How to Use AirPods as a Remote Microphone

This guide shows you how to turn your AirPods into a remote microphone for your iPhone, so you can record clear audio from across the room or use your phone as a discreet listening device. You’ll learn the built-in Live Listen feature and the more flexible microphone mode in the Voice Memos app. No extra hardware or apps are needed—just your AirPods and an iPhone.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone (any model that supports Live Listen, generally iPhone 6s or later)
AirPods (any generation), AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or Beats headphones with the Apple W1/H1 chip
Your AirPods connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth
iOS 14 or later for the best experience (older versions still work but with fewer options)

Step-by-Step

Using Live Listen (Real-Time Audio)

Put your AirPods in your ears and make sure they’re connected to your iPhone (check the Bluetooth icon in Control Center).
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap Control Center, then tap the green + next to Hearing to add it to your Control Center. If it’s already there, skip this step.
Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (on iPhones with Face ID) or swiping up from the bottom (on iPhones with a Home button).
Tap the ear icon (Hearing).
Tap Live Listen to turn it on. Your iPhone’s microphone will now pick up sound and stream it to your AirPods in real time.
Place your iPhone near the sound source (e.g., a conversation, a lecture, or a TV). The audio will be amplified and sent to your AirPods.
To turn it off, repeat steps 4-5 and tap Live Listen again.

Using Voice Memos (Recording with AirPods as Mic)

Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone.
Open the Voice Memos app (it comes pre-installed on iPhones).
Tap the red Record button.
You’ll see a waveform appear. By default, Voice Memos uses the iPhone’s built-in microphone. To switch to your AirPods, tap the three dots (⋯) at the top-right of the recording screen.
Tap Change Microphone and select your AirPods from the list. If you have AirPods Pro, you can also choose Front or Back microphone (the front mic is the one that faces your mouth when you wear them normally).
Tap Done to return to the recording screen.
Place your iPhone near the sound source and keep the AirPods in your ears (or just keep them connected). The AirPods’ microphone will capture the sound and transmit it to the Voice Memos app.
Tap the red Stop button when finished. The recording will be saved with the audio from your AirPods.

Common Mistakes

Not adding Hearing to Control Center: If you can’t find the ear icon, you haven’t added the Hearing control. Follow step 3 in the Live Listen section.
AirPods not connected: Live Listen won’t work if your AirPods are in the case or not paired. Check the Bluetooth status.
Using the wrong microphone in Voice Memos: If you don’t change the microphone, Voice Memos will use the iPhone’s mic, not your AirPods. Always verify the mic selection.
Placing the iPhone too far from the sound: Live Listen has a range of about 30-50 feet (10-15 meters) in open space, but walls and interference reduce that. Keep the iPhone reasonably close.
Forgetting to turn off Live Listen: Live Listen drains battery quickly. Turn it off when you’re done.

Tips

Use Live Listen for conversations: Place your iPhone on a table in the middle of a meeting to hear everyone clearly.
For recording, use Voice Memos with AirPods as mic: This gives you a saved file you can play back later, unlike Live Listen which is real-time only.
AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have better microphones: They offer better noise isolation and audio quality compared to standard AirPods.
Keep your iPhone charged: Live Listen uses a lot of battery on both devices. Plug in if possible.
Experiment with placement: The iPhone’s mic is omnidirectional, but placing it closer to the sound source always improves clarity.

Troubleshooting

Live Listen doesn’t appear in Control Center: Make sure you added the Hearing control (Settings > Control Center > Hearing). If it’s still missing, restart your iPhone.
No sound in AirPods: Check that AirPods are selected as the audio output (Control Center > now playing > device). Also ensure Live Listen is toggled on (the ear icon should be highlighted).
Audio is distorted or static: Move the iPhone closer to the sound source, and make sure there’s no Bluetooth interference (e.g., other devices). Try turning off Wi-Fi on the iPhone temporarily.
Voice Memos doesn’t list AirPods as a microphone: This can happen if AirPods are not properly connected. Forget the AirPods in Bluetooth settings and re-pair them. Also ensure they are not in the case.
AirPods keep disconnecting during recording: Low battery is the most common cause. Charge your AirPods and iPhone, and keep them close together.
Live Listen works but is very quiet: Increase the volume on your iPhone. Also, clean the microphone mesh on your iPhone (if it’s blocked, sound will be muffled).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods as a remote microphone for video recording?

No, the built-in Camera app does not support using AirPods as a microphone. You can record audio separately with Voice Memos and sync it later, or use a third-party video app that allows external mic selection.

Does Live Listen work with Android phones?

No, Live Listen is an Apple feature that requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. AirPods can connect to Android via Bluetooth, but you won’t have access to Live Listen or the Hearing control.

How far can the iPhone be from the AirPods for Live Listen to work?

The Bluetooth range is typically about 30-50 feet (10-15 meters) in open space, but walls and other obstacles can reduce this. For best results, keep the iPhone within 20-30 feet (6-9 meters).

Can I use only one AirPod as a microphone?

Yes, you can use a single AirPod. Just put one in your ear and leave the other in the case. The mic on the AirPod in your ear will still work for Live Listen and Voice Memos.

Will using AirPods as a remote microphone drain battery quickly?

Yes, both Live Listen and Voice Memos recording use significant battery on both the iPhone and AirPods. Expect about 2-3 hours of continuous use on a full charge. Keep a charger handy for longer sessions.

Can I use AirPods as a microphone for phone calls?

Yes, AirPods work as a microphone for regular phone calls. However, the remote microphone feature described here is specifically for using the iPhone’s mic via Live Listen or for recording with Voice Memos. For calls, the AirPods’ own mic is used normally.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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