Database Users

Microphone Issues on Asus Zenfone 2 Laser Ze550kl

Hello All
I bought myself an Asus Zenfone 2 Laser Ze550KL a couple of weeks back.
An overall good phone. But I am facing an irritating issue.
The phone's microphone does not work from some point onwards. Once this happens, when attending(or making) a call, the other person wont be able to hear me.
I am not sure whether its a hardware issue or a software issue. Because once I restart the phone everything is perfect once again. After maybe a couple of calls, the problem resurfaces.
I read in multiple forums of this issue (even in Zentalk) , but nobody has a clean solution. Some of the solutions were -to disable Ok Google Detection, to enable call recording, to switch to loudspeaker, to reboot the phone and so on.
Enabling loud speaker works for me. When I realize the other person cannot hear me, I switch to loud speaker and then he is able to hear me.
Did anybody come across this issue? Is it a software issue? Any help/ideas/suggestions would be nice.
I am hoping its a software bug which will be hopefully fixed in the next system update or so.
Thanks

Hmm that's an odd one I can tell you that I have call recording enabled on a ze551kl and haven't had this issue, but I'm not sure if its specific to the 550 or not. I haven't actually recorded any of my calls, it just pops up and asks me if I want to every time and I tap cancel.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00TD using Tapatalk

CKtheProblem said:
Hmm that's an odd one I can tell you that I have call recording enabled on a ze551kl and haven't had this issue, but I'm not sure if its specific to the 550 or not. I haven't actually recorded any of my calls, it just pops up and asks me if I want to every time and I tap cancel.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00TD using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not about recording calls.. Its about the recipient not hearing me. The microphone is what is bothering me. I doubt the issue is with the noise cancellation of microphones. Perhaps cancelling more than noise.
When I reboot the phone, everything starts working normally. After a few calls the problem returns, the recipient not hearing me!.
The temporary fix for me is switching to loud speaker. I dont know why, but the mic starts working when in loud speaker. The moment i switch it back to handson, the recipient is again not able to hear me.
Read a few forums in zentalk reporting the same issue
www(dot)asus.com/zentalk/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=14486
I am seriously hoping it is a software bug which would be fixed in the next update or so.
I tried the hardware test which behaves differently when the problem occurs and when it is problem free.
The hardware test is perfect if i test the mic just after reboot and when everything is normal.
But once i find out that the recipient is unable to hear me (after maybe a couple of calls/days after the reboot) , i did the hardware test again and certainly was different. A buzz at all times with my voice being completely muffled. Something to do with the noise cancellation mic i believe.
I have tried disabling OK Google Detection.
I have tried enabling call recording.
I have tried reseting factory settings , clear wipe partitions etc.
I have tried enabling dialer pad tones (Dont know why this was marked as a solution in some forums)
But all of the above was not a solution for me. Switching to loudspeaker works. And rebooting the phone (which is irritating during important calls) also works.
Any help would be nice.

[email protected] said:
Its not about recording calls.. Its about the recipient not hearing me. The microphone is what is bothering me. I doubt the issue is with the noise cancellation of microphones. Perhaps cancelling more than noise.
When I reboot the phone, everything starts working normally. After a few calls the problem returns, the recipient not hearing me!.
The temporary fix for me is switching to loud speaker. I dont know why, but the mic starts working when in loud speaker. The moment i switch it back to handson, the recipient is again not able to hear me.
Read a few forums in zentalk reporting the same issue
www(dot)asus.com/zentalk/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=14486
I am seriously hoping it is a software bug which would be fixed in the next update or so.
I tried the hardware test which behaves differently when the problem occurs and when it is problem free.
The hardware test is perfect if i test the mic just after reboot and when everything is normal.
But once i find out that the recipient is unable to hear me (after maybe a couple of calls/days after the reboot) , i did the hardware test again and certainly was different. A buzz at all times with my voice being completely muffled. Something to do with the noise cancellation mic i believe.
I have tried disabling OK Google Detection.
I have tried enabling call recording.
I have tried reseting factory settings , clear wipe partitions etc.
I have tried enabling dialer pad tones (Dont know why this was marked as a solution in some forums)
But all of the above was not a solution for me. Switching to loudspeaker works. And rebooting the phone (which is irritating during important calls) also works.
Any help would be nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To OP,
This is for most of the guys. It's a software issue, dont worry, Just update to latest update. Which happened to me the same, and solved when i updated some random OTA update fix by asus. So the current version on my phone now is LRX22G.WW_user_1.15.40.639_20151029044030520_201505210103

