Are you experiencing subpar audio quality during your phone calls or voice chats using your AirPods?. Although AirPods are known for their convenience, seamless connectivity, and impressive sound quality, their microphone can sometimes let you down, picking up unwanted background noise or failing to capture your voice clearly. Fortunately, you have a few options to upgrade or change your AirPods mic. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind your AirPods mic issues and provide a step-by-step guide on how to change or upgrade your AirPods mic.
Understanding The Types Of AirPods Mics
Before diving into the process of changing or upgrading your AirPods mic, it’s essential to understand the types of mics used in AirPods. There are two main types of mics in AirPods:
The Original AirPods Mic
The original AirPods, launched in 2016, feature a single microphone located at the end of the charging case. This mic is designed to detect your voice during phone calls, and it’s relatively basic compared to modern standards.
The AirPods Pro Mic
In 2019, Apple launched the AirPods Pro, which feature two microphones: one outward-facing and one inward-facing. The outward-facing mic is designed to capture external sounds, such as your voice during phone calls, while the inward-facing mic helps to detect and cancel background noise.
Why Do You Need To Change Your AirPods Mic?
If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, it might be time to change or upgrade your AirPods mic:
Audio Quality Issues
You may notice that your voice sounds muffled, distorted, or unclear during phone calls. This could be due to a faulty mic or exposure to water or dust.
Noise Cancellation Issues
If you’re using AirPods Pro, you may experience noise cancellation issues, where the mic fails to detect and cancel background noise effectively.
One-Sided Audio Issues
If you notice that audio is playing only in one earbud, it could be related to a faulty mic or a connectivity issue.
Dirty Or Corroded Mic
If your AirPods mic is exposed to dust, dirt, or water, it can affect the audio quality. Cleaning your AirPods mic can resolve this issue.
Upgrading Your AirPods Mic: Exploring Options
If you’re experiencing issues with your AirPods mic, there are a few options to consider:
Replacing The Entire AirPods Unit
If your AirPods are out of warranty or you’re experiencing multiple issues, it might be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit. This option will ensure that you receive a brand-new AirPods unit with an upgraded mic.
Upgrading To AirPods Pro
If you’re using the original AirPods and experiencing issues, upgrading to AirPods Pro might be a good option. AirPods Pro feature an improved mic design that offers better noise cancellation and audio quality.
DIY Repair Or Replacement
If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, you can attempt to replace or repair your AirPods mic. This option requires some technical expertise and specialized tools.
A Step-by-Step Guide To Changing Or Upgrading Your AirPods Mic
If you decide to upgrade or change your AirPods mic, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Option 1: Replacing The Entire AirPods Unit
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Purchase a new AirPods unit from an authorized Apple reseller or directly from Apple. |
| 2 | Transfer your old AirPods settings to your new AirPods using the AirPods pairing process. |
| 3 | Update your AirPods firmware to the latest version. |
Option 2: Upgrading To AirPods Pro
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Purchase AirPods Pro from an authorized Apple reseller or directly from Apple. |
| 2 | Transfer your old AirPods settings to your AirPods Pro using the AirPods pairing process. |
| 3 | Update your AirPods firmware to the latest version. |
Option 3: DIY Repair Or Replacement
Please note that DIY repair or replacement may void your warranty and requires technical expertise. Here’s a general outline of the process:
- Disassemble your AirPods charging case to access the mic.
- Remove the old mic and clean the surrounding area.
- Install a new mic, making sure to align it properly.
- Reassemble your AirPods charging case.
<h2<Tips and Tricks to Extend the Life of Your AirPods Mic
To extend the life of your AirPods mic and prevent common issues, follow these tips:
Clean Your AirPods Mic Regularly
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cotton swab to gently remove dirt and debris from your AirPods mic.
Use A Case Or Cover
Invest in a protective case or cover to shield your AirPods from dust, dirt, and accidental drops.
Avoid Exposure To Water
Keep your AirPods away from water and avoid exposing them to excessive moisture.
By following this guide, you should be able to change or upgrade your AirPods mic effectively, ensuring a seamless audio experience for yourself and those you communicate with.
Can I Upgrade The Mic On My Existing AirPods?
You can upgrade your existing AirPods’ mic by purchasing a replacement mic module or an entire new AirPods unit if the existing one is damaged. To upgrade the mic on your existing AirPods, you will need minimal technical expertise, and the upgrade should take around 15-20 minutes.
This process involves disassembling your AirPods unit and removing the old mic module before replacing it with the new one. If you’re not comfortable performing the task yourself, consider seeking professional help to avoid damaging other components in your AirPods.
Why Should I Upgrade My AirPods’ Mic?
Upgrading your AirPods’ mic can significantly improve the overall sound quality, resulting in a more enjoyable listening and talking experience. The new mic can reduce ambient noise and echo, which will make it easier for those on the other end of the call to hear you clearly.
Additionally, an upgraded mic can ensure seamless voice assistant functionality, enable better voice clarity during calls, and provide an enhanced noise reduction experience when using active noise cancellation. Replacing a damaged mic module can also resolve dropped calls, and poor audio quality issues associated with a faulty mic.
Where Can I Buy Replacement Mic Modules For AirPods?
You can purchase replacement mic modules for AirPods from Apple’s official website or third-party retailers and suppliers, including Amazon, eBay, or third-party electronics repair shops. Be sure to verify the authenticity and compatibility of the replacement mic module to ensure proper functionality.
Additionally, ensure that you purchase a replacement mic module from reputable and trustworthy sources to avoid compatibility issues or receiving a counterfeit product. Always review customer feedback and product reviews before making a purchase.
How Do I Know Which Mic Module Is Compatible With My AirPods Model?
To determine the compatibility of the replacement mic module with your AirPods model, you’ll need to check your AirPods’ model number and compare it with the supported models listed for the replacement mic module. Make sure to read product descriptions carefully to ensure you’re purchasing a compatible mic module.
If you’re unsure about the compatibility or need help in selecting the correct replacement mic module, reach out to customer support from the supplier or retailer for assistance. Please provide your AirPods model number for verification.
Can I Repair Or Upgrade My AirPods Mic Without Professional Help?
While it’s recommended to seek professional help for the upgrade, it’s possible to do it yourself with some basic technical knowledge. Ensure you carefully follow instructions or online tutorials and have a few necessary tools to perform the upgrade.
The upgrade procedure requires precision and care, and there’s a risk of damaging other components in your AirPods. However, with the right knowledge, resources, and tools, and careful execution of the upgrade, you should be able to successfully upgrade the mic without any issues.
Does An Upgraded Mic Void My AirPods’ Warranty?
Upgrading your AirPods mic may void your warranty if you weren’t authorized to do so by the Apple Support team. However, if the replacement mic module was purchased through Apple or an authorized reseller and was installed by them, your AirPods warranty should still remain valid.
If you upgrade the mic yourself, there’s a chance that Apple may void your warranty if any other component was accidentally damaged during the process. Keep all relevant purchase and documentation records for the replacement mic module, including receipts, product descriptions, and official guidelines in case you encounter any issues later on.
Can I Return My AirPods For A Replacement Mic If I Still Have A Warranty?
You can attempt to return your AirPods for repairs or replacements under a valid warranty. Apple allows its customers to file a warranty claim to get a replacement AirPods unit if the issues occurred due to manufacturing defects.
To initiate a warranty claim, visit Apple’s support website and follow the instructions provided for submitting your defective product and a return shipping label. Ensure you meet the warranty requirements, which include ensuring the device was purchased directly from an Apple-authorized reseller or from Apple’s official website.