How do I get my Android to recognize my external microphone?

Many Android users want to connect external microphones to their devices for better audio quality when recording videos or using voice chat apps. However, some run into issues getting their Android device to properly recognize and utilize the external microphone.
This guide will walk through the main troubleshooting steps to get an external microphone working with an Android device. We’ll cover checking hardware and software compatibility, adjusting device settings, granting app permissions, ensuring proper physical connections, testing the mic, adjusting input sensitivity, using microphone settings, and other tips. Follow these steps to resolve common external microphone issues on Android.
Check Compatibility
Before purchasing an external microphone, make sure it is designed to work with your specific Android model. There are wired and wireless microphone options available. Look at the product description to confirm compatibility with your phone.
For example, the RØDE VideoMic Me is made specifically for smartphones like Android models and iPhones. It can plug right into the headphone jack. Other mics like lavalier clip-on mics may require an adapter for your particular smartphone.
You can also search for your Android device along with “external mic” to find recommendations of compatible models. Making sure your Android phone or tablet supports external mics before buying one will prevent headaches down the road.
According to this article, some things to look for are:
- 3.5mm headphone jack for wired mics
- Bluetooth for wireless mics
- MicroUSB or USB-C port
Checking the technical specifications and product descriptions will typically indicate if the microphone will work with an Android device before purchasing.
Update Software
One of the most common reasons an external microphone may not work properly with an Android device is outdated software. Both the Android operating system itself and apps that utilize the microphone input need to be fully updated to support external mics.
Start by checking that your Android OS is up-to-date. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System update to see if any updates are available and install them. The latest versions of Android include optimizations for connecting accessories like external mics.
Additionally, open the Play Store app and go to My Apps & Games > Updates available to check for app updates. Download the latest versions of apps like your camera, voice recorder, or other audio apps. Developers frequently improve microphone support in app updates.
After updating your system software and apps, reconnect your external mic and test if it works properly. Staying current with Android and app versions helps ensure maximum compatibility with microphones and other accessories.
As per https://developer.android.com/about/versions/12/behavior-changes-all#native-mic, Android 12 and higher natively support connecting external mics without additional apps or permissions needed.
Enable External Mic in Settings
To enable your Android device to detect and utilize an external microphone, you first need to locate the setting that allows external mic input. This setting may be called “External Microphone” or “Audio Source” and is typically found in the Camera app’s settings or options menu.
On a Samsung device, open the Camera app and tap the Settings icon (shaped like a gear). Go to Shooting Methods > Audio Input and select “External Mic” [1]. This allows audio to be captured from the external microphone when recording videos.
For a Huawei phone, open the Camera app settings and go to Audio Control. Toggle on “External Microphone” to allow audio input from external mics [2]. Other Android brands may have similar menu options to enable external microphone use.
Grant App Permissions
To use an external microphone with an app on Android, you need to grant the app permission to access the microphone. This allows the app to record audio using the external mic.
Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > App permissions > Microphone. Here you can see which apps have permission to use the microphone and toggle it on/off.
For the app you want to use with the external microphone, make sure the “Microphone” permission is enabled. You may need to open the app and initiate recording or an action that requires the microphone before this permission will appear.
According to the Android developer documentation, the microphone permission grants access to particularly sensitive user information. Only enable this for trusted apps that need to record audio.
Plug In Mic Properly
Most external microphones use a 3.5mm plug. To connect the microphone to your Android device, you may need an adapter that converts the microphone’s 3.5mm TRS plug to a TRRS plug, as Android devices typically use TRRS connectors for headset and microphone input.https://www.amazon.com/Movo-MC3-Microphone-Adapter-Smartphones/dp/B01N9CJDVE
For example, the Movo MC3 adapter converts a 3.5mm TRS microphone plug to the TRRS plug needed for Android. There are also adapters like the American Recorder TRRS adapter that allow you to connect a standard mono microphone with a 3.5mm connector to an Android device.https://www.americanrecorder.com/products/android-microphone-adapter-cable-with-headphone-jack
Make sure the adapter is designed for connecting microphones to Android and not iPhone, as the pinouts differ. Connect your external microphone to the adapter first, then plug the adapter into your Android device’s headset jack.
