How to Connect an External Microphone to Your iPhone & Android?

May 18, 2022 3 min read

If you're looking to improve the sound quality of your videos or recordings, you may be wondering how to connect an external microphone to your iPhone or Android. While the microphone on your phone is good for general use, an external microphone can provide a significant boost in sound quality. In this article, we'll show you how to connect an external microphone to your smartphone, as well as some tips on how to get the best sound quality possible.

How to Connect an External Microphone to Your iPhone

Whether you want to improve the sound quality of your videos, or record high-quality audio for a podcast, adding an external microphone to your iPhone can be a great way to do it. Here's how to connect a mic to your iPhone.

USB-C Connector Method

The newest iPhone models now feature USB-C connectors, replacing the lightning port. To connect an external microphone, use a USB-C to 3.5mm TRRS adapter. This method ensures high-quality audio capture with the latest technology in iPhone models like the iPhone 15 series.

Lightning Adapter Method

For newer iPhone models without a headphone jack, use a3.5mm TRRS Microphone Adapter to connect your mic to the lightning port. This method is essential for high-quality audio in newer iPhones.

3.5mm headphone jack method (Older iPhone Models)

For older iPhone models, you can directly plug a TRRS microphone into the headphone socket. This straightforward method is perfect for quick and easy audio improvements.

How to Connect an External Microphone to Your Android

If you own an Android phone, an external microphone will be a good accessory for when you want to improve the quality of your audio recordings in any setting. Read below to learn how you can connect and use an external mic on an Android phone.

USB-C Adapter Method

For Android phones with USB-C ports, usean adapter to connect a TRRS microphone. This method ensures high-quality audio capture in newer Android models.

Direct 3.5mm Jack Connection

If your Android phone has a headphone jack, plug in your microphone directly. This method is ideal for Android users who prefer a simple setup.

How to Get the Best Sound Quality with an External Mic

Once you've connected your microphone, you may need to adjust your microphone settings in order to get the best sound quality for your projects.

Tips for iPhone External Microphone Use

App Permissions: Ensure that any recording app you use has permission to access external devices for seamless audio capture.
Selecting the Right Microphone:Choose a microphone that complements your recording needs, whether for professional interviews, podcasts, or casual vlogging.

Optimizing Android Microphone Settings

Adjusting Audio Settings: While Android doesn't have built-in settings to adjust microphone sensitivity, various apps can provide more control over your audio input.
Choosing the Right Environment: To ensure the best sound quality, record in quiet environments and consider using accessories likewindscreens orpop filters to minimize background noise.

MOVO’S TOP PICKS OF SMARTPHONE MICS

Best Movo Microphones for iPhones

ForiPhone users, achieving professional audio quality is effortless with Movo's range of microphones. Whether you're recording a podcast, conducting an interview, or capturing vlog content, these top picks ensure superior sound:

EDGE-DI iPhone Lavalier System: A professional lavalier microphone system that records directly to iPhones, offering high-quality audio capture for interviews, vlogs, and more.
MA5L iPhone Mini Microphone: A compact microphone that captures pro-quality audio directly to iPhones, featuring a lightning connection for easy use.
VXR10-PRO Shotgun Video Microphone: An upgraded shotgun microphone with headphone monitoring, ideal for vloggers and mobile journalists using iPhones.

Best Movo Microphones for Androids

Android users can also enjoy exceptional audio quality with these Movo microphones, designed to complement various recording scenarios:

VXR10 Shotgun Video Microphone: A versatile shotgun microphone that provides lifelike, professional audio for Android devices, suitable for a wide range of recording situations.
EDGE-UC-DUO USB-C Lavalier System:A professional lavalier microphone system that records directly to Android devices via USB-C, perfect for high-quality audio capture.
MA5C USB-C Mini Microphone: A compact microphone that captures pro-quality audio directly to Android smartphones with a USB-C connection.

With these few simple steps, you can greatly improve the audio quality of your recordings by using an external microphone with your smartphone, no matter if you have an iPhone or an Android. So if you're looking to take your audio game to the next level, give it a try!