mic doesn't work unless speaker is on

[Hermitcrab]

My phone: Galaxy 14A 5G. Problem: My caller can hear me only when my speaker is turned on. In other words, the mic needs the speaker to be on in order for it (mic) to operate I think the problem may have started some months ago after i dropped the phone onto a hard surface, but I can't be sure. Amazingly, there was zero screen damage. That leads me to suspect that some circuitry damage may have occurred.

Is there anything I can check, or adjust, in the event there was no internal damage in order to restore proper operation? Thanks in advance for your assistance. Hermitcrab

 

[mustang7757]

Make sure the mic's are all clean and free of debris

 

[SpookDroid]

If you dropped the phone chances are this is a hardware issue, but let's try and check! If you go to your phone's Settings, Device Care and scroll down to the 'Advanced care' section, you should see a Diagnostics option. There, tap the 'Phone diagnostics' and select the 'Mic' one (the phone may try to run all diagnostics if this is the first time you run them). That will test both available mics and could give you an indication if the microphone is or isn't working properly.

 

[B. Diddy]

The speakerphone typically uses the secondary mic (which is at the top of the phone), so this suggests the primary mic (at the bottom of the phone) is either blocked or faulty. As mustang7757 suggested, make sure the primary mic opening isn't clogged by debris like lint. If you have a case, make sure the cutout for the mic is properly located.

Another easy way to check the integrity of the mic would be to take a video of anything with sound, using the Camera app. Then play it back using headphones. If you don't hear sound in one of the channels, that means that mic isn't working.

 

[Hermitcrab]

If you dropped the phone chances are this is a hardware issue, but let's try and check! If you go to your phone's Settings, Device Care and scroll down to the 'Advanced care' section, you should see a Diagnostics option. There, tap the 'Phone diagnostics' and select the 'Mic' one (the phone may try to run all diagnostics if this is the first time you run them). That will test both available mics and could give you an indication if the microphone is or isn't working properly.

Laura, thanks for your reply. I tried what you suggested. i went to "device care" and scrolled down but there is no "diagnostics" visible. The last visible is ?maintenance mode". There is no "diagnostics" visible anywhere on the list. "Device care" shows a smiley face and the word "Good".

 

[Hermitcrab]

The speakerphone typically uses the secondary mic (which is at the top of the phone), so this suggests the primary mic (at the bottom of the phone) is either blocked or faulty. As mustang7757 suggested, make sure the primary mic opening isn't clogged by debris like lint. If you have a case, make sure the cutout for the mic is properly located.

Another easy way to check the integrity of the mic would be to take a video of anything with sound, using the Camera app. Then play it back using headphones. If you don't hear sound in one of the channels, that means that mic isn't working.

Thanks for your suggestions, B. Diddy. I assume the primary mic is at the phone's bottom, next to the USB port. If that's the case, there doesn't appear to be any blockage. i don't have an earphone, In my reply to Laura, I tried locating "Diagnostics" but it doesn't appear under "Device care", so I couldn't run a mic test. According to "Care report" there are no app issues. Fortunately, my phone is quite useable the way it is, but it would be nice to be able to use the mic without having the speaker on.

 

[B. Diddy]

Test the phone in Safe Mode, in case some 3rd party app is interfering: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10003495/

If it still doesn't work, then the mic was probably damaged from the drop.

 

[SpookDroid]

Laura, thanks for your reply. I tried what you suggested. i went to "device care" and scrolled down but there is no "diagnostics" visible. The last visible is ?maintenance mode". There is no "diagnostics" visible anywhere on the list. "Device care" shows a smiley face and the word "Good".

What about if you search for "Diagnostics" in your Settings? If not, then this model doesn't have it directly on the OS menus and may have to be accessed via the 'secret code' (in the Phone app, dial *#0*#).

 

[mustang7757]

If it's not in device care then check in the Samsung members app

 

[Hermitcrab]

I've tried your suggestions but still "no go". I'll just continue using my phone as is. It's not a serious enough problem. I do thank all who've resounded, and at least I've learned some new things.

Test the phone in Safe Mode, in case some 3rd party app is interfering: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10003495/

If it still doesn't work, then the mic was probably damaged from the drop.

Thanks for the URL about safe mode, B. Diddy I never knew that.

 

[Hermitcrab]

Thanks again to all who responded. I think my next step will bring the phone to a local T-Mobile store. I know the phone is a few months out of warranty, but I'll feel better if someone more experienced can check it out.