Microphone test: record and play back

When to test the microphone

Test the mic when you look at a used device, when people on calls say you sound quiet or crackly, and after a screen or charging port replacement (on many phones the main mic sits next to the port). Find a quiet spot and speak normally, about a hand's width from the device.

Common faults and their causes

• The level bar barely moves: dust or a case covering the mic hole, a mic damaged by water, or the browser using a different mic (Bluetooth headphones still connected).
• Hiss or crackle in the background: moisture or a circuit fault. On a laptop, noise from the fan or charger.
• Quiet, distant sound: many devices have 2 or 3 mics. With one broken the device still records, just worse, most noticeably on speakerphone or in videos.

What to do if you find a fault

• Remove the case, disconnect Bluetooth headphones, pick the right mic in the test's list and try again.
• Clean the mic hole very gently with a dry, soft brush. Don't push a pin in: it can pierce the water-resistant membrane.
• Record a short video with the front and rear cameras: each camera often uses a different mic.
• Headphones with a mic: see the headphone test.