Bluetooth devices using iphone's mic instead of device's mic.

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Level 1

4 points

Bluetooth devices using iphone's mic instead of device's mic.

My bluetooth headphones seem to be using the mic on my iphone 16 instead of the built-in mics on bluetooth devices (tested with both airpods 4 and Shokz Openrun Mini) when speaking over the phone. I tested this in several ways while speaking to other people over the phone and asking about how they hear my speech; by setting my iphone down and walking into another room (speech becomes distant), placing the iphone in my pocket (speech becomes muffled), and by placing the iphone in a vehicle's cup-holder, mic-side down(speech becomes echoey, hollow sounding). This happens with both devices, though the audio quality for me is perfect when listening to them, or listening to apps/music/podcasts. Battery-life of the audio devices or the iphone make no difference. iOS is updated (version 26.2). Iphone has had a hard reboot (to ensure all apps are turned off). I am unsure of any setting that would cause the iphone's mic to override the bluetooth device's mic as the active mic during a phone call.

iPhone 16, iOS 26

Posted on Jan 22, 2026 11:14 AM

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Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

38,809 points

Jan 24, 2026 3:48 PM in response to Pseudobeau

Re: Bluetooth devices using iphone's mic instead of device's mic.

Apple support's online article (link below) has tips on how to switch the audio to the headphones

While on a call on iPhone - Apple Support

Eg: says:

:"When you’re on a phone call on iPhone, you can choose to switch the audio to the speaker or a Bluetooth® device.

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."

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Answer 2

brbo

Level 8

38,809 points

Jan 26, 2026 4:31 PM in response to Pseudobeau

Thank you.

Re: "I would consider the problem being with only the Bluetooth device if it was isolated to a single Bluetooth device, or a single brand, or a single style"

You may also want to check whether wireless interference could be involved:

Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

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Answer 3

brbo

Level 8

38,809 points

Jan 26, 2026 3:40 PM in response to Pseudobeau

Sorry if I didn't "get" it. Thank you for explaining, and for your thoughtful reply.

Wondering if all the products you tested are compatible with your iPhone.

If you haven't already seen it:

Apple support's online article (link below) may be helpful:

Amongst other trouble-shooting tips:

There are tips to follow for if your microphone doesn't work.

(Also links to get help from Apple Support if you still need help):

If your headphones don't work with your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

For AirPods: There are firmware updates from time to time:

You may want to check they are updating automatically.

About firmware updates for AirPods - Apple Support

More tips:

Customize headphone audio levels on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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Answer 4

Pseudobeau Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 26, 2026 3:54 PM in response to brbo

Thank you for the firmware update links, i will check my Airpods and update as necessary. Each of the devices seem compatible, or at least have been for the years i have owned them. This current problem seems relatively recent, though i could not pinpoint a time it began or an incident that may have triggered it. Since I do not hear myself during calls the same as recipients, I could not notice any differences since the audio(hearing) works perfectly. I would consider the problem being with only the Bluetooth device if it was isolated to a single Bluetooth device, or a single brand, or a single style. Because the common denominator seems to be my Iphone, i think i may need to take it to support and have it inspected/tested. I may reset it before then. Though i do not know it is a software or hardware issue i must assume software since it isn't intermittent, but recurring and testable.

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Answer 5

Pseudobeau Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 26, 2026 1:50 PM in response to brbo

I apologize, i think you may have misunderstood my problem; the audio (hearing) works on my Bluetooth devices, it is only the microphone (voice) that seems to be defaulting to the Iphone's microphone even while the audio (hearing) seems to be working properly. I tested again using a 3rd device, a set of Boze QC35 II headphones, and the results were the same; the audio (hearing) remains in the bluetooth device, yet the microphone (voice) seems to be isolated to the Iphone's microphone itself, and not the bluetooth device's microphone. I have tested with 3 different products, and the results are identical. I am familiar with transferring audio during a call to other devices (EG; the Iphone speaker, a Bluetooth device, the Phone itself, etc), and i double-checked that the Bluetooth device has been chosen. There is not an option being displayed that allows me to only transfer the Microphone to a device (such as the Iphone), while keeping the audio (hearing) on a separate device (such as my airpods). Transferring audio to, for instance, the speaker works as expected. Transferring audio back to the Bluetooth device results in the same dilemma; audio (hearing) transfers properly, but the microphone (voice) does not, and seems to stay isolated to the Iphone's microphone.

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