AirPods 4 play music and videos fine but barely work on calls after latest iPhone update

Re: "My gen 4 EarPods won’t work on calls : I can watch shows and listen to music, no problem. When I try to talk on the phone they don’t work, I can barely hear the person I’m talking to. I have the newest update on my iPhone 15"

Wondering how your EarPods are set up. Apple support's online article:

Customize headphone audio levels on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support:

Eg: says:

"Set up Headphone Accommodations

1. Check that you have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
2. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Headphone Accommodations. Turn on Headphone Accommodations.
3. Choose how you want to apply your custom audio settings:

• • Turn on Phone to apply these settings to phone calls, FaceTime calls and any third-party video call apps.
  • Turn on Media to apply these settings to music, films, podcasts, audiobooks, Siri, voicemail and Live Listen.

1. Customise your headphone audio settings:

• • Use Custom Audio Setup. You’ll listen to audio samples and choose which ones sound better to you. Then you can apply the custom settings suggested based on your choices.
  • Manually adjust audio settings.

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Else: you may just want to direct the calls to the EarPods while on a call (and make sure not muted)

For iOS 26: While on a call on iPhone - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"Adjust the audio during a call

To change the volume, press the volume buttons on the side of iPhone.

Or swipe down on the call banner, then do any of the following:

• Mute: Tap the Mute button.
• Put the call on hold: Touch and hold the Mute button.
• Talk handsfree: Tap the Audio button, then choose an audio destination". (EarPods)

Thank you kindly for thoughtfully replying to let us know! Great to know you solved the issue. Cheers :-)