Common Causes of Microphone Issues:

• Loose or damaged wires
• Dirt or debris in the microphone port
• Software or driver problems
• Incorrect audio settings

Step-by-Step Fixing Process:

1. Check Physical Damage

• Inspect the headphone cable for any visible cuts or frays.
• If the cable is damaged, consider splicing or replacing it.

2. Clean the Microphone Port

• Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove any dust or debris from the microphone opening.
• Avoid using sharp objects that might damage the microphone.

3. Check Audio Settings on Your Device

• On a PC, go to Sound Settings and ensure the correct microphone is selected.
• On a smartphone, check the microphone settings in the app you are using.
• Ensure the microphone is not muted or disabled.

4. Test with Another Device

• Plug your headphones into device to check if the microphone works.
• If it does, the issue may be with the original device’s settings.

5. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

• On Windows, go to Device Manager > Sound, video, and game controllers and update your audio drivers.
• On Mac, check System Preferences > Sound and ensure the correct input is selected.

6. Repair or Replace the Cable (If Necessary)

• If the microphone cable is damaged:
  • Strip and reconnect the wires using solder or electrical tape.
  • Use heat shrink tubing for a more secure connection.
  • If repairing is too complex, consider replacing the cable.

7. Use an External USB Adapter

• If the headphone jack is faulty, try using a USB sound adapter as a workaround.

When to Replace Instead of Repairing

• If the microphone is permanently damaged or internal components are faulty, replacement may be the best option.
• If multiple troubleshooting steps fail, consider getting new headphones.

Also Read : Top 5 Smartphone Problems and Their Easy Fixes

Materials Needed:

• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
• Soldering iron and solder (optional but recommended for stronger connections)
• Heat gun (if using heat shrink tubing)
• Connector blocks (alternative to soldering)

Step-by-Step Repair Process:

1. Prepare the Cable

• Start by carefully stripping about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of insulation from both ends of the severed cable.
• Separate the inner wires and strip about ½ inch (1.25 cm) of insulation from each wire.

2. Identify and Match Wires

• Match the corresponding wires by color.
• If the cable has shielding, ensure the shielding is also reconnected.

3. Join the Wires

• Option 1: Soldering (Best for Durability)
  • Twist corresponding wires together.
  • Apply solder to the twisted wires for a strong electrical connection.
  • Cover each soldered joint with heat shrink tubing and apply heat to secure.
• Option 2: Using Connector Blocks (No Soldering Required)
  • Insert corresponding wires into connector blocks and tighten the screws.
  • Wrap the repaired section with electrical tape for added protection.

4. Insulate the Repair

• Use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to cover and insulate each wire.
• If using heat shrink tubing, apply heat evenly to shrink it in place.
• Wrap the entire repaired section with an additional layer of electrical tape for extra strength.

Testing the Cable

Before using the repaired cable, test it to ensure a proper connection:

• Plug it in and check if the device functions correctly.
• For power cables, verify that there are no sparks or unusual behavior.
• For data cables (like USB or Ethernet), test connectivity with a device.

When to Replace Instead of Repair

• If the cable carries high voltage or handles critical data (e.g., medical or industrial cables), replacement is safer.
• If the inner wires are extensively damaged or frayed, a new cable is the best option.

Also read : How to Repair a Broken Laptop Hinge? A Step-by-Step Guide

Disclaimer: This teardown guide is for informational purposes and is not a repair manual. If you are looking to repair your Apple Watch SE, refer to an official service manual.

Step 1: Removing the Taptic Engine

1. Use a precision screwdriver to remove the designated Tri-screw securing the small protective plate.
2. Once the plate is removed, proceed to unscrew the two additional Tri-screws securing the Taptic Engine.

Step 2: Detaching the Taptic Engine

1. Locate and disconnect the two connectors highlighted in the guide.
2. Gently lift the Taptic Engine out of its position.
3. Be mindful of the adhesive securing the Taptic Engine’s cable to the speaker, as this may require careful detachment.

Step 3: Removing the Speaker

1. Identify and disconnect the designated speaker connector.
2. Remove the three Tri-screws securing the speaker in place.

Step 4: Detaching the Speaker Unit

1. Use a pair of precision tweezers to carefully lift the speaker out of the casing.
2. The optimal removal point is indicated within the guide, ensuring minimal risk of damage.

Step 5: Removing the Brackets Around the Motherboard

1. Unscrew four additional Tri-screws securing the motherboard brackets.
2. Gently pull back the screen flex cables to reveal two hidden Tri-screws and remove them.
3. Utilize tweezers to extract the brackets carefully.

Step 6: Detaching Brackets Around the Power Button

1. Locate and remove the two Tri-screws securing the power button brackets.
2. After removing the first bracket, locate the next Tri-screw and extract the second bracket.

Step 7: Disconnecting the Power Button Flex Cable (FPC)

1. Carefully disconnect the Power button’s FPC cable.
2. Note that this FPC has two connections; avoid applying force in the middle, as this may cause bending or damage.

Step 8: Extracting the Motherboard

1. Begin in the bottom-right corner and gently wedge a spudger beneath the motherboard.
2. Apply light pressure to pry the board upward.
3. Once loosened, maneuver the motherboard downwards and to the right in a clockwise motion.
4. Perform this step cautiously, as a final connector is still attached underneath the board.

Step 9: Completion

1. Once the motherboard is lifted, locate and disconnect the final connector.
2. The removal process is now complete.
3. To reassemble the device, follow the steps in reverse order, ensuring all connectors, brackets, and screws are securely reinstalled.

Final Note: Proceed with caution during each step to prevent accidental damage to fragile components. If unsure, consult a professional technician or refer to authorized repair services.

Also Read : MacBook Pro 15″ (Early 2011) Teardown & Analysis