How to Turn Off the Microphone on an Android

Let's also check out Android's microphone settings

By
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Writer
  • Swansea University, Staffordshire University
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Updated on July 26, 2021
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
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Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr
Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
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What to Know

  • Disable your microphone by tapping Settings > Privacy > App Permissions > Microphone and toggling all apps to the white switch.
  • Disable Google listening by tapping Settings > Google > Account Services > Search > Voice > Voice Match > toggle to off.
  • Your microphone is on the bottom of your Android phone.

This article teaches you how to turn off the microphone on your Android phone and how to change your microphone settings.

How Do I Disable My Microphone on My Android Smartphone?

If you want to disable your Android phone's microphone altogether, the process is relatively simple but hidden behind a few menus. Here's where to look and how to disable your microphone.

  1. Tap Settings.

  2. Tap Privacy.

  3. Tap App Permissions.

    Steps required to adjust app permissions on Android phone

  4. Tap Microphone.

  5. Toggle all the apps listed to the white switch.

    Steps required to switch microphone off on Android phone

    If you only want to disable the microphone on some apps, choose to toggle them accordingly.

How Do I Stop My Phone From Listening to Conversations?

Most Android phones are always listening in some way because they're waiting to hear you activate Google Assistant. If you'd prefer to switch off this capability, here's what to do.

This process will switch Google Assistant off across all phones that use the same Google account. 

  1. Tap Settings.

  2. Tap Google.

  3. Tap Account Services.

  4. Tap Search, Assistant & Voice.

    Steps required to manage Google Voice options on Android phone

  5. Tap Voice.

  6. Tap Voice Match.

  7. Toggle Hey Google to Off.

    Steps required to toggle Voice Match off on Android phone

  8. Your phone will now no longer listen out for Google Assistant prompts.

How Do I Change My Microphone Settings on My Android?

If you want to change what apps can use your microphone on your Android phone, the process is very similar to disabling it entirely. Here's what to do.

  1. Tap Settings.

  2. Tap Privacy.

  3. Tap App Permissions.

    Steps required to change app permissions on Android phone

  4. Tap Microphone.

  5. Look through the apps and choose which ones you wish to disable or enable by toggling the green or white switch.

    Steps required to adjust microphone settings on Android phone

Where Is the Microphone on an Android Phone?

The microphone on Android phones is usually at the bottom of your phone. Look at where you plug in your phone to recharge, and you'll see some vents or holes. It's where the microphone resides and where you should speak to be heard by others or to speak to your phone.

Don't cover the microphone with your hand or fingers when you're making a call or using the microphone in some other way. 

Is My Phone Spying on Me? 

It's a common concern your Android phone might be spying on you. While your phone will listen out for the 'Hey Google' prompt, it's not tracking what you're doing or recording your calls. However, if you're concerned, you can follow the above steps to disable the microphone as much as possible while still receiving and making calls. 

Do keep a regular eye on what apps have access to your microphone in case of any threats from malware or nefarious sources. 

You can also check the Google My Activity page to see what is being collected by Google about your browsing habits and the apps you're using.

FAQ
  • How do I turn off the microphone on a Bluetooth headset if I'm using Android Oreo?

    Many third-party apps in the Google Play Store can switch your sound output to your phone's speaker. Consider downloading Headphone Mode Off or Earphone Mode Off. Or search the Google Play Store for alternatives.

  • How do I mute the Android smartphone's microphone?

    Muting and unmuting your microphone is only possible if you're on an active call. If you're on an active call and want a moment of privacy or need to speak to someone without the other party hearing, mute your Android smartphone's microphone by tapping the Mute option in the call action pane. Tap Unmute to return to the call.

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