Why does only speakerphone work during calls, and I can’t use the normal phone mic?

Why does only speakerphone work during calls, and I can’t use the normal phone mic?
I am facing an issue with my phone where the only way I can make calls is by using the speakerphone. Whenever I switch back to the normal mode, the person on the other end can’t hear me, as the phone’s primary microphone doesn’t seem to work. This has been frustrating, especially during important calls when I need privacy or when I’m in a public place. I haven’t dropped my phone or exposed it to any water that could have damaged the mic. I’ve also tried restarting my phone, but it didn’t help. This problem started unexpectedly, and I’m unsure if it’s a software glitch or if there’s something physically wrong with the microphone itself. Using speakerphone all the time isn’t practical for me, and I’m looking for any insights into what might be causing this issue.
10 Answers

A factory reset can often solve persistent issues. This should be a last resort, as it restores your phone to its original state and deletes all data. Backup important data first. Navigate to Settings -> System -> Reset Options -> Erase All Data (Factory Reset), and set up the phone again without restoring apps right away to verify if the mic works.

Rolling back to a previous OS version or uninstalling recent updates can sometimes fix the problem. Bugs introduced in new software can cause unforeseen issues. Look online for guides specific to your phone model for step-by-step instructions on how to perform a rollback if you suspect recent updates as the cause.

Testing in Safe Mode can help determine if an app is causing the issue. Safe Mode runs the device with default applications only, which helps isolate the problem. To enter Safe Mode, press and hold the power button, then hold down on ‘Power off’ until you see the Safe Mode prompt. Restarting your phone will exit Safe Mode.

Resetting your network settings might resolve the microphone issue. While this won’t erase personal data, it will refresh all network configurations, which could be causing the problem. To do this, go to Settings -> System -> Reset Options -> Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile, & Bluetooth. Check if the normal mic starts working post-reset.

Software glitches are often the root of such peculiar problems. You should start by checking if any recent updates or newly installed apps could be interfering with your microphone. Boot your phone into safe mode to see if the issue persists. Safe mode disables third-party apps temporarily, which can help identify a rogue application causing the problem.

Use diagnostic tools or apps to test your phone’s microphones. These tools can help determine if it’s a primary mic failure or another issue. Search for reputable diagnostic apps in your app store, download one, and follow its instructions to get more precise insights into the functionality of your phone’s microphones.

The microphone could be physically blocked with dirt or debris. It’s worth examining the microphone port carefully and cleaning it with a small brush or compressed air. If cleaning doesn’t help, this might indicate a serious hardware issue which could require professional repair. Visiting a service center for a thorough check-up might be necessary.