In this guide, we will show you how to use your AirPods as your iPhone’s microphone while recording video with your iPhone’s Camera.
In iOS 26 or later, Apple has added a new setting that allows users to set their AirPods as the Audio input source for their iPhone. This means you can use your AirPods as a lapel microphone and move away from your iPhone, and still record your audio during video recording.
Use AirPods as a microphone for video recording
You can use your AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4 as a microphone with this feature. Here’s how.
- First of all, put your AirPods in your ears.
- Next, open the Camera app or any other video recording app of your choice.
- Now, before hitting the record button, access the Control Center screen and tap on the Camera Controls bar from the top.
- Next, under the Audio & Video section, tap on the Input button. This will reveal a list of microphones that you can use as your Audio source.
- Here, select your AirPods or any other pair of headphones or microphones.
- Now return to the Camera app and start recording.
In Control Center’s Camera Controls section, you can also choose from Automatic, Standard, Voice Isolation, and Wide-Spectrum options. Choose the option that best suits your needs.
The video that will be recorded now will feature the audio coming from your selected audio source. This means if you selected your AirPods, you can put your iPhone on a tripod and move away from it, and your video will still feature the audio as if you were standing right next to the iPhone.
This is definitely not a replacement for a professional lapel microphone, but it is a pretty good option for anyone looking to record quick video away from the iPhone, without relying on a dedicated microphone.
