How To Use Your Android or iPhone as a Mic for Your Computer

PDF download Download Article
The easiest ways to record high-quality audio with your phone
PDF download Download Article

Whether you are a podcaster, singer, or need to record a voiceover for a project, you may be interested in using your phone as a microphone. It's a cheap and effective alternative to investing in a mic , and smartphones are quite good at capturing high-quality audio ! This makes your Android or iPhone a viable option as a mic for conference calling on your computer as well. This wikiHow guide will teach you how to use your phone as a computer mic on Windows and macOS, with either a built-in or downloaded app.

Quick Ways to Use Your Smartphone as a Mic

  • On a PC or Mac, use a free tool called AudioRelay to use your Android as a mic.
  • If you're using Windows and have an iPhone, install an older version of WO Mic.
  • To use an iPhone as a mic for your Mac, install the Microphone Live app on your iPhone.
  • To record yourself on your Android or iPhone, use Smart Video Recorder for Android and the Voice Memos app for iPhone.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Using AudioRelay on Windows & Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go to https://audiorelay.net/ and download AudioRelay. Click Download under "Desktop" and select a version: Windows, Linux, or macOS.
    • If you have an Android, you'll also need to install the app from the Google Play Store. AudioRelay isn't available for iPhones.
  2. The "Microphone" option is under the Server tab.
    Advertisement
  3. Select the Player tab, choose "Mic" in the "Mode" section, and make sure your phone is selected in the "Server" section.
  4. This allows you to use your phone as a mic as default across multiple platforms, including Discord, Skype, and Zoom.
    • Right-click on the Sounds icon in the taskbar (it looks like a speaker), then click Sounds > Recording > Virtual Mic > Set as default device/Set as default communication device . [1]
  5. This can be any app like Discord, Zoom, or Skype where you want to use your phone as a mic.
    • Find the mic settings and change it to the virtual audio device. [2]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Using an Old Version of WO Mic for Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. This is free software; however, newer links and versions of Wo Mic often contain malware. To avoid this, download an older version from sources like this Reddit link .
    • On your PC, you'll also need to install the VC runtime re-distributable, which is available through the same download link.
    • You can also find the WO Mic app for free for your iPhone in the App Store and for Android in the Google Play Store.
  2. The app is represented by an orange microphone icon against a white background on both your PC and phone.
  4. A menu will pop up, and you can tap to select to connect via USB, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or Bluetooth. We recommend connecting your phone to your computer via USB as it offers the highest bit rate. [3]
    • For Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. There will almost always be a small Wi-Fi icon on your phone's home screen that shows your connection to a network.
    • To connect your Android to your PC with Bluetooth, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and computer, then pair your phone in Windows .
  5. You'll see this in the top right corner of your screen. It will start the server.
    • You can set aside your phone and work on your computer now.
  6. You'll see this in the top left corner of the client window.
  7. This is usually the first option in the menu.
  8. You'll see a list of options in the panel on the left side of the window. You'll need to select the same connection type that you chose earlier.
  9. You'll need to specify certain parameters for the connection before you can continue unless you're using USB, in which case you don't need to add any specific information.
  10. You'll see this at the bottom of the window.
    • You should see your current status (Connected, disconnected) and connection type (USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct) in the panels at the bottom of the client window.
    • As soon as the connection is successful, any noise picked up by your phone will be transmitted to your computer. If you want to hear the sounds that are picked up, go to "Options > Play in speaker" on your computer client. [4]
    • Consider wearing headphones while listening to your audio, preventing your phone from picking up any echo or interference.
    • You can click through "Connection > Disconnect" on your computer or tap the stop button on your phone to end the connection and recording.
    • If you can't establish a wireless connection with WO Mic, make sure TCP outgoing port 8125 and UDP incoming port 8126 are not blocked by your Firewall program. See the WO Mic FAQ (frequently asked questions) page for additional help.
    • Many users warn that the Android and iPhone apps for Wo Mic might contain malware [5] that sends your data to Chinese companies, so if you're concerned about sharing data, consider alternatives like AudioRelay.
    11. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Use an iPhone as a Mic on Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. The microphone app is free and highly rated on the App Store. [6]
    • Search "Microphone Live" in the search tab that's located at the bottom of your screen. The app's developer is Von Bruno.
    • This app is only available on the App Store for iPhones.
  2. The available ports on your Mac will vary across different models, but the lightning cable that came with your iPhone should plug into your iPhone's charging port and connect to an open port on your MacBook or Mac desktop.
    • Depending on which iPhone and Mac you have, you will need either a lightning-to-USB or a lightning-to-USB-C cable.
  3. You can open this by clicking the Spotlight icon in your menu tray, typing "MIDI", and clicking the first search result that says "Audio MIDI Setup." [7]
    • If your iPhone is plugged in and unlocked, you'll see it listed as an option in the left panel.
  4. You'll see this in the panel on the left side of the window.
  5. This is either a gear icon in your Dock, or you can click the Apple logo in the top right corner of your menu and then click System Settings . [8]
  6. You should find this in the second row with a speaker icon.
  7. If this is already selected, you can skip this step.
  8. This app icon looks like a microphone icon on a grey background that you'll find on one of your Home screens.
  9. It will turn from red to grey to indicate it is on.
    • Tap Front iPhone Mic if it isn't already selected at the lower left corner of your screen.
    • You can swipe your finger up and down the screen to adjust the microphone's volume.
  10. If this is already displaying correct information, you can skip this step.
    • Tap Dock Connector in the menu that slides up.
    • You should see on your computer that the input level in the System Preferences screen shows you the sounds picked up by the microphone in your iPhone. [9]
    • For the Microphone Live app on your iPhone to work continuously, you must keep it open.
    11. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Recording on an Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. Smart Voice Recorder is a free app that's supported by ads, but you can get rid of ads by paying a monthly Google Play Pass fee of $4.99/month. [10]
    • Make sure you are downloading the app developed by SmartMob.
    • Many Android skins come with a manufacturer-provided voice recorder built into the phone. You can use a voice recorder from Samsung or OnePlus, but the Smart Voice Recorder will offer greater quality and reliability. [11]
  2. The app icon looks like a microphone next to a red dot. [Image:Use Your Phone As a Mic Step 23.jpg|center]]
  3. This looks like a red circle with another microphone icon inside it.
    • If this is your first time using Smart Voice Recorder, you'll need to tap Allow so the app can access files for storage and your microphone to record audio.
  4. On most smartphones, the mic is at the bottom, on the same side as the screen, so it's near your mouth. For the best results, put the mic as close as you can to the source of the noise (up to an inch or two away). If you can't get very near to it, just point the microphone towards the noise.
    • If the volume isn't an issue (i.e., if you're in a silent room), you can usually place your phone face-up on a table next to you.
  5. To end and save your recording, tap the circle around the checkmark at the bottom of your screen.
    • If you want to pause the recording and start it again later, tap the circular button with the timer running. You'll see the word "Pause" change to "Resume," which indicates that you can resume recording.
  6. If you want to make sure your recording is clear and free of noise issues, you can tap the play icon to preview the file.
    • You can also change the file name by tapping in the area that displays the default name (usually it is something similar to "Recording 1").
    • Your audio file is saved, and you can find it by tapping Recordings in the bottom left corner of the app's main screen
    • You can share the recording by tapping Share under the recording's preview.
    7. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Recording on an iPhone

