You’ve probably seen it a thousand times, right there next to the port where you plug in the charger. It’s a tiny hole that seems to have no purpose… well, it’s not decoration or a missing screw. It’s actually the main microphone of your phone, and many people don’t know what it is!
Yes, that little dot is responsible for making your voice notes, video calls, and audios sound clear and noise-free. Without it, you literally couldn’t talk (literally, not text) to anyone from your phone.
The role of that hole
On most Android phones, the main microphone is placed next to the charging port because it’s the closest point to your mouth when you talk. On iPhones, it varies depending on the model: sometimes it’s next to the speakers, other times near the camera.
But be careful, modern phones don’t just have one, most come with several microphones distributed throughout the device.
This is because one captures your voice while the others handle filtering ambient noise: traffic, wind, background conversations… everything that could ruin your audio. It’s basically like noise cancellation for your calls.
So, thanks to that, you can talk to someone while walking down a busy avenue full of cars… and still sound perfectly clear.
Why it gets dirty (and how to clean it)
That tiny hole is a magnet for dust, pocket lint, and moisture from the air, which end up accumulating and make your recordings sound muffled or echoey.
Over time, all of that buildup causes your audio to sound quiet, dull, or with an echo.
And yes, ideally you should clean it from time to time, but carefully. Don’t even think about poking it with a pin because you could destroy it.
Tricks to clean the microphone:
Use compressed air (the kind for electronic cleaning) to remove dust.
Try using a soft-bristled brush or a dry cotton swab.
Do it with gentle movements, don’t press or scrape.
With this kind of cleaning every few weeks, the microphone can last for years and maintain a clean, powerful sound.
Other basic care tips for your phone
The microphone isn’t the only thing you should pay attention to. There are a few habits that, if you adopt them, will extend your phone’s life without you even noticing:
Take care of the battery
You don’t need to charge it to 100% or let it die completely. The ideal range is between 20% and 80%.
Avoid heat and humidity
Don’t leave your phone on the car dashboard or out in the sun at the beach. Heat damages the battery, and humidity directly affects the microphones and ports.
Use trusted chargers
Cheap generic chargers may seem like a good deal, but they alter the voltage and, over time, damage the battery. It’s better to use an official one or at least one certified by the manufacturer.
Protect it
A good case and screen protector not only prevent cracks but also keep dust and dirt from getting into the openings.
Small (but important) systems
That little hole next to the charger is essential for your phone. Without it, it wouldn’t even be a phone.
Taking care of it costs nothing and greatly improves the quality of your calls and recordings, so now you know, be careful when you clean it!