[email protected] said:
Its not about recording calls.. Its about the recipient not hearing me. The microphone is what is bothering me. I doubt the issue is with the noise cancellation of microphones. Perhaps cancelling more than noise.
When I reboot the phone, everything starts working normally. After a few calls the problem returns, the recipient not hearing me!.
The temporary fix for me is switching to loud speaker. I dont know why, but the mic starts working when in loud speaker. The moment i switch it back to handson, the recipient is again not able to hear me.
Read a few forums in zentalk reporting the same issue
www(dot)asus.com/zentalk/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=14486
I am seriously hoping it is a software bug which would be fixed in the next update or so.
I tried the hardware test which behaves differently when the problem occurs and when it is problem free.
The hardware test is perfect if i test the mic just after reboot and when everything is normal.
But once i find out that the recipient is unable to hear me (after maybe a couple of calls/days after the reboot) , i did the hardware test again and certainly was different. A buzz at all times with my voice being completely muffled. Something to do with the noise cancellation mic i believe.
I have tried disabling OK Google Detection.
I have tried enabling call recording.
I have tried reseting factory settings , clear wipe partitions etc.
I have tried enabling dialer pad tones (Dont know why this was marked as a solution in some forums)
But all of the above was not a solution for me. Switching to loudspeaker works. And rebooting the phone (which is irritating during important calls) also works.
Any help would be nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I too have this same issue. I believe it is a faulty model from Asus! I had serviced my mobile last month and the Subboard assembly has been completely changed by those people but still I face the same issue. . Hope I will throw away this bulsh**t soon. Asus not willing for replacement too I argued so many times which is just waste of time. Totally a waste of money and time.

Microphone issue
I am also having same problem once restarted phone is all fine...should i replace phone ??
Bought just 2 days back

Solution
Since you apply this solution the error has not returned to flicks: I cannot post the youtube link, but search the title: Solved: Asus Zenphone 2e mic problem by Jack Scorpion.

I have the same device with the same problem! It was neglible before, and it happened very rarely. But recently it had become worse and that thing happened to all the calls. Switching to loudspeaker works (loudspeaker mode disables the bottom mic and switches to top mic). I reset the device to factory settings (that thing wiped the internal memory too!) and since then, i haven't updated the 'ASUS Calling Screen' from the play store and everything works fine atleast till now.

hai friend try (ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser=ZE550KL (Z00L) software Image: 1.17.40.1234 for WW SKU only) this firmware from asus site or try system update form your mobile. thats old version runing firmware running on your mobile so thats a software problem. this a network issue in that old version asus team doing always best i am also have same problem in past month but my current update installed after working fine. so don worry friends

[email protected] said:
Its not about recording calls.. Its about the recipient not hearing me. The microphone is what is bothering me. I doubt the issue is with the noise cancellation of microphones. Perhaps cancelling more than noise.
When I reboot the phone, everything starts working normally. After a few calls the problem returns, the recipient not hearing me!.
The temporary fix for me is switching to loud speaker. I dont know why, but the mic starts working when in loud speaker. The moment i switch it back to handson, the recipient is again not able to hear me.
Read a few forums in zentalk reporting the same issue
www(dot)asus.com/zentalk/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=14486
I am seriously hoping it is a software bug which would be fixed in the next update or so.
I tried the hardware test which behaves differently when the problem occurs and when it is problem free.
The hardware test is perfect if i test the mic just after reboot and when everything is normal.
But once i find out that the recipient is unable to hear me (after maybe a couple of calls/days after the reboot) , i did the hardware test again and certainly was different. A buzz at all times with my voice being completely muffled. Something to do with the noise cancellation mic i believe.
I have tried disabling OK Google Detection.
I have tried enabling call recording.
I have tried reseting factory settings , clear wipe partitions etc.
I have tried enabling dialer pad tones (Dont know why this was marked as a solution in some forums)
But all of the above was not a solution for me. Switching to loudspeaker works. And rebooting the phone (which is irritating during important calls) also works.
Any help would be nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try disabling Audio Wizard app

I am also facing same problem. Suddenly the mic of my asus fails to work.

Solution
There is solution. Please post it on another forums after you will check it.
Just hold your phone in your hand in position, which will make sound to reflect directly into your voice microphone. This way you will make a difference in signal between voice and noise cancellation microphone. That's how voice cancellation technology works. I have got this result after one week of search for any effective solution. And did not find any useful info. So I have find a solution after some experiments.
Please post it to another forums if it will solve your problem.