PDF download Download Article
  1. This app icon looks like a red and white wavelength that you'll find on one of your Home screens or inside the Utilities folder. [12]
  2. You'll see this recording button at the bottom of your screen.
  3. On most smartphones, the mic is at the bottom of the phone, on the same side as the screen so it's near your mouth. For the best results, put the mic as close as you can to the source of the noise (up to an inch or two away). If you can't get very near to it, just point the microphone towards the noise.
  4. You'll see this button at the bottom of your screen where the recording button was.
    • After you tap the stop icon, your voice memo is automatically saved. You can edit it with any device (like an iPad) logged in with the same Apple ID. [13]
    • If Voice Memos on iPhone isn't working for you, you can try Voice Recorder .
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • There are other mic apps for specialized purposes, but there are too many good audio-recording apps to list. A few more quality choices that are intended for narrow uses include:
        • StoryCorps, which is designed to record family stories. The app can capture up to 45 minutes of audio at a time and has easy options for sharing and archiving stories.
        • Crowd Mics lets audience members use their smartphones as mics at large gatherings. [14]
        • Voice Changer Plus (and similar apps), which let you modify voice clips with amusing effects. [15]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • When you're recording, beware of your surroundings and noise issues. Don't record in a large, empty room full of hard surfaces because all of these can give your recording a distracting echo. Rugs, carpets, soft furniture, and blankets all work to dampen an echo. Don't record with ambient noise in the background, like construction work, lawnmowers, and airplanes, which can be very loud on the final recording. Also, don't record outdoors. It may seem completely silent, but even minor breezes can sound like windstorms on the mic.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you want an app that will record multiple tracks (which is useful for musicians), try J4T Multitrack Recorder (Android) or FourTrack (iOS). Note that these multitrack recorders are not free.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Find Saved Audio Messages on an iPhone
      How to
      Record High-Quality Audio on Your Mobile Phone
      4 Easy Ways to Record Voice or Audio on a Windows Computer
      How to
      Record Audio with VLC Media Player
      Simple Ways to Record Audio on Windows
      How to
      Make a Pop Filter
      How to
      Record from Mixer to Phone
      How to
      Record Conversations
      How to
      Extract Audio CD Using VLC Player
      How to
      Make an MP3 File on Windows, macOS, & Linux
      Simple Steps to Compose Music Using GarageBand
      How to
      Make a Recording Studio
      How to
      Use Auto Tune
      How to
      Make a Song on GarageBand
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://docs.audiorelay.net/instructions/windows
      2. ↑ https://docs.audiorelay.net/instructions/macos/use-your-phone-as-a-microphone-for-your-mac
      3. ↑ https://wolicheng.com/womic/
      4. ↑ https://wolicheng.com/womic/
      5. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/1ekuhku/comment/lgnfyh9/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
      6. ↑ https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/microphone-live/id1070812067
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/KJnr-wEZMzI?t=50
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/KJnr-wEZMzI?t=76
      9. ↑ http://www.vonbruno.com/microphone
      1. ↑ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andrwq.recorder&hl=en_US
      2. ↑ https://help.smartmob.dev/article/111-privacy-policy
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/make-a-recording-iph4d2a39a3b/ios
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206775
      5. ↑ http://crowdmics.com/
      6. ↑ https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voice-changer-plus/id339440515?mt=8

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Download the computer client in addition to the mobile app.
      2. Open WO Mic on your phone and computer.
      3. Tap the Settings icon in the mobile app.
      4. Tap Transport and select a transport mode.
      5. Return to the main screen of the mobile app.
      6. Tap the start icon in the mobile app.
      7. Click the Connection tab in the WO Mic computer client.
      8. Click Connect .
      9. Click to select a transport (connection) type (the same transport type you selected in the mobile app).

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 475,382 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement