As someone who recently purchased a pair of Apple AirPods, I was eager to learn how to use them as a microphone on my Mac. After some research and testing, I’m here to share what I discovered and to provide some tips and tricks on how to use AirPods as a mic on Mac. With the right setup and configuration, you can use your AirPods as a microphone for Zoom, Skype calls, and more. So, let’s dive right in and learn how to get the most out of your AirPods!
| Tips: |
|---|
| – You can use AirPods as a microphone on Mac