Apple’s AirPods have redefined the wireless audio experience, offering convenience, comfort, and superb sound quality. However, what many users may not realize is that AirPods can also double as a microphone, providing a handy solution for various audio needs, from making phone calls to recording voice memos or podcasting. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to use your AirPods as a microphone, whether you have the original AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max.
Why Use AirPods as a Microphone?

Before we delve into the how-to, let’s understand why using AirPods as a microphone can be a valuable tool:
- Audio Quality: AirPods are known for their superior audio quality, which extends to their microphones. Using AirPods as a microphone ensures that your voice is captured with clarity and precision.
- Noise Cancellation: If you own AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, the active noise cancellation feature can help eliminate background noise, ensuring that your voice remains clear and free from distractions.
- Convenience: AirPods offer the convenience of a wireless microphone solution. Whether you’re on a call, recording a podcast, or participating in a virtual meeting, the absence of tangled wires allows for more flexibility and ease of use.
- Voice Assistant Integration: With AirPods, you can easily activate voice assistants like Siri, making it simple to control your device, set reminders, or send messages with voice commands.
Using Original AirPods as a Microphone
- Pair Your AirPods: First, ensure your AirPods are connected to your device. Open the AirPods case near your device and follow the on-screen prompts to pair them.
- Select AirPods as Input: Open the settings on your device and go to “Bluetooth.” Find your AirPods in the list of connected devices and tap on them. In the AirPods settings, select “Microphone” and choose “Automatic.”
- Test the Microphone: To test your AirPods as a microphone, you can make a phone call, use a voice recording app, or access a voice memo app. Speak into your AirPods, and you should hear your voice being captured with impressive clarity.
- Adjust Volume and Settings: You can control the volume of your AirPods’ microphone input by adjusting the volume on your device. Additionally, you can experiment with noise cancellation settings if your AirPods model supports it.
Using original AirPods as a microphone is straightforward and provides reliable audio quality for a variety of purposes, including phone calls, voice memos, and voice recordings.
Using AirPods Pro as a Microphone
- Pair Your AirPods Pro: Begin by connecting your AirPods Pro to your device if they aren’t already paired. Open the AirPods Pro case near your device and follow the pairing instructions.
- Enable Noise Cancellation: AirPods Pro come with active noise cancellation (ANC) that can help eliminate background noise for better microphone performance. To enable ANC:
- On an iOS device, go to “Settings” > “Bluetooth.”
- Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro.
- Under “Noise Cancellation,” choose “Active” or “Off” based on your preferences and the environment you’re in.
- Select AirPods Pro as Input: In the device settings, go to “Bluetooth” and select your AirPods Pro. Inside the AirPods Pro settings, choose “Microphone” and select “Automatic.”
- Test the Microphone: To ensure your AirPods Pro are working as a microphone, initiate a call, use a voice recording app, or open a voice memo app. Speak into your AirPods Pro, and you should experience clear and noise-free audio capture.
- Adjust Settings: Control the microphone input volume through your device’s volume settings. You can also fine-tune the noise cancellation settings based on your preferences and the surrounding environment.
AirPods Pro offer advanced microphone capabilities with active noise cancellation, making them an excellent choice for demanding audio situations.
Using AirPods Max as a Microphone

If you own AirPods Max, you can leverage their premium microphone capabilities for a variety of applications:
- Pair Your AirPods Max: Ensure that your AirPods Max are paired with your device. Open the case and follow the pairing instructions on your device.
- Enable Noise Cancellation: AirPods Max, like the AirPods Pro, feature active noise cancellation (ANC) that can enhance your microphone performance. To enable ANC:
- On an iOS device, navigate to “Settings” > “Bluetooth.”
- Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods Max.
- Under “Noise Cancellation,” choose “Active” or “Off” depending on your preferences and the environment.
- Select AirPods Max as Input: Access your device’s settings and go to “Bluetooth.” Locate your AirPods Max in the list of connected devices and select them. Inside the AirPods Max settings, choose “Microphone” and select “Automatic.”
- Test the Microphone: To ensure your AirPods Max are functioning as a microphone, make a phone call, use a voice recording app, or open a voice memo app. Speak into your AirPods Max, and you should experience exceptional audio quality with effective noise cancellation.
- Adjust Microphone Volume: Control the microphone input volume by adjusting the device’s volume settings. Experiment with different noise cancellation modes to find the optimal setting for your specific needs.
AirPods Max offer top-tier microphone performance, making them an ideal choice for professional calls, podcasting, and voice recording tasks.
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Harnessing the microphone capabilities of your AirPods, whether they are the original AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, can significantly enhance your audio experience in various scenarios. With the added benefits of noise cancellation, voice assistant integration, and outstanding audio quality, using your AirPods as a microphone is a versatile and convenient solution for modern communication and audio recording needs.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly switch between using your AirPods as headphones and microphones, unlocking their full potential and elevating your audio experience to new heights. Whether you’re making calls, recording content, or interacting with voice assistants, your AirPods are ready to assist you with impeccable microphone performance.

