How to Change and Check the Microphone Input on iPhone

Unlike a computer, an iPhone usually has no single system-wide menu where you pick a microphone. iOS selects the input device automatically based on what is connected and which app is using audio. To change the microphone input on iPhone, you connect or select a different audio route, and then confirm that the app is using it. This guide explains how that works and how to check the result.

Before you start

• Know which microphone you want to use: the built-in iPhone microphones, wired headphones with an inline mic, a USB-C or Lightning microphone or audio interface, or a Bluetooth headset or earbuds.
• Check that the accessory is compatible with your iPhone's port. USB-C models and Lightning models need different connectors or adapters.
• Make sure the app you plan to use has microphone permission. You can review this in Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone. On older iOS versions this section is under Settings > Privacy.
• Update iOS if possible. Audio routing options and Control Center controls differ between iOS versions, so the exact options on your device may not match every description.

Switching the input happens on the iPhone itself and does not require an online service. However, if you test the result in a calling or conferencing app, that app's own service and settings also affect what the other person hears.

Step-by-step instructions

Use a wired or USB-C/Lightning microphone

• 1. Close or pause the app that is currently recording or in a call.
• 2. Connect the microphone, headset or audio interface to the iPhone's port, using an adapter if needed.
• 3. If the device has its own power switch or gain control, turn it on and set a moderate input level.
• 4. Open the app you want to use. In most cases iOS routes audio input to the newly connected device automatically.
• 5. If the app has its own input or audio source setting, check that it points to the external device rather than the iPhone microphone.

Use a Bluetooth headset or earbuds

• 1. Pair the device in Settings > Bluetooth and make sure it shows as connected.
• 2. During a phone call, tap the audio button on the call screen and choose the Bluetooth device, iPhone or Speaker. This changes the call's audio route, including the microphone in most cases.
• 3. For other apps, open Control Center and use the audio output control to choose the Bluetooth device. When a headset with a microphone is selected for calls or voice apps, iOS typically uses its microphone as well.
• 4. For AirPods, you can choose which earbud's microphone is used in the AirPods settings in the Settings app, with options such as automatic, always left or always right.

Return to the built-in microphone

Disconnect the wired accessory or turn off or disconnect the Bluetooth device. During a call, you can also tap the audio button and select iPhone. The change is reversible at any time by reconnecting the accessory.

Adjust Mic Mode in voice and video calls

On iOS 15 and later, supported calling apps can use Mic Mode. While a call is active, open Control Center and tap Mic Mode to choose between options such as Standard, Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum. Voice Isolation aims to reduce background noise, while Wide Spectrum keeps more ambient sound. This does not change the input device, but it changes how the selected microphone's audio is processed. Availability depends on the app and device.

Check the output

• Look for the orange indicator dot near the top of the screen, which shows that an app is using the microphone. Opening Control Center shows which app is accessing it.
• Record a short test clip in Voice Memos or another recording app with the external mic connected, then play it back. Tap or rub the external microphone gently while recording: if that sound is clearly louder than speaking toward the iPhone itself, the external input is active.
• In a call, ask the other person whether your voice sounds different after switching, or use the app's own audio test if it has one.
• If an app shows an input meter or input device name, confirm that it reflects the microphone you selected.

Quality depends on the microphone, the connection type and the app. Bluetooth headsets often record voice at lower quality than wired or USB microphones, especially during calls. The sample rate and format used for a recording are determined by the app and the connected hardware, so check your recording app's settings if those details matter for your project.

Common problems and next steps

• The iPhone still uses its built-in microphone: disconnect and reconnect the accessory, restart the app, and check whether the app has its own input selection. Some apps choose the input themselves.
• The external mic is not recognized: check the cable, adapter and port, and confirm the device supports iPhone. Some USB microphones or interfaces need external power.
• A Bluetooth headset plays audio but your voice comes from the iPhone: some apps use the headset only as an output device. Check the audio route in the call screen or Control Center, and try the headset in a phone call to confirm its microphone works.
• No app can hear you: review Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone and enable access for the app.
• Too much background noise or a weak signal: move the microphone closer to your mouth, lower the gain if the recording distorts, and try Voice Isolation in Mic Mode during calls.
• The options described here are missing: the Control Center layout and audio settings vary by iOS version and app, so check your app's documentation and your iOS version's settings.