetting your headphones can solve a myriad of issues, including microphone-related ones.
- Put your AirPods back in their case and close the lid.
- Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED light flashes amber.
- Re-pair the headphones with your Windows computer.
Fix 6. Update AirPods Pro firmware
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Firmware is essentially the software that runs your AirPods Pro, and like any other software, it can have bugs or incompatibilities that are usually fixed in updates. Apple doesn’t provide a direct way to update AirPods Pro firmware, but they do get updated automatically when connected to an Apple device. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your device is updated to the latest firmware to resolve any compatibility issues with Windows.
- Connect your AirPods Pro to an iPhone or iPad.
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Go to General, then tap on About.
- Scroll down and tap on your AirPods Pro.
- Check the firmware version and make sure it’s up-to-date. If an update is available, keep the headphones connected to the device and plugged into power; they’ll update automatically.
- Once the update is complete, reconnect the AirPods Pro to your Windows computer.
Related: How to fix bad sound quality of Airpods Pro on Windows?
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Your AirPods microphone may sometimes stop working on Windows. The earbuds can play sound fine, but there’s no option to select the AirPods mic. That can be a major issue, especially if you need to regularly attend video meetings. Let’s explore how you can quickly solve this annoying issue.
Contents
- 1 What to Do If Your AirPods Mic Won’t Work on Windows
- 1.1 Unpair Your Devices
- 1.2 Allow Apps to Access Your Mic
- 1.3 Set Your AirPods as Your Default Device
- 1.4 Run the Audio Troubleshooter
- 1.5 Use the Hands-Free AG Audio Option
- 1.6 Conclusion
What to Do If Your AirPods Mic Won’t Work on Windows
Unpair Your Devices
To solve the problem, unpair your devices. Navigate to Windows Settings, select Bluetooth & Devices, and locate your AirPods. Click on the three-dots, and choose Remove device.
Put the earbuds back into the case, and restart your Windows computer. Then, pair your AirPods with your Windows computer again, and check if you notice any improvements.
Allow Apps to Access Your Mic
Check your privacy settings, and make sure apps can access your AirPods microphone.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down to Microphone.
- Make sure to enable Microsoft Access.
- Then, let apps access your mic.
- Scroll down to the app that doesn’t capture your AirPods mic input.
- Make sure to toggle on the app so that it can access your mic.
- Additionally, allow desktop apps to access your microphone.
Set Your AirPods as Your Default Device
Be sure to set your AirPods as your default playback and recording device.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select System.
- Then, click on Sound.
- Scroll down to Input.
- Set your AirPods as your default device for speaking and recording.
Additionally, go to your app’s settings, and set your AirPods as your default microphone. For example, if you’re using Zoom, go to Settings, select Audio, and select your AirPods as your default microphone.
Run the Audio Troubleshooter
- Go back to System → Sound → Input.
- Scroll down to Advanced.
- Under Troubleshoot common sound problems, select Input.
- Follow the on-screen steps to run the troubleshooter.
Use the Hands-Free AG Audio Option
Click on your Speaker icon. Then, select the Headset (AirPods Hands-Free AG Audio) option. Check if you can use your AirPods mic on Windows 11.
Even if this workaround does the trick for you, the sound will probably be pretty terrible, as many users have confirmed. But at least you’ll be able to use your AirPods mic.
Conclusion
If you can’t use your AirPods microphone on Windows 11, first unpair your devices. Then, put the earbuds back into the case, and restart your computer. Additionally, check your Privacy settings, and let apps access your AirPods microphone. Set your AirPods as your default input device, and run the Audio Input troubleshooter. If the issue persists, use the AirPods Hands-Free AG Audio option.
We hope you managed to solve your AirPods mic issues with the help of this guide. Leave a comment below and let us know which solution worked for you.