Problem with audio on calls barely audible

I have been reading on this online trying to find a solution without any comprehensive solutions so would appreciate it if someone could please help me out....
While talking on the phone using my moto x style...the people on the other end say that they can barely listen to me....i have to literally shout to make them hear it...
do any of you face similar issues? am i doing something wrong?.
I am on stock btw and received the OTA MM update a week back
Please let me know what other details you need to identify and solve the problem

Ok so its not just me. It started as soon as I updated to MM. I did find somewhat of a work around. Usually if I take the phone away from my ear (so the display turns on) and then put it back, they can magically hear me again. If that doesn't work I toggle speakerphone mode on then off and it works.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Wow I will definitely try it out next time I face this issue... Am so relieved to see that I am not the only one with this issue... Is your problem intermittent too? Also anybody else facing the same issues?
Sent from my HM NOTE 1S using Tapatalk

I disabled Enhanced 4G LTE Mode and the problem immediately went away. After a few days, I tried my luck and turned it back on and haven't had a problem with other hearing people hearing me since. Good luck.

Unfortunately am still facing a lot of issues with the calls...my voice sounds muffled and extremely feeble to people and they arent able to hear me....
Am surprised nobody else is facing this issues...did i get a defective piece? Are there any other things I can try out....
extremely frustrated with it and not sure what to do...any help would be immensely helpful

bump...

I'm having the same issue on 2 devices. It happened on both OS's. I'm going to try turning off the enhanced 4g lte option. Maybe that doesn't play well with Verizon. One note I did make was the problem doesn't exist on speaker phone. I kinda thought it was the noise canceling mics being too functional.

Thanks please let me know how it goes and if you are able to find anything...I dont even have the 4g LTE option since I am using the phone in India...
Have tried disabling Ok Google voice activation which helped lot of OPO users but doesnt seem to work on MXPE

I've got the same issue on a phone I just got 3 days ago. Replacement should arrive today.
The problem... Low volume on the handset earpiece accompanied by very low level but constant background static noise. The background noise is low enough to only be audible in a quiet environment. Switch to speaker phone, Bluetooth, or wired headset and the problem is gone. The problem is only on the handset earpiece.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Okay I am facing the issue with the microphpone actually in terms of outgoing call quality...the other person is barely able to hear me at all

msankadi said:
Okay I am facing the issue with the microphpone actually in terms of outgoing call quality...the other person is barely able to hear me at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, different problem from mine. Audio for the other person on my calls is fine.
My replacement has arrived, but the problem persists. However prior to upgrading the new phone to Marshmallow, it was fine. Seems like a Marshmallow bug.
I started a new thread detailing the issue at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3277589.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Thanks a lot for your inputs though...issue is a bit different...

Same issue here ! immediately after MM OTA update (stock vanilla) people start complaining they cannot hear me well !
After sorting most of MM issues this is a major pain in the a**
Let Moto know about this as it makes the phone crippled.

How come there aren't any more complaints about this serious issue !
This is 100% MM related - People complain they can barely hear me on the other end of the line - I sound muffled, stuttered and basically bad to the point they cannot continue the conversation and demand I call them from a land line !
Forget all MM bugs, problems, etc (need I mention the Equalizer went AWOL) now this Smartphone which I highly praised and loved became a ...smart something - with no phone feature.
Help me let Moto support be aware of this issue.
Thanks

I have the same issue, the other person is barely able to hear me.
I'm in Italy and i noticed that this issue come when my phone is in GSM (2G), when i talk in 3G it's ok.
I also made a TEST that you can do, i tried to speak with headphones's microphone and the issue is gone, but when I unplug the headphones the issue came back immediatly (switching the screen on).
Does anyone know how to tell this issue to Motorola?
Everyone of us should send his request to Motorola, to show them this common issue.

Got the following advise from Motorola support on chat - it seems to help - please tell me if it work for you:
please go to settings > apps > all > Audio Effects app - Tap Force Stop - Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Also under settings > apps > all > go to Phone app - Tap Force Stop - Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Now please turn off the phone and when you turn it back on try making a call.

alon3232 said:
Got the following advise from Motorola support on chat - it seems to help - please tell me if it work for you:
please go to settings > apps > all > Audio Effects app - Tap Force Stop - Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Also under settings > apps > all > go to Phone app - Tap Force Stop - Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Now please turn off the phone and when you turn it back on try making a call.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did try all that per Motorola support. It made no difference. Then I tried a factory reset without reconnecting to my Google account. Also, no difference.
Note I am waiting on a second replacement phone. It should arrive on Wednesday.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

None of the solutions seem to work for me either Did you guys actually try to finalize if this issue was only due to MM? Did you not face it on Lollipop? Am seriously lost for words on the issue as its such a basic need which is not being met...did the replacements help resolve it?

