Your iPhone defaults to your headphone mic, but you can force it to use the phone's built-in microphone instead
When you plug in headphones with a microphone, your iPhone automatically routes all audio input through that mic — during calls, voice memos, video recording, and voice commands. If your headphone mic is broken, muffled, or you simply want better sound quality, you can override this and use your iPhone's internal microphone instead. The method depends on what app you're using and whether you want a temporary switch or a permanent one for that app.
The built-in mic on most iPhones is located near the bottom of the phone and picks up sound more clearly than many third-party headphone mics. Switching to it takes seconds once you know where the setting lives — it's usually buried in the app itself rather than in your iPhone's main settings.
Key Takeaways
- Most iPhone apps let you change the microphone input from within the app's settings or during an active call or recording, not from the iPhone's main settings.
- During a phone call, you can tap "Audio" or a speaker icon to switch from headphone mic to the phone's built-in mic mid-conversation.
- For voice memos and video recording, check the app settings before you start recording, as some apps do not offer a mic-switching option.
- Some third-party apps like Zoom and Google Meet have their own audio input menus separate from your iPhone's system settings.
- If an app does not show a mic option, restarting the app or checking its permissions in Settings may restore the choice.
Switching the mic during a phone call
During an active call in the Phone app, look for an "Audio" button or speaker icon on the call screen. Tap it and you'll see your options: iPhone Speaker, iPhone Mic, Bluetooth device (if connected), or Headphones. Select "iPhone Mic" to route the call through your phone's built-in microphone instead of your headphone mic.
This switch happens instantly and the other person will hear the difference right away. If you switch back to Headphones, the headphone mic activates again. The Phone app remembers your last choice, so if you always want to use the iPhone mic during calls, you may need to make this switch every time — the app does not store a permanent preference for this.
If you do not see an Audio button, swipe up from the bottom of the call screen or look near the mute and keypad buttons. On older iPhone models or certain call types, the button may be labeled differently or located in a menu accessed by tapping the three dots.
Changing the mic in voice memos and voice recording apps
The Voice Memos app does not offer an in-app setting to switch microphones — it simply uses whatever input device is currently active. To force it to use your iPhone's built-in mic, you need to disconnect your headphones before you start recording. Once you hit record, the app locks to whatever mic was active at that moment.
If you're using a third-party recording app like Otter or Adobe Audition, open the app's settings or preferences menu before you record. Look for "Microphone," "Audio Input," or "Recording Device" and select your iPhone's built-in mic from the list. The exact wording and location varies by app, but most place this setting in a gear icon or Settings tab.
Test your mic choice by tapping a test or preview button if the app offers one. This lets you hear how the recording will sound before you commit to a full recording session.
Switching the mic in video recording and FaceTime
The Camera app's video recording does not show a microphone selector — it uses the active input device automatically. To use your iPhone's mic instead of your headphone mic, disconnect the headphones before you start recording, or use Control Center to switch audio input before opening the Camera app.
During a FaceTime call, tap the screen to reveal the control buttons, then look for an audio or speaker icon (usually in the top right or bottom of the screen). Tap it and select "iPhone Mic" from the menu. Like the Phone app, FaceTime lets you switch mid-call, and the change takes effect immediately.
If you're recording a FaceTime call using a screen recording tool, the audio input you've selected will be captured in the recording. Test your choice by starting a short FaceTime call with a friend or family member before you record anything important.
Using Control Center to switch audio input
Control Center gives you a quick way to change your audio input device system-wide. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open Control Center. Look for the audio or speaker icon — it usually shows which device is currently active.
Long-press the audio icon to see all available input devices: iPhone Speaker, iPhone Mic, Headphones, Bluetooth devices, or AirPods. Tap "iPhone Mic" to switch to the built-in microphone. This change applies to whatever app you use next, though some apps may override it with their own settings.
The Control Center method works fastest if you need to switch frequently, but not all apps respect this system-level choice. Apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype often have their own audio menus that take priority over Control Center.
Checking app permissions and restarting the app
If an app is not showing you a microphone option, the first step is to check whether the app has permission to access your microphone. Go to Settings, scroll down to find the app's name, tap it, and look for "Microphone." Make sure it's set to "Allow" rather than "Don't Allow" or "Ask Next Time."
Some apps also need permission to access your audio input devices. If you recently updated your iPhone or the app, these permissions may have reset. Granting permission again and then restarting the app often restores the microphone selector.
If permissions are already granted and the mic option is still missing, try force-closing the app and reopening it. On most iPhones, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause, then swipe up on the app's preview to close it. Wait a few seconds, then reopen the app. This clears temporary glitches that sometimes hide audio input options.
Troubleshooting when the iPhone mic is not working
If you switch to your iPhone's built-in mic and the other person still cannot hear you, the problem may be that your iPhone's mic is blocked or damaged. Check the microphone opening (usually near the charging port) for lint, dust, or debris. Use a dry toothbrush or compressed air to gently clean it.
If cleaning does not help, restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on. This resets audio routing and sometimes fixes a mic that appears to work but is not transmitting sound. If the mic still does not work after a restart, the hardware may be damaged and you may need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.
Before you assume the mic is broken, test it in a different app. Open Voice Memos, tap record, speak clearly, and play it back. If you hear yourself, the mic works — the problem may be with the app you were using or its settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone keep using the headphone mic even after I switch to the iPhone mic?
Some apps override your choice and revert to the headphone mic automatically. This is especially common in video conferencing apps like Zoom. Check the app's settings menu (not your iPhone's settings) for an "Audio Input" or "Microphone" option and lock it to "iPhone Mic" there. You may also need to disconnect and reconnect your headphones for the change to stick.
Can I set a default microphone for all apps?
No. Your iPhone does not have a system-wide default microphone setting. Each app chooses its own input, though most respect the device you selected most recently in Control Center. Some apps like Zoom let you set a default within their own settings, but this only applies to that app.
Will switching to the iPhone mic affect the speaker or headphone audio output?
No. The microphone input and audio output are separate. You can use your headphones for listening while using your iPhone's mic for speaking. The audio output stays on whatever device you selected, independent of which mic you're using.
What if my headphones have a mute button on the mic — does that affect which mic is active?
A mute button on your headphone cable mutes the headphone mic itself, but does not switch your iPhone to the built-in mic. Your iPhone still considers the headphone mic the active input device — it's just muted. You need to use the app's audio menu or Control Center to actually switch to your iPhone's mic.
Do wireless headphones work the same way as wired headphones for mic switching?
Yes. Bluetooth headphones, AirPods, and other wireless devices appear in the same audio input menu as wired headphones. You can switch between them and your iPhone's mic using the same methods — through the app's audio menu, Control Center, or the Phone app's Audio button during calls.