Push the plug all the way in to ensure the microphone makes full contact with the adapter and phone. A loose connection can prevent the mic from being detected or result in poor sound quality.
If you have a USB microphone, connect it to your Android device using an OTG (On-The-Go) USB adapter or cable. This allows the Android device to act as a USB host for the external microphone.
Test the Microphone
The easiest way to test if your external microphone is working properly with your Android device is to record some audio and play it back. Here are the steps:
- Open the Voice Recorder or any recording app on your Android. Some good options are Mic Test or the built-in Voice Recorder app.
- Make sure the app is set to use the external mic and not the built-in mic.
- Press record and speak into the external mic at your normal volume and tone for about 10 seconds.
- Stop the recording and play it back. Make sure your voice is clearly audible in the recording.
- If your voice sounds muffled or faint, try adjusting the mic sensitivity or gain in the app settings. Also ensure the mic is firmly plugged into the Android’s mic jack.
This simple test will confirm if your external mic is working properly with the Android device. You should hear your voice clearly and prominently in the playback. If the playback is fuzzy or your voice is too soft, then there’s an issue with the mic setup that needs troubleshooting.
Adjust Input Sensitivity
If the microphone volume seems too low even after enabling and connecting it properly, you may need to adjust the input sensitivity. This increases the gain on the microphone input to boost the volume of the audio being captured.
On many Android devices, you can adjust this in the Sound settings. Go to Settings > Sound and look for an option like “Microphone sensitivity” or “Input level.” Slide this to the right to increase the gain and make the microphone more sensitive to sounds.
Some apps like Microphone by WonderGrace also allow adjusting input gain within the app. Open the app settings to look for a gain control option.
Try speaking into the mic at your typical volume and distance. Adjust the sensitivity until the volume sounds good without too much background noise or distortion. This amplifies the mic input to optimal levels.
Use Microphone Settings
Many external microphones have their own settings and features you can adjust, such as noise cancellation. Check the microphone’s instructions for details on any built-in settings. For example, the RØDE VideoMic Me has a +20 dB level boost for improved audio in loud environments. Make sure to enable any desired settings before using the external mic.
You may also have microphone settings within the app you are using to record audio or video. Look for a microphone icon or “settings” menu. For instance, the camera app may let you toggle noise cancellation or select mono vs stereo audio. The video recording app Filmic Pro has advanced controls like microphone gain and compression. Take advantage of any app-specific microphone settings for the best audio quality.
Additionally, your Android device itself likely has microphone settings you can tweak, though options vary across phones. Under Sound settings, you may find toggles for noise cancellation, microphone volume, or mono/stereo recording. Enable any relevant options that could enhance your external microphone audio. Getting the input levels and settings adjusted properly will help you take full advantage of your external mic.
Troubleshooting
If your external microphone still isn’t working properly with your Android device, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
Check that your microphone is fully plugged into your device. Make sure there is no debris in the port and try a different cable if possible. Sometimes the connection just needs to be cleaned and securely re-inserted to work properly (source).
Try plugging your microphone into a different port on your Android, like switching from the headset jack to a USB-C port. The microphone jack may be faulty so switching ports can help rule that out.
Restart your Android device, as this can reset any software glitches preventing microphone recognition. Also make sure your Android OS and apps are up to date, as the latest versions may have fixes for microphone issues (source).
Check your app permissions and make sure the app you want to use the microphone in is allowed access. Granting microphone permissions can resolve problems with apps not detecting the external mic.
As a last resort, try resetting your Android to factory default settings. This will erase your data but can eliminate any deeper system issues.