LG phone apps can’t access microphone — what to check first (safe steps for seniors)
Steve H.
Reviewed for technical accuracy
Specialities: Android & LG phone microphone permission problems (apps say “microphone blocked,” “can’t record audio,” “voice call can’t hear me”).
LG microphone not working in apps? Common reasons + safe checks (permissions, privacy settings, after update, app conflicts)
Technician
We’ll do this in a safe order. I don’t want you to tap random buttons, delete apps, or reset anything and end up more stressed.
First, tell me what you’re seeing:
• Is it happening in one app (like WhatsApp, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Recorder)?
• Or all apps (even Phone calls and Voice Recorder)?
• Do you see a message like “Microphone blocked”, “Allow microphone”, or “Permission denied”?
Technician
Two calm questions to narrow it down (no changes yet):
1) Did this start after an LG / Android system update or a security update?
2) When you make a regular phone call, can the other person hear you normally?
Trust moment: I’m not going to tell you to factory reset your phone. First we check the simple, low-risk settings.
Technician
That points to one of these common causes on LG phones:
• The app’s Microphone permission got set to Deny (often after an update).
• Android’s Privacy mic access was turned off for apps.
• The app is set to “Ask every time” and didn’t get approved.
• Another app is using the microphone in the background (so the other app can’t access it).
Quick safe check: when the problem happens, do you see a small green dot near the top of the screen?
Technician
The green dot usually means the microphone is being used (or was just used). Sometimes that’s your video call app. Sometimes it’s another app that has permission, like a voice assistant or a messaging app.
Safe check 1 (no uninstalling):
Let’s confirm if the affected app is blocked. On LG/Android, each app has its own microphone permission (Allow / Don’t allow / Ask every time).
Also, if your phone has a physical case, make sure nothing is covering the bottom microphone hole. I know that sounds simple, but it matters.
Technician
Safe check 2: Is it one app, or multiple apps?
If it’s only one app (for example, just WhatsApp), it’s usually that app’s permission setting.
If it’s multiple apps, it can be a broader Android privacy switch, or a background conflict.
If you want, you can compare quickly using a different app you already trust, like the built-in Voice Recorder or your phone’s camera video recording. No downloads required.
(If you also have other small phone issues lately like battery draining or charging slowly, those can sometimes happen after updates too — see Android phone battery drains overnight or Android phone charging very slowly.)
Technician
If Voice Recorder works, the microphone itself is okay. So we’re dealing with an app permission issue, not a failing phone.
Safe check 3 (common after updates):
Many apps lose permission after an update, or the setting changes to “Ask every time.” Then the app can’t access the mic until it’s allowed again.
Another safe thing to confirm: do you see the microphone icon crossed out anywhere in quick settings? Some LG phones let you block camera/mic access from the top menu.
(If your camera ever shows a black screen, that’s a separate permission/camera issue — Android phone camera shows black screen.)
Technician
Trust moment: I don’t want you to “open everything up.” We only want the microphone allowed for the specific app you trust (like your messaging app), and not for everything.
On Android/LG, microphone permission is usually:
• Allowed only while using the app (most common and safest), or
• Ask every time (can be annoying), or
• Don’t allow (causes your exact issue).
Also, if your phone is low on storage, some apps behave oddly after updates. If storage is tight, it can cause glitches — similar to Android phone SD card slow issues.
Technician
This often starts suddenly because of:
• An Android update changing permission rules (it happens quietly).
• The app updating and now requiring mic access again.
• A security setting like Privacy Dashboard or “remove permissions if app isn’t used.”
• A Bluetooth device (like headphones) taking over audio input/output unexpectedly.
Safe check 4: If you have Bluetooth earbuds, try turning Bluetooth off briefly and test the app again. No permanent change — just a quick test.
Technician
If Voice Recorder works, it’s almost never hardware. Hardware microphone failure usually means:
• people can’t hear you on calls,
• recordings are silent in every app,
• or the mic is extremely muffled everywhere.
