Where to find microphone settings on your iPhone

Your iPhone has a single built-in microphone, but you can switch to a different microphone by connecting an external one through the headphone jack, Lightning port, or Bluetooth. The phone automatically detects when you plug in a headset, earbuds with a mic, or a wireless microphone and switches to that input. You do not need to dig into settings to make the switch happen — it occurs the moment the device connects.

If you want to see which microphone your iPhone is currently using, or if you need to manually select one, the location depends on which app you are using. Some apps show the microphone choice in their own settings, while others rely on your phone's system settings or the Control Center.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone automatically switches to an external microphone when you plug in headphones, earbuds with a mic, or connect a Bluetooth device.
  • To see or change which microphone an app is using, check that app's own settings first — many have a microphone selector built in.
  • In Control Center, you can see which input device is active and switch between them without opening an app.
  • If an external microphone is not working, restart the app, disconnect and reconnect the device, or restart your iPhone.

Switching microphones through Control Center

The fastest way to see and change your active microphone is through Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones), then look for the microphone icon or audio output section. If you have multiple microphones connected — say, both AirPods and a wired headset — you can tap the audio output tile to see all available inputs and select the one you want.

This method works for any app that uses your microphone, including Voice Memos, FaceTime, and third-party recording apps. The microphone you select in Control Center becomes the default until you switch it again or disconnect the device.

Changing microphone input within specific apps

Many apps let you choose which microphone to use directly from their settings. Open the app you are using — such as Voice Memos, GarageBand, or a video call app — and look for a settings or preferences menu. Search for a label like "Microphone," "Audio Input," or "Input Device."

For example, in Voice Memos, tap the three dots or settings icon and you may see a microphone selector. In FaceTime, go to Settings > FaceTime and look for an audio input option. Third-party apps like Zoom or Skype often have their own microphone settings in the app's preferences. If the app does not have a built-in microphone selector, it will use whatever input is currently active in Control Center.

Connecting external microphones to your iPhone

To use a different microphone, you first need to connect it. The method depends on the type of microphone you have.

Wired microphones plug directly into your iPhone's Lightning port (iPhone 12 and newer) or headphone jack (older models). Some wired headsets include a built-in microphone on the cable. straightforward plug it in, and your iPhone recognizes it when ready.

Bluetooth microphones and wireless earbuds require pairing first. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, make sure Bluetooth is on, then hold your microphone in pairing mode until it appears in the list. Tap it to connect. Once paired, your iPhone will remember it and reconnect automatically when the device is nearby and turned on.

USB microphones require a USB-to-Lightning adapter (for newer iPhones) or a USB-to-30-pin adapter (for older models). Plug the adapter into your iPhone, then connect the USB microphone to the adapter. Not all USB microphones work with iPhones, so check the manufacturer's compatibility list first.

Troubleshooting when your external microphone is not working

If you have connected a microphone but your iPhone is not using it, start by checking Control Center to confirm the device appears in the audio output list. If it does not show up, disconnect it and reconnect it. For Bluetooth devices, forget the pairing (Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to the device, then "Forget This Device") and pair it again.

Next, restart the app you are using. Close it completely by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and dragging the app preview off the top, then reopen it. If the microphone still does not work, restart your iPhone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, waiting a few seconds, then turning it back on.

For wired microphones, check that the cable is fully inserted and not damaged. Try the microphone on another device if you have one available — this tells you whether the problem is with the microphone itself or with your iPhone. If the microphone works on another device but not your iPhone, the issue is likely a software glitch; if it does not work anywhere, the microphone may be broken.

Understanding which microphone your iPhone will use by default

Your iPhone follows a priority order when multiple microphones are connected. External microphones (wired or Bluetooth) take priority over the built-in microphone. If you have both a wired headset and Bluetooth earbuds connected at the same time, the wired one usually takes priority, but this can vary by app. To avoid confusion, disconnect the microphone you are not using.

When no external microphone is connected, your iPhone uses its built-in microphone. On most models, this is located at the bottom of the phone near the charging port, though some models have multiple built-in mics for noise cancellation. You cannot switch between these internal microphones — they work together automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two microphones at the same time on my iPhone?

No. Your iPhone can only use one microphone input at a time, whether it is the built-in mic or an external one. If you have multiple external microphones connected, you must choose which one to use through Control Center or your app's settings.

Why does my iPhone keep switching back to the built-in microphone?

This usually happens when your external microphone disconnects — either the Bluetooth connection dropped, the wired cable came loose, or the battery died on a wireless device. Check that your microphone is still connected and powered on. If it is, disconnect and reconnect it, or restart the app.

Does changing the microphone input affect my speaker output too?

Not always. When you connect headphones or earbuds, both the microphone and speaker switch to that device. But some external microphones do not include speakers, so your audio output may stay on your iPhone's speaker or a different device. Check Control Center to see both your audio input and output separately.

Will my iPhone microphone work with a standard computer microphone?

Only if the computer microphone connects via Bluetooth or through a USB adapter. Standard 3.5mm jack microphones do not fit an iPhone without an adapter. USB microphones need a USB-to-Lightning adapter. Check the microphone's specifications and your iPhone model before buying an adapter.