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How To Use Your Android or iPhone Device As a Microphone Input Source

Using your Android phone or iPhone as a microphone for your computer is an easy and convenient way to improve audio quality for recordings, livestreams, calls, and more. With just your phone, a cable or two, and some software, you can turn your mobile device into a versatile external microphone for your Windows PC or Mac.

Benefits of Using Your Phone as a Microphone

There are several advantages to using your smartphone as a computer microphone:

  • Cost effective – No need to purchase an additional external mic, especially for casual use. Most people already have a smartphone.
  • Portability – Your phone mic is always with you whenever you need it. Much more portable than carrying around a separate microphone.
  • Decent audio quality – Modern smartphone microphones are quite good, providing clear audio that’s usable for many applications.
  • Easy to set up – It only takes a few minutes to connect your phone and get it working as a microphone.
  • Flexible – You can use wired or wireless connections to use your phone mic on both laptops and desktop computers.

What You Need

To use your phone as a microphone for your Windows or Mac computer, you will need:

  • Your Android smartphone or iPhone
  • OTG adapter cable (for Android) or Lightning to USB cable (for iPhone)
  • Audio software app (optional)

Some audio recording or chat software has built-in support for connecting phones as microphones. But you may need to download a special app for full control and the best experience.

Popular options covered later in this article include WO Mic (Android & Windows), AudioRelay (Android & Windows), and Microphone Live (iPhone & Mac).

Connecting an Android Phone as a Microphone

Here is how to set up your Android phone as a microphone for your Windows PC:

1. Install WO Mic (or Alternative App)

WO Mic is a great free app that works seamlessly to connect your Android phone mic to your computer.

Download and install the WO Mic app on your Android device. Also install the WO Mic client on your Windows PC from the official website.

Alternatively, you can try AudioRelay which also works very well.

2. Connect with an OTG Adapter Cable

You need to physically connect your phone to your computer, usually via an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter cable. This is a short USB cable with a micro USB connector on one end (for your phone) and a full-sized USB plug on the other end (for your PC).

Plug the cable into your phone and into any USB port on your Windows computer.

3. Configure the App & Select Your Android Phone

Open the WO Mic or AudioRelay app on both devices. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both. Tap on your Android phone’s name/ID shown in the app’s interface on your computer and click Connect.

You may need to adjust a few quick settings, then your phone’s mic will work!

4. Select the Virtual Microphone

The app will create a virtual microphone device that channels audio from your physical phone mic. You need to select this virtual device as your microphone for recordings, calls, livestreams, or other applications.

On Windows, go to Sound settings, Recording devices, right-click the virtual mic, and select Set as Default Device.

Connecting an iPhone as a Microphone

Connecting your iPhone to a Mac is also very easy. Here’s how:

1. Install Microphone Live App

The simplest way is using a free app called Microphone Live. Install it on your iPhone from the App Store.

2. Connect with a Lightning to USB Cable

Connect your iPhone to your Mac using the charging cable that came with your device. Use a Lightning to USB cable, plugging into a USB port on your Mac.

3. Configure Audio MIDI Setup

Open Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac. Click Enable for your iPhone. For Input, select On for the headphone port (should be port 3).

4. Select Input Device

In your Mac’s sound settings or individual apps, choose your iPhone as the Input Device for the microphone. Test it and you’re ready to use your iPhone as a mic!

Using Wireless Connections

You can also connect your phone mic to your computer wirelessly over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth:

  • WO Mic (Android & Windows) offers wireless connectivity through its smartphone and desktop apps.
  • AudioRelay (Android & Windows) streams phone audio over Wi-Fi using its mobile and computer apps.
  • Microphone Live (iPhone & Mac) can utilize Bluetooth or AirPlay to send iPhone mic audio wirelessly.

Wireless options are more convenient but may have some latency or connection issues. Cabled connections are more reliable for consistent performance.

Top Microphone Apps for Smartphones

Here are some of the best apps for using your Android phone or iPhone as a microphone:

  • WO Mic (Android) – Simple with low latency. Free version available.
  • AudioRelay (Android) – Streams crystal clear audio via Wi-Fi. Free app.
  • Microphone Live (iPhone) – Easy wireless streaming over AirPlay. Free version available.
  • Smart Voice Recorder (Android) – Feature-packed audio recording app. Free with ads.
  • Voice Memos (iPhone) – Built-in iOS app that’s easy to use for recordings.

Tips for Better Audio Quality

To get the most out of your phone’s microphone for your computer, follow these tips:

  • Use a wired connection for highest quality and lowest latency
  • Make sure to enable the headphone mic (TRRS port) in audio settings
  • Keep your phone close to your mouth when speaking but not too close
  • Record in a quiet environment without much background noise
  • Try using mic accessories like lapel mics to improve sound capture

With the right apps and setup, your trusty Android or iOS device can pull double duty as a microphone for desktops, laptops, gaming PCs, and more. Take your recordings and calls to the next level!

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