Your pattern (some apps work, some don’t) is classic settings/permissions behavior — and it can be fixed without replacing parts.
If you want a careful next step, we focus only on the affected app’s microphone permission and nothing else.
Technician
The goal is simple: make sure the app you trust is allowed to use the microphone while you’re using it (not in the background, not “always”).
Trust moment: We’ll avoid risky steps like resets or deleting your important apps. If anything looks confusing, pause — and we’ll confirm it together before you change it.
Quick answer: the accepted fix
Accepted first fix for LG phone apps that cannot access the microphone: confirm it’s not hardware, then review the safest microphone settings first.
What usually helps most:
• Check the affected app’s Microphone permission (it may be set to “Don’t allow” after an update).
• Make sure the phone’s global mic privacy toggle is not blocking apps.
• Test with a built-in app like Voice Recorder to confirm the microphone works at all.
• Temporarily disconnect Bluetooth earbuds/headsets to rule out an audio input conflict.
• Close other apps that may be using the microphone in the background before testing again.
Why LG apps lose microphone access (and why it can start suddenly after an update)
On LG phones, microphone problems inside apps are often caused by Android permission changes after a system update or app update. Some apps may switch to “Ask every time,” or Android may remove permissions from apps you don’t use often. A privacy feature can also block microphone access until you approve it again. If your microphone works during phone calls or Voice Recorder, the issue is usually settings, not hardware.
What to check first: app microphone permissions, privacy controls, and Bluetooth audio
Start with the most gentle checks: confirm the problem app is allowed to use the microphone, and that Android privacy controls are not blocking mic access. Next, test without Bluetooth earbuds to avoid an audio input mix-up. If only one app is affected, focus on that app’s settings instead of changing the whole phone. If multiple apps fail at the same time, look for a wider privacy toggle or an app conflict.
LG phone microphone blocked in apps — gentle troubleshooting tips
Most cases are caused by permissions or privacy settings, not a damaged microphone.
Best approach: test a built-in recorder, check the microphone permission only for the app you trust, and avoid changing many settings at once. If the issue started after an update, it’s often because Android asked for permission again and it was denied by accident. If you use Bluetooth earbuds, test without them to rule out a headset microphone conflict. If your phone also has charging or battery issues after updates, review Android phone battery not charging and Android phone battery drains overnight for other safe checks.
Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. Avoid making multiple system changes at once. For device-specific steps, consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech or the manufacturer’s support before making decisions.
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FAQ
Why did my LG phone apps lose microphone access suddenly?
This can happen after an Android update or an app update that resets permissions. Sometimes the phone changes the mic setting to “Ask every time” or “Don’t allow” without you noticing. It can also happen if another app is using the microphone in the background. If phone calls and Voice Recorder still work, it’s usually settings, not a broken microphone.
Did an update cause the microphone permission problem on my LG phone?
Yes, updates commonly trigger new privacy rules and permission prompts. If “microphone access” was denied once, the app may stop working until it’s allowed again. Some phones also remove permissions from apps that weren’t used for a while. This is normal Android behavior and usually fixable without drastic steps.
Is it hardware damage, or just LG/Android settings?
It’s usually settings if some apps can record audio and phone calls work normally. Hardware microphone issues usually affect everything (calls, recorder, videos) at the same time. If only one or two apps can’t hear you, that points to app permissions or privacy controls. A quick test with Voice Recorder is a safe way to check.
Can this be fixed without going to a repair shop or service center?
Often, yes. Most cases are solved by reviewing the app’s microphone permission and checking simple privacy toggles. Disconnecting Bluetooth devices can also help if the wrong microphone is being used. Service is usually only needed if the microphone fails in every app, including calls and recordings.
Sources
- Google Help — Control app permissions on Android
- Google Help — Use the Privacy Dashboard on Android
- Google Help — Check microphone and camera access indicators
- iFixit — Android Troubleshooting (audio and app-related checks)
Filed under: Sensors & Permissions
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