Don't know how to use external microphone on iPhone?
The SYNCO team spent 1 month testing the use of an external mic on all versions of the iPhone in the market and came up with the following 6 effective steps:
- Check the audio input connector of the iPhone
- Check the interface type of the external mic
- Determine the appropriate adapter
- Connect the microphone, adapter and iPhone
- Adjust iPhone audio settings
- Test the connection
Follow the detailed steps below to use the external mic on your iPhone in 3 minutes easily!
Introduction
Among modern mobile devices, the iPhone has become the tool of choice for many people for video recording, podcasting, teleconferencing, interviewing, and other tasks.
While the sound quality of the iPhone's built-in microphone is sufficient for basic needs in everyday use, for higher-quality recordings or scenarios where background noise needs to be avoided, an external microphone often provides clearer and more accurate sound capture.
This guide will detail how to use external microphone on iPhone to improve video sound quality, make professional-grade recordings, and have a better audio experience.
Tool List
Before formally teaching how to use an external microphone with an iPhone, you need to prepare the following three tools:
- iPhone (Make sure microphone permissions are enabled on iPhone)
- External microphone (Wired/wireless microphone)
- Adapter (If needed)
How To Use An External Microphone On iPhone: 6 Easy Steps!
#Step 1: Check the audio input connector of the iPhone
The first step before knowing how to connect iPhone external microphone and use it is to know which audio input connector your iPhone uses.
Below is a table of model-specific audio input connectors of the iPhone for your reference.
| iPhone Series | Audio Input Connector Type |
| iPhone 6 and earlier | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| iPhone 7 to iPhone 14 series | Lightning connector |
| iPhone 15 series and later | USB-C connector |
#Step 2: Check the interface type of the external mic
Now, you need to check the interface type of the external microphone. There are six common interface types for external microphones:
| Interface Type | Description |
| 3.5mm TRRS | 4-stage plug with 3 black rings |
| 3.5mm TRS | 3-stage plug with 2 black rings |
| Lightning | Flat plug, designed for Apple devices |
| USB-C | Oval connector, universal for Android and new iPhone |
| XLR | Round 3-pin connector |
| Wireless | Connects via Bluetooth or RF signal (no plug required) |
If the external microphone matches the audio interface of the iPhone you are holding, it is plug-and-play. If the interface does not match, you will need to add an adapter to connect and use it.
Of course, you can also use the SYNCO PX, a trendy external microphone that offers both Lightning and USB-C ports and is compatible with almost all iPhone models.
#Step 3: Determine the appropriate adapter
If you find that the external microphone matches your iPhone's audio interface perfectly, you can ignore this step.
However, if it doesn't match, you still need to choose a suitable adapter.
For example, the phone microphone with a 3.5mm TRRS connector is an exact match for iPhone 6 and earlier models, which can be plug-and-play without the need for an adapter.
While the 3.5mm TRRS microphone connector does not match with the Lightning connector on the iPhone 7/8/13/14, you need a Lightning to 3.5mm TRRS adapter.
The following are common connection combinations and required adapters:
| Microphone Interface Type | iPhone Audio Input Connector Type | Adapters |
| 3.5mm TRRS | Lightning | Lightning to 3.5mm TRRS Adapter |
| 3.5mm TRS | Lightning | TRS to TRRS Adapter Cable + Lightning to 3.5mm TRRS Adapter |
| 3.5mm TRRS | USB-C | USB-C to 3.5mm TRRS Adapter |
| 3.5mm TRS | USB-C | TRS to TRRS Adapter Cable + USB-C to 3.5mm TRRS Adapter |
#Step 4: Connect the microphone, adapter and iPhone
After determining the audio input connector of your iPhone, the type of connector for the external microphone, and the appropriate adapter, you can now connect them.
Just connect the external microphone to the adapter and then connect the adapter to your iPhone.
#Step 5: Adjust iPhone audio settings
After the connection is complete, remember to switch the built-in microphone to an external microphone as audio input.
This step is very simple. Just open the iPhone's settings and select the external microphone as the input device.
#Step 6: Test the connection
Finally, you'll need to test the connection to see if it's successful.
Launch any recording app or video capture app on your iPhone (e.g., Voice Memos, Camera, etc.), and record a small piece of audio into the external microphone.
If the audio can be successfully recorded clearly, the connection is successful!
Now, you can use the external microphone to record video or audio as much as you want!
Conclusion
With the above 6 simple steps, I believe you can easily master how to use external microphone on iPhone!
Connect and use an external microphone to enhance the sound quality of your iPhone recordings now!
FAQ
Why won't my external mic work on my iPhone?
It is most likely due to the presence of debris and dust in the connection port of either the external microphone or the iPhone. It is recommended to clean the port with a cotton swab gently.
If this still doesn't solve the problem, it may be that the two are not compatible and need to be connected with a matching adapter.
How to record video on iPhone using external microphone?
After connecting the iPhone and external microphone with the matching adapter, set the external microphone as the input device on the iPhone. Then you can start to record video.