msankadi said:
None of the solutions seem to work for me either Did you guys actually try to finalize if this issue was only due to MM? Did you not face it on Lollipop? Am seriously lost for words on the issue as its such a basic need which is not being met...did the replacements help resolve it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is 100 % MM issue
I can confirm
This is not on lollipop
Is audio equalizer solution full proof ????
Sent from my XT1572 using Tapatalk

freakzapster said:
This is 100 % MM issue
I can confirm
This is not on lollipop
Is audio equalizer solution full proof ????
Sent from my XT1572 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only recently got the MXPE, and upgraded to Marshmallow immediately. My first call was under Marshmallow's control. It had the background noise and low volume level.
I got a replacement and tried it under Lollipop immediately. It did not have the background noise, but did have low volume. Upgraded it to Marshmallow and the noise returned. So, I would conclude that the noise is a Marshmallow induced issue.
However, I have a second replacement of the way. My thought is that perhaps the noise is related to the low volume issue, which is a hardware problem, and Marshmallow is just highlighting the weakness in some way that results in the noise.
As for the volume problem, this is the first phone I've ever had to use at maximum volume. Even then, it is just adequate. From what i have read on boards like XDA, this is not normal. That, in part, is why I have another replacement on the way.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

People tell me I'm hard to hear on a call?

I don't talk a lot on the phone, so it's taken a couple months to find out this issue.... When I'm talking to someone on the phone, I have to hold the phone pressed up against my face and speak a little louder than I normally do.. If I pull it away any at all, people are always saying they can't hear me or I sound really muffled.
I just called my voice mail and left a message, and this is what I've discovered as well. I knew what I said, but had problems understanding myself unless I held it right up to my face and spoke slightly louder than I've had to do with any other phone.
I heard, back in December, this was an issue and was to be fixed on the next update.... I'm now on a M29P (January release) ROM and nothing has changed.
Has anyone found this to be an issue or have you found a work around/fix for this?

I have the same issue.
When I put the phone in my neck so I have my hands free, people tell me I'm very hard to hear, and it's perfect when I hold it in a normal position...
It's quite frustrating, as I sometimes need to have my hands free..

Same here
tele_jas said:
I don't talk a lot on the phone, so it's taken a couple months to find out this issue.... When I'm talking to someone on the phone, I have to hold the phone pressed up against my face and speak a little louder than I normally do.. If I pull it away any at all, people are always saying they can't hear me or I sound really muffled.
I just called my voice mail and left a message, and this is what I've discovered as well. I knew what I said, but had problems understanding myself unless I held it right up to my face and spoke slightly louder than I've had to do with any other phone.
I heard, back in December, this was an issue and was to be fixed on the next update.... I'm now on a M29P (January release) ROM and nothing has changed.
Has anyone found this to be an issue or have you found a work around/fix for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same happen here, it's because the noise reduction micro that the nexus 6p has back, check the small hole on the back face of the phone, when you are in a call put your finger there and they will say the same "I cannot hear you well", there are tweaks on the forums, but I have not tested yet, I used to use the speakers instead

If the phone is like 6 inches away they cant hear me, it's a noise cancelling issue, too strict.
Change in build.prop from true to disable noise cancelling.
persist.audio.fluence.voicecall=false

I had this with the very first call I made, but haven't had that complaint since
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

republicano said:
If the phone is like 6 inches away they cant hear me, it's a noise cancelling issue, too strict.
Change in build.prop from true to disable noise cancelling.
persist.audio.fluence.voicecall=false
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do this. fixed mine and my mothers problem with calls being muffled

I can't fathom how this is still an issue. I get constant, i mean CONSTANT echo. People stating they hear themselves when they talk to me. I finally downloaded build prop editor as instructed here and edited persist.audio.fluence.voicecall=false as shown here. I have yet to test but it can't possibly get worse than EVERY DAMN CALL not working. Seriously , this is a phone, the tech for calls was perfected only a decade or more ago ?
https://www.reddit.com/r/Nexus6P/comments/3rxsko/fix_bad_voice_quality_in_calls_rooted_devices/
http://www.digitaltrends.com/android/nexus-6p-microphone-issues-calls-youre-not-alone/
Look at all the people citing this as an issue here:
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/nexus/g70qCHkqLA4

ncsuwolfs said:
do this. fixed mine and my mothers problem with calls being muffled
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any issues when in busy areas like restaurants, bars, airports etc?

the issue is still persist even after the June OTA. is there any way we can contact Google or Huawei to fix this issue permanently ?
I really love the phone but this issue is frustrating as it is a basic need in any phone. phone calls must be ok. how it can be fixed without root.

