Do you have an Android phone and want to improve the sound quality of movies, podcasts, or other recordings you play on it? Well, while you can do much with your phone’s built-in microphone, adding an extra microphone can improve the sound of your content. It can be tricky to use an external mic with an Android phone because there aren’t any global standards. In this guide, we’ll learn how you can connect one to the device and use it.
How to Choose the Right Microphone
The first thing you need to do is find a microphone that works well with your Android phone.
- Connectivity: Look for a mic that can connect to your phone via Bluetooth, the headphone jack (3.5mm TRRS), or the USB-C port. Mics that support Apple’s Lightning connection should not be used.
- Power: Some mics don’t need power because they are inactive while some need a battery or to be plugged into your phone’s headphone jack or USB port to work. Make sure that the mic you choose can get the power it needs from your phone.
Some great options for Android include:
- Rode smartLav+ (lavalier with TRRS connector)
- Boya BY-V (USB-C and Wirelesslavalier)
- Boya BY-M1 (lavalier with TRRS connector)
- Comica CVM-VS08 (shotgun mic with TRRS connector)
How to Use an External Mic on Android
The exact steps will vary depending on the type of connection your mic uses. Follow the options:
Option 1: 3.5mm TRRS Headphone Jack
This is the simplest option if your phone has a headphone jack. You’ll need a mic with a 3.5mm TRRS plug, or an adapter to convert a TRS plug to TRRS.
- Plug the mic directly into your phone’s headphone jack.
- If your mic has a TRS plug, first connect the TRS to the TRRS adapter, and then plug that into the phone.
Option 2: USB-C Port
Newer Android phones have ditched the headphone jack in favor of USB-C. You’ll need a mic designed for USB-C, or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
- Connect the mic to your phone’s USB-C port. You may need to use the cable included with the mic.
- If your mic has a 3.5mm plug, first connect it to the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, then plug the adapter into the phone.
Option 3: Bluetooth Wireless
Some mics can connect wirelessly to your phone over Bluetooth. But first, make sure your mic and phone are compatible.
- Turn on the mic and make it discoverable (see the manual for instructions).
- Go to Settings, tap on Network and internet.
- Tap on Bluetooth and turn the toggle on.
- Select your mic from the list of available devices.
- If prompted, enter the pairing code for your mic (usually 0000).
How to Use External Mic with Your Recording App
With your external mic connected, you may need to configure your recording app to use it instead of the built-in mic.
- Open the app you’ll be using to record.
- Look in settings for audio input. If you see an option to select your input, choose the external mic.
- If there’s an automatic input option then your app will itself switch to an external mic when plugged in.
Also Read: 16 Best Audio Editing Apps for Android
So this is how you can use an external mic with your Android device. If you have any queries or suggestions do let us know in the comments section below. Stay tuned to Techcult for more such helpful guides.
Hi,
but how can I use the mic while at the same time put out sound from the smartphone through the speakers?
Got caught out when trying to connect my external 3.5mm mic to Samsung phone via USB-C. The first adapter bought had a single 3.5mm socket and it only worked for headphones. Eventually found a double ended adapter providing 1 mic and 1 headphone socket. This may also work with both mic and speakers in use at the same time.