How To Use Apple Earbuds as a Microphone

Do you have online lectures and meetings but can’t find a way to use your Apple earbuds on your computer as a mic? 

We have created an extensive guide with step-by-step methods to use Apple earbuds as a mic with minimal effort.

Connecting the Earbuds to a Computer

Since Apple products usually have a lightning connector, they can’t be connected to non-Apple devices very easily. However, there are still some workarounds that will enable you to connect your Apple earbuds to a computer using one of the following things.

• Earbuds with a 3.5 mm plug.
• Lightening connector to USB-A connector.
• Audio splitter.

Using Apple Earbuds as a Mic

If you don’t know how to use Apple earbuds as a mic, follow our 3 step-by-step methods to help you go through this process quickly.

Method #1: Using Apple Earbuds With a 3.5mm Plug As a Mic

As a 3.5 mm connector is standard for most audio devices, you can easily connect your earbuds to your computer and use them as a mic by following these steps.

1. Connect your Apple earbuds to the computer via the 3.5 mm plug into the audio port.
2. Turn on your computer, type “Control Panel” into the search bar, and click “Open”.
3. Navigate to “Hardware and Sound” > “Sound” > “Recording” tab.
4. Select your Apple earbuds and choose “Set Default”.
5. Click “Apply” > “OK” to use your Apple earbuds as a mic on your computer.

Method #2: Using Apple Earbuds With Lightning Connector As a Mic

Do your Apple earbuds have a lightning connector? All you need is a lightning connector to a USB-A adapter, and you’ll be able to use your Apple earbuds as a mic on your computer by doing these steps.

1. Plug your Apple earbuds into the USB-A adapter and connect it to your computer.
2. Turn on your computer, type “Control Panel” into the search bar, and click “Open”.
3. Navigate to “Hardware and Sound” > “Sound” > “Recording” tab.
4. Select your Apple earbuds and choose “Set Default”.
5. Click “Apply” > “OK” to use your Apple earbuds as a mic on your computer.

Method #3: Using Apple Earbuds As a Mic on a Computer With an Audio Splitter

All recent models of computers have one 3.5 mm audio port. However, if you are using an older model, your computer might have a different port for a microphone and a headphone. In this case, you’ll need an audio splitter to connect and use your Apple earbuds as a mic on your computer with these steps.

1. Plug your Apple earbuds with a 3.5 mm plug into the audio splitter.
2. Plug in the audio splitter plugs to the headphone and microphone ports on the computer, respectively.
3. Turn on your computer, type “Control Panel” into the search bar, and click “Open”.
4. Navigate to “Hardware and Sound” > “Sound” > “Recording” tab.
5. Select your Apple earbuds and choose “Set Default”.
6. Click “Apply” > “OK” to use your Apple earbuds as a mic on your computer.

Adjusting the Mic Volume on Apple Earbuds

Once your Apple earbuds have started working as a mic on your computer, you can adjust their volume per your preference using the following method.

1. On your computer, type “Control Panel” into the search bar and click “Open”.
2. Navigate to “Hardware and Sound” > “Sound” > “Recording” tab.
3. Select your mic and click “Properties”.
4. Open the “Levels” tab.
5. Adjust the volume level by dragging the slider.
6. Click “Apply” > “OK” to save the volume settings.

Testing the Mic Volume on Apple Earbuds

Now that you have connected your Apple earbuds to your computer, you can test if they are working correctly by following these steps.

1. Ensure that your Apple earbuds are connected to your computer.
2. Go to the Start menu and open Settings.
3. Navigate to “System” > “Sound” > “Input”.
4. On the “Test your microphone” option, speak into your Apple earbuds.
5. If the blue bar on the screen is rising and falling accordingly, your mic is working fine.

Summary

In this guide, we have discussed how to use Apple earbuds as a mic on a computer. We have also discussed adjusting the volume and testing the mic with Apple earbuds.

Hopefully, with one of these methods, you’ll be able to make the most out of your Apple earbuds.