Have the issue here too even after June update. Will be rooting to edit build prop to see if it helps since I'm not sure I'll get much of any help from Huawei's support.

republicano said:
If the phone is like 6 inches away they cant hear me, it's a noise cancelling issue, too strict.
Change in build.prop from true to disable noise cancelling.
persist.audio.fluence.voicecall=false
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing this info I jus did the edit
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Firmware Updates - latest 45.0.A.5.1?

I just got this notification, not sure if I'm early or late to the game.
45.0.A.5.1
Gonna hold off on the update for a few days.

Its just june security upgrade, been rolling out for the last couple of days.

Oh, bummer.. Well, still good I guess. Better than no security updates :good:

charlatan01 said:
Oh, bummer.. Well, still good I guess. Better than no security updates :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well im guessing some minor fixes aswell, thats always something :]

call issue
after update to version 45.0.A.5.1 i have the issue with calling! the sound call is all way loud speaker. sony please fix this issue now!

sokkheang said:
after update to version 45.0.A.5.1 i have the issue with calling! the sound call is all way loud speaker. sony please fix this issue now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's interesting cause sometimes it happens to me as well..... I make the call or answer the call and its in Loudspeaker mode even though it displays it's in normal earpice mode. Slightly annoying yet It might be an app conflicting with that. I noticed another same event in Xperia Z3 so I'll observe the behavior and see if it's an app issue.

@sokkheang It's third party related. Might be google play services . I'll look into it. If you find anything let me know. "Power Off" your phone by holding the power off option. It'll reboot in safe mode.... There, everything works fine....
My issue was with MacroDroid..... it was a silly automation left unchecked.

I too got this update yesterday. I have this feeling the Camera Distortion appeared after this update

Camera is fixed

WhatsApp's voice notes are very quiet

Whenever I send a voice notes to someone on WhatsApp the result is very quiet and almost inaudible . It is not a problem with the microphone since during call (still on WhatsApp) I do not encounter any issue at all.
I saw people on the OnePlus forums experiencing this issue as well.
Is there any fix available?

GroovyKiwi said:
Whenever I send a voice notes to someone on WhatsApp the result is very quiet and almost inaudible . It is not a problem with the microphone since during call (still on WhatsApp) I do not encounter any issue at all.
I saw people on the OnePlus forums experiencing this issue as well.
Is there any fix available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey mate! Are you still facing the issue with latest update?

skorp55 said:
Hey mate! Are you still facing the issue with latest update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

Damian745832 said:
Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the version of the 6t u have? Is it A6010 or A6013?
Also why don't you try warranty repair?

GroovyKiwi said:
Whenever I send a voice notes to someone on WhatsApp the result is very quiet and almost inaudible . It is not a problem with the microphone since during call (still on WhatsApp) I do not encounter any issue at all.
I saw people on the OnePlus forums experiencing this issue as well.
Is there any fix available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same issue, I just speak with the mic very close to my mouth, it only happens with whatsapp.
Hope whatsapp developers get it fixed.

skorp55 said:
Hey mate! Are you still facing the issue with latest update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep still happening

skorp55 said:
What's the version of the 6t u have? Is it A6010 or A6013?
Also why don't you try warranty repair?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A6013. And I belive the issue is not with the hardware as far as I can tell since the microphone works normally on any other application

GroovyKiwi said:
A6013. And I belive the issue is not with the hardware as far as I can tell since the microphone works normally on any other application
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey. I tested it out in my buddy's phone (A6013). Whatsapp is able to pickup my voice easily even after covering the top mic (since some prominent websites reported that some 3rd party apps were using the wrong mic in OnePlus phones). So it isn't a software issue and has to do with the hardware itself. Was it like this since you bought it?

I've got the same issue, I would need to put my volume close to top before I can hear my own voice but goes through fine and clear on other phones.

wilpang said:
I've got the same issue, I would need to put my volume close to top before I can hear my own voice but goes through fine and clear on other phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same issue... not a hardware problem since its only happening using whatsapp ... and the mic volume is very low on audio and video messages. And as others stated, not hardware since it works good on other apps... and just to make it even clearer ... never had whats app installed before, (just less than a week old phone).
A6013 and 9.0.12 and build # A6013_41_190123

I also have something weird with Whatsapp when I receive a notification it's not easy to hear even I turned the volume up to max sometimes I can hear the notication from Whatsapp and feel it with the vibration too other times it's really low and I bearly even feel the vibration either.
I come from a iPhone 7 Plus where I could really hear and feel the vibration when I got a message on Whatsapp so maybe it's something with OxygenOS I also have the version A6013 and running OxygenOS 9.0.12.