The simplest way to connect a microphone
Most microphones connect to an iPhone through the headphone jack (on older models) or the Lightning port (iPhone 6s and newer). If your iPhone has no headphone jack, you have three working paths: a Lightning microphone that plugs directly into the bottom port, a wireless Bluetooth microphone that pairs like headphones, or a USB microphone with an adapter that converts USB to Lightning.
The fastest route depends on what microphone you already own. If you have a standard 3.5mm microphone with a headphone-style plug, it will not work on modern iPhones without an adapter. If you have a newer microphone, check its connector type — the box or manual will say "Lightning", "Bluetooth", or "USB".
Once connected, the microphone becomes your iPhone's default input device. Apps like Voice Memos, GarageBand, and most video recording software will automatically use it instead of the built-in microphone.
Key Takeaways
- Lightning microphones plug directly into the port on the bottom of your iPhone and work when ready without pairing.
- Bluetooth microphones pair through Settings > Bluetooth, the same way you connect wireless headphones.
- USB microphones need a Lightning-to-USB adapter, which Apple sells separately or comes with some microphones.
- Once connected, any recording app on your iPhone will use the external microphone instead of the built-in one.
- Older 3.5mm microphones require a headphone-to-Lightning adapter, which adds an extra step and may not work with all apps.
Connecting a Lightning microphone
A Lightning microphone is the most direct option. Plug it into the Lightning port at the bottom of your iPhone — the same port you use to charge. Your iPhone will recognize it when ready. You do not need to open Settings or pair anything.
Open the app you want to record with — Voice Memos, GarageBand, a video app, or a podcast recording app. The microphone is already selected. Tap the record button and speak. The microphone will pick up your voice instead of the built-in mic.
If the app asks you to choose an input device, look for the microphone's name in the list. Some apps show this in Settings within the app itself, not in your iPhone's main Settings. Check the app's preferences or recording settings if you do not see the option in the main menu.
Connecting a Bluetooth microphone
A Bluetooth microphone pairs like wireless headphones. Open Settings on your iPhone and tap Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Hold the microphone's power button or pairing button (check the manual for which one) until a light blinks or the microphone announces it is in pairing mode.
Your iPhone will show the microphone's name in the list of available devices. Tap it. Your iPhone will say "Connected" next to the microphone's name. You are now paired.
Open your recording app and start recording. The Bluetooth microphone is now your input device. If the app does not use it automatically, check the app's settings for an input device menu and select the microphone by name.
Bluetooth microphones stay paired until you unpair them. If you want to switch back to your iPhone's built-in microphone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the information icon next to the microphone's name, then tap "Forget This Device".
Connecting a USB microphone with an adapter
A USB microphone needs a Lightning-to-USB adapter to work with an iPhone. Apple sells this adapter separately as the "Lightning to USB Camera Adapter" or "Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter". Some newer USB microphones include one in the box.
Plug the adapter into your iPhone's Lightning port. Plug the USB microphone's cable into the adapter's USB port. Your iPhone will recognize the microphone. Open your recording app — the USB microphone is now your input device.
USB microphones draw power from the iPhone's battery, so your battery will drain faster during long recording sessions. If you are recording for more than an hour, consider plugging your iPhone into power at the same time.
Using a 3.5mm microphone with an adapter
If you have an older microphone with a 3.5mm headphone-style plug, you can use it with a 3.5mm-to-Lightning adapter. Plug the adapter into your iPhone's Lightning port and plug the microphone into the adapter's 3.5mm jack.
This method works with Voice Memos and some other apps, but not all recording software recognizes the connection. Video apps in particular may ignore the external microphone and use the built-in one instead. Test it with the app you plan to use before relying on it.
This is the least reliable path because Apple stopped supporting 3.5mm audio on iPhones years ago. If you are buying a new microphone, choose a Lightning or Bluetooth model instead.
Troubleshooting when the microphone is not recognized
If you plugged in a Lightning or USB microphone and the app still uses the built-in microphone, restart the app. Close it completely by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and dragging the app off the top, then open it again. The app should now see the external microphone.
If restarting the app does not work, restart your iPhone. Hold the power button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off, wait ten seconds, then hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears. Reconnect the microphone after the restart.
For Bluetooth microphones, if the connection drops or the microphone stops working, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to the microphone's name, and tap "Forget This Device". Then repeat the pairing process from the beginning.
If a USB microphone is not recognized, try a different USB adapter. Some adapters do not support all microphones, and a different brand may work better. Also check that the microphone itself is powered on — many USB microphones have a small power switch on the back.
Which type of microphone to choose
A Bluetooth microphone is the most convenient for everyday use because you can move around without a cable. It pairs once and stays paired. The trade-off is that Bluetooth adds a small delay to the audio, which matters if you are recording video and need the sound to match the picture exactly.
A Lightning microphone has no delay and works when ready, but you are tethered to your iPhone by a cable. This is the best choice for video recording, podcasting, or any situation where audio timing matters.
A USB microphone with an adapter works well if you already own the microphone for use with a computer. The adapter adds cost and an extra connection point that can fail, but it lets you reuse equipment you already have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular headset microphone with my iPhone?
Yes, if it has a Lightning connector or Bluetooth. If it has a 3.5mm plug, you need a 3.5mm-to-Lightning adapter, but many apps will not recognize it. Bluetooth headsets with built-in microphones work reliably — pair them in Settings > Bluetooth and they work in calls and recording apps.
Why does my microphone work in some apps but not others?
Some apps, especially older ones, do not support external microphones or do not support them on iPhone. Video apps are the most common culprit. Check the app's settings or help section to see if it has an input device menu. If not, the app may not support external microphones at all.
Will a microphone work while my iPhone is charging?
Lightning and Bluetooth microphones work while charging. USB microphones with adapters may not work if you use the same Lightning port for both the charger and the adapter. Use a wireless charger or charge your iPhone before recording if you are using a USB microphone.
Do I need to turn off my iPhone's built-in microphone?
No. When you connect an external microphone, your iPhone automatically stops using the built-in one. The built-in microphone stays on but inactive. You do not need to disable it in Settings.
Can I use two microphones at the same time?
No. iPhones only recognize one input device at a time. If you have two microphones connected, your iPhone will use whichever one was connected last. You cannot mix audio from both.