How to Connect an External Microphone to Your Smartphone

It ensures that a loud and clear voice is recorded or received by the other person, and the sound quality is spatial. Unlike regular smartphone microphones, it offers excellent voice quality, allowing the recipient to enjoy a clear voice and sound.

Types of External Microphones for Smartphones 

There are various types of external microphones to use with a smartphone. The following are the different types of external microphones for smartphones. 

Lavalier microphones for smartphones: 

These are clip-on microphones that you can clip to your work blazer, shirt or just your home wear without worrying about it damaging your clothes. They usually need to be connected via a 3.5mm connector to the phone’s audio jack. Since they are clipped onto clothes, there are no visible mics, and they are discreet for use. 

It can be used when interviewing someone in person or vlogging, without showing the mic, while maintaining a professional overall appearance.

Directional or shotgun microphones for smartphones

These microphones capture sound in the direction they are pointed. They typically require a stand to maintain their position, ensuring consistent sound quality without discrepancies due to changes in position or distance. They are perfect for capturing sound in chaotic environments, as they effectively eliminate background noise. Ideal for capturing sound in sporting events, drama, documentaries, and news reporting, among others.

Wireless microphone systems for smartphones

These microphones allow users to move around freely since they are wireless, and the mics don’t need to be connected to a device, keeping the user in one place. They offer great flexibility and are ideal for recording in larger areas. They are great for users who vlog or create content regularly and live stream, allowing the user to move around freely without getting tangled up in wires.

How to connect an external mic to Android Phones 

There are various ways to connect an external mic to Android phones. The following are some methods explained:

Method 1. Using 3.5mm Headphone Jack (if available)

When using a wired external microphone to connect to a phone, confirm if the smartphone has the required audio jack. Plug the appropriate adapter into the phone and then connect the microphone to the 3.5mm port on the adapter. Go to settings and ensure the external microphone has the necessary permissions to record audio. You are all set!

Method 2. Using USB-C Port 

Get a USB-C port microphone and a USB-C adapter. Insert the USB-C port of the adapter into the smartphone, and then insert the USB cable into the other end of the adapter. You will receive a notification that you are trying to connect to an external microphone. Allow it to be connected. Ensure that you test the microphone before using it for official or essential purposes.

Method 3. Using a Wireless/Bluetooth Microphone

Wireless

Ensure your phone has a USB-C port. Connect the receiver to your smartphone’s port. Turn on the external microphone, and it will automatically connect to the receiver. Ensure that the external microphone functions as an audio receiver.

Bluetooth: 

• Enable Bluetooth on Android via settings 

   

• Settings 

   

• Turn on Bluetooth 

   

• Turn on the external microphone  

   

• Look for nearby devices 

   

• Pair an external mic with the iPhone 

   

• Confirm connection

How to connect an external mic to an iPhone 

There are various ways to connect an external microphone to an iPhone. The following are some methods explained: 

Method 1. Using Lightning Port 

When using a Lightning port to connect to an external mic, ensure your iPhone supports the Lightning port, as modern iPhone series do not come equipped with them.  

Get an adapter that has a Lightning port on one end and a standard USB on the other. Connect the adapter’s lightning port to the iPhone and the other standard USB end to the microphone.

Method 2. Wireless/Bluetooth Microphones 

Using Bluetooth or wireless external microphones to connect to an external microphone is like using an Android device.

Wireless:  

• Charge the wireless mic 

   

• Turn on the external microphone 

   

• Plug the receiver into the charging port  

   

• Allow the external mic to act as an audio receiver 

   

• Test the microphone before using

Bluetooth: 

• Enable Bluetooth on iPhone via settings 

   

• Settings 

   

• Turn on Bluetooth 

   

• Turn on the external microphone  

   

• Look for nearby devices 

   

• Pair an external mic to the iPhone 

   

• Confirm connection 

Ensure the microphone has sufficient charge to turn it on and function properly.

Method 3. USB Microphones 

Confirm the iPhone’s cable type, specifically if it’s a USB-C.  

Connect the iPhone directly if it has a USB-C cable and a port that supports both the microphone and the iPhone.

Conclusion 

External microphones offer numerous advantages for individuals who frequently use microphones and seek to improve the quality of their sound. Various types of microphones cater to your needs, each with different connection options, ranging from wired microphones to stand mics to Bluetooth-enabled microphones. External microphones come in tremendously handy for professional or work purposes, making it a go-to for content creators, business professionals during interviews, live streaming, and capturing chaotic events.