When your Fairphone 5 microphone stops picking up your voice, it can turn simple calls, video chats, and voice notes into a frustrating experience. The good news is that with its modular design, some hardware checks are easier than on most phones. Let's start by figuring out exactly which microphone is acting up.
Test Your Fairphone 5 Microphone
Open the Voice Recorder app that came with your phone. Tap the record button and speak at a normal volume for about ten seconds. Play it back to see if your voice is clear or muffled.
Next, make a quick call to your voicemail or a friend. Ask them if they can hear you clearly. Try the call first on speakerphone, then with the phone held to your ear, as different microphones are used for each mode.
If the problem is only in one app, like WhatsApp or Google Meet, test the microphone in another app. This helps narrow down whether it's a system-wide issue or something app-specific.
Check for Physical Blockages First
The Fairphone 5 has microphone ports on the bottom edge next to the USB-C port and at the top of the frame. These tiny holes can easily get clogged with pocket lint or dust.
Take a close look at these openings under a bright light. You can use a soft, dry toothbrush or a can of compressed air to gently dislodge any debris. Be very careful not to push anything further into the microphone.
If you use a case, take it off and test the microphone again. Some cases, especially thicker ones designed for the Fairphone's modular body, can accidentally cover or muffle the microphone ports.
Disconnect Any Bluetooth Accessories
Your phone might be routing all audio through a connected Bluetooth headset or earbuds, even if you're not actively using them. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel and tap the Bluetooth icon to turn it off temporarily.
You can also go into your Bluetooth settings to manually disconnect or "Forget" a specific device that might be causing conflicts. After disabling Bluetooth, test your phone's built-in microphone again with a quick voice recording.
Review App Permissions
Android requires apps to ask for permission to use the microphone. If you accidentally denied this permission, the app won't be able to hear you. Go to Settings > Apps and select the app giving you trouble, like Discord or your camera app.
Tap on Permissions and look for the Microphone permission. Make sure it's set to "Allow" instead of "Deny." You can also check all your microphone permissions at once by going to Settings > Privacy > Permission manager > Microphone.
Close and Reopen Problem Apps
A temporary glitch in an app's software can cause it to lose access to the microphone. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and hold to see your recent apps. Swipe the problematic app up and off the screen to close it completely.
Wait a few seconds, then tap the app icon to reopen it fresh. This clears the app from your phone's working memory and often resolves one-off microphone issues without needing a full phone restart.
Perform a Software Update
Fairphone is committed to long-term support, and software updates frequently include bug fixes for hardware components like microphones. Go to Settings > System > System update to check for any available updates.
If an update is available, I'd recommend installing it while your phone is plugged into its 30W charger. This ensures the process completes smoothly. After the update, test your microphone again, as the fix could be included in the new software.
Restart Your Fairphone 5
A simple reboot clears out temporary system caches and can fix a surprising number of glitches. Press and hold the power button on the right side of the phone until the power menu appears, then tap "Restart."
If the screen is unresponsive, you can force a restart by holding the power button down for about 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black and the Fairphone logo reappears. This is a soft reset that doesn't erase any data.
Check the Modular Components
One unique advantage of the Fairphone 5 is its repairability. If you're comfortable, you can pop off the back cover by wedging a fingernail into the notch at the bottom. Check that all internal connections are seated properly.
While the main microphone isn't a user-replaceable module like the battery or camera, ensuring the back cover is correctly snapped on can affect sound sealing. Reseat the cover by pressing firmly around all edges until you hear a consistent click.
Reset App Preferences or All Settings
If microphone issues persist across multiple apps, resetting app preferences can help. This resets permissions and background data restrictions without deleting your apps or personal data. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset app preferences.
For a more comprehensive reset, you can try resetting all system settings. This will revert Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and sound settings back to default, but your photos and apps will remain. The path is Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
Consider a Factory Reset
This is a last resort for persistent software problems. A factory reset will erase all data on your phone and return it to its original out-of-the-box state. You must back up everything important first.
To proceed, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). After the phone restarts and you go through the setup again, test the microphone immediately before restoring your apps, to see if the issue is resolved.
