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iOS 26: Use AirPods as Microphone When Shooting Video

In iOS 26, you can use AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3 as a wireless microphone with supported camera apps. Think of it as turning your AirPods into a lapel mic – you get professional-quality audio capture as well as the freedom to move around during recording. Here's how it works.



(https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2025/09/airpods-pro-3.jpg)

<h2>Setting Up AirPods as Your Camera Microphone</h2>

Using AirPods as a microphone in iOS 26 requires just a few quick steps through Control Center. Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad before you begin. Note that using AirPods as a camera microphone isn't available in all countries or regions.

<ol>

  <li>With your AirPods in your ears, open the Camera app.</li>

  <li>Switch to <strong>Video</strong> mode in the Camera app.</li>

  <li>Open Control Center by swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen.</li>

  <li>Tap <strong>Camera Controls</strong> at the top.</li>

  <li>Under "Audio & Video," tap <strong>Input</strong>, then select your AirPods from the pop-up menu. (Note: You might also see <strong>Same as System</strong> as an option.)</li>

</ol>(https://images.macrumors.com/article-new/2025/09/airpods-shooting-video-microphone.jpg)



<h3>Mic Mode Options</h3>

From the same Camera Controls screen, you can also choose from four different microphone modes to suit your recording environment:

<ul>

  <li><strong>Automatic</strong>: Lets your device choose the optimal setting.</li>

  <li><strong>Standard</strong>: Default audio processing.</li>

  <li><strong>Voice Isolation</strong>: Reduces background noise and emphasizes speech.</li>

  <li><strong>Wide Spectrum</strong>: Captures a fuller range of ambient sounds.</li>

</ul>



<h2>Start Your Recording</h2>

When you're ready, press the stem on your AirPods to begin recording video. You now have hands-free control over your recording session while your AirPods capture the audio. When you're done, press your AirPods stem again to end the shoot.<div class="linkback">Related Roundups: AirPods 4 (https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/airpods/), AirPods Pro 3 (https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/airpods-pro/)</div><div class="linkback">Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Neutral) (https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#AirPods), AirPods Pro (Buy Now) (https://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#AirPods-Pro)</div><div class="linkback">Related Forum: AirPods (https://forums.macrumors.com/forums/airpods.216)</div>
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Source: iOS 26: Use AirPods as Microphone When Shooting Video (https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/ios-use-airpods-as-mic-shooting-video/)