Airpods microphone works for recording but not for any communications app

Greetings Elisevf1,

We understand you are having difficulty using your AirPods for phone calls, and we'd like to help. Begin by following the steps found here:

Make and answer calls with AirPods on iPhone

Check to make sure the call is being routed to your AirPods: While on a call on iPhone

"Adjust the audio during a call

To change the volume, press the volume buttons on the side of iPhone. Or swipe down on the call banner, then do any of the following:

• Mute: Tap the mute button.
• Put the call on hold: Touch and hold the mute button.
• Talk handsfree: Tap the audio button, then choose an audio destination".

Check your mic settings: Change the settings of your AirPods and AirPods Pro

Try changing the mic to left, right or automatic to see if that helps.

If none of those steps help, How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro

Take care.