Microphone Repair: Ensure You Are Heard Loud and Clear
"Hello? Can you hear me now?" It's the most heard phrase during phone calls with a defective microphone. In an era of video calling, voice messages, and virtual assistants, a well-functioning microphone is essential. But did you know your phone often has not one, but three or four microphones?
Which products does this apply to?
Microphones are integrated everywhere these days.
Applicable: Smartphones (essential for calling), Tablets (for FaceTime/Zoom), Laptops (for Teams meetings), Headsets & Gaming headphones, Smartwatches (for dictation), and Smart Home devices.
Not applicable: Devices purely for consumption (e-readers without audio function), or passive speakers without voice assistant.
What is the definition of a microphone repair?
A microphone converts sound waves into electrical signals. In a repair, this delicate component is replaced.
The "Multi-Mic" System: It is important to know which microphone is broken. A modern smartphone often has at least three:
Primary microphone (Bottom): For normal phone calls.
Secondary microphone (Top/Back): For noise cancellation and sound during video recordings.
Front microphone (Top of screen): For sound during selfie videos and speakerphone calls.
Often the bottom microphone is soldered onto the charging port module. A microphone repair in that case often means the entire charging unit is replaced.
What could be the reasons a microphone repair is needed?
Contamination: Microphones sit behind tiny holes. Pocket lint, tobacco, makeup, or skin oils can completely cement these holes shut.
Moisture damage: Microphones are extremely sensitive to moisture. Calling in the rain or sweating during sports (with headsets) can cause corrosion.
Drop: A hard impact can tear the flex cable inside or shift the microphone out of place.
In which case can a microphone repair help?
"You sound far away": People hear you, but very quietly or muffled (often dirt).
Crackling and noise: Your conversation partner hears static noise or crackling when you talk.
Video without sound: Your phone calls are fine, but your Snapchat or WhatsApp videos have no sound (then the secondary mic is broken).
Siri/Google doesn't respond: The microphone doesn't pick up your "Hey Google" command anymore.
When is a microphone repair unnecessary?
Network problems: If the call drops or stutters ("blocky" voice sound), this is often due to your 4G/5G coverage, not your microphone.
Bluetooth confusion: Sometimes your phone "thinks" it is connected to the car kit of the car parked outside. The phone then uses the car's microphone. Turn off Bluetooth to test.
Motherboard defect (Audio IC): Just like with speakers: if your voice memo app crashes immediately or stays greyed out, the audio chip on the motherboard is broken, not the microphone itself.
Do you need a microphone repair yourself?
Do you have to shout to be understood, or do your videos only record noise? That is not workable.
Check and compare our independent repairers in our marketplace. They can test which of the microphones is defective and ensure you come across crystal clear again.