How to Fix Apple Headphones Mic Not Working on PC

Apple headphones with a microphone are a popular choice for many people who use their PC for work, school, or entertainment. However, there are a few things that can go wrong and prevent the microphone from working properly. This can be a frustrating problem, but it is usually easy to fix.

This article will discuss some of the most common causes of this problem and how to fix them. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.

Do Apple Headphones Work on PC?

Yes, Apple’s wired headphones are compatible with most PCs. By inserting them into your PC’s headphone jack, they should function seamlessly, allowing you to enjoy audio without any hassle.

On the other hand, Apple’s Bluetooth headphones can also be paired with the majority of PCs. To do this, ensure that your PC’s Bluetooth feature is turned on, and then initiate the pairing mode on your headphones. Once successfully paired, you can use them for a variety of tasks, including listening to music and making calls.

Why is My Apple Headphone Mic Not Working on PC?

1. The headphones are not plugged in properly

Make sure that the headphones are plugged into the correct port on your PC. The headphone jack on your PC is usually located on the front or back of the case. If the headphones are plugged into a port that is not designed for audio, the microphone will not work.

2. The microphone is muted

There may be a mute button on the headphones themselves. Check to see if the button is pressed. You can also check the sound settings on your PC to make sure that the microphone is not muted. To do this, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select “Open Sound settings”. 

In the Sound settings window, click on the “Recording” tab. Under “Microphones”, make sure that the Apple headphones are selected and that the “Mute” checkbox is not checked.

3. The microphone is not set as the default input device

The default input device is the device that your PC will use to record audio. Make sure that the Apple headphones are set as the default input device. To do this, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select “Open Sound settings”. In the Sound settings window, click on the “Recording” tab. Under “Microphones”, right-click on the Apple headphones and select “Set as default device”.

4. The sound drivers on your PC are outdated

The sound drivers are the software that allows your PC to communicate with your headphones. If the sound drivers are outdated, they may be unable to properly communicate with your headphones, which could cause the microphone not to work. 

You can update the sound drivers on your PC by going to the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your sound card.

5. The microphone on the headphones is dirty or damaged

If the microphone on the headphones is dirty or damaged, it may not be able to pick up your voice properly. Try cleaning the microphone with a soft, dry cloth. If the microphone is still not working, it may be damaged and need to be replaced.

How to Fix Apple Headphones Mic Not Working on PC

How to Fix Apple Headphones Mic Not Working on PC

1. Check the physical connections

First and foremost, ensure that the headphone jack is securely plugged into the appropriate port on your PC. Some computers have separate ports for headphones and microphones, so make sure you’re connected to the right one. If your PC has a single port for both, your Apple headphones should work without a hitch.

2. Set as default device

Often, the PC might not automatically recognize the microphone from your Apple headphones.

  • Right-click on the volume icon located in the system tray at the bottom right of your screen.
  • Choose ‘Sounds’ from the menu.
  • Navigate to the ‘Recording’ tab.
  • Here, you’ll see a list of recording devices. Find your Apple headphones, right-click on it, and set it as the default device.

3. Check the microphone levels

While still in the ‘Recording’ tab:

  • Right-click on your Apple headphones and choose ‘Properties’.
  • Navigate to the ‘Levels’ tab.
  • Ensure that the microphone is not muted (there shouldn’t be a red circle with a line) and adjust the volume to an optimal level.

4. Update audio drivers

Outdated drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues.

  • Right-click on the ‘Start’ button and select ‘Device Manager’.
  • Find ‘Audio inputs and outputs’ and expand it.
  • Right-click on your Apple headphone’s microphone and select ‘Update driver’.
  • Follow the prompts to search for and install any updates.

5. Check for conflicting software

Some software, especially those related to audio and communication, might interfere with the microphone. Ensure that you don’t have multiple audio software running in the background or check if any recent installations might be causing the problem.

Conclusion

If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps above and your Apple headphones mic is still not working, there may be a problem with the headphones themselves. In this case, you will need to contact Apple support for further assistance.