So you’ve got a pair of AirPods Pro or maybe you’re thinking about getting some and now you’re wondering… where’s the microphone on these little things? I mean they’re tiny, right? So where the heck is the mic hiding?
Let’s break it down nice and simple, no tech speak, just real talk.
Table of Contents
First Off — Do AirPods Pro Even Have a Microphone?
Yup, they do. Actually, not just one. The AirPods Pro have multiple microphones built into them, and they’re used for all kinds of things — from picking up your voice during calls, to powering features like Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode.
So yeah, these aren’t just wireless earbuds for music. They’re like mini smart devices for your ears.
So Where Is the Mic Exactly?
Alright, here’s where the magic’s hidden:
- External Mic – This one is on the outside of each AirPod. If you look closely, there’s a small little mesh area on the outer side of the stem (the long part). That’s where it picks up outside noise — super useful for both ANC and when you’re on a call.
- Internal Mic – There’s also a mic inside the earbud — yup, the part that goes in your ear. This one helps pick up your voice from inside your ear canal (crazy, right?) and also helps balance the sound and noise-cancellation features.
- Bottom Mic – There’s also another mic located right at the tip of the stem — that’s the one closest to your mouth when you’re talking. It mainly picks up your voice during phone calls and when you talk to Siri.
So between all of those, the AirPods Pro can pretty much hear you crystal clear — even in noisy spots.
How Many Mics in Total?
Each AirPod Pro actually has three microphones:
- One on the outside (for ambient sounds)
- One on the inside (for in-ear audio and noise control)
- One on the bottom of the stem (for voice and calls)
So if you’re using both AirPods, that’s six mics working together. Wild.
Do the Mics Work During Phone Calls?
Yup — and they’re actually pretty solid. The mic on the stem is what mainly handles your voice during calls. It focuses on your voice and tries to filter out background noise.
The external mic and internal mic also help reduce wind or random noise around you, so the person on the other end can hear you more clearly.
Honestly, for something so small, the mic quality is surprisingly good. Not podcast-level or anything, but more than good enough for everyday calls, Zoom meetings, and yelling “Hey Siri” when your hands are full.
Can You Choose Which Mic to Use?
Actually, yes. In your iPhone settings, you can go into Bluetooth > AirPods Pro > Microphone and choose:
- Automatically Switch AirPods (this is the default)
- Always Left AirPod
- Always Right AirPod
This can be useful if one AirPod’s mic is acting weird or if you’re just using one bud at a time.
Final Thoughts
So where’s the microphone on AirPods Pro? Basically — it’s everywhere. One on the outside, one on the inside, and one right at the bottom of the stem. All those mics work together to make calls sound clear, block out noise, and let Siri hear you without you screaming into the void.
They might be tiny, but the tech inside is pretty impressive.
Let me know if you want to go into more details like how they compare to other earbuds or if you need a quick FAQ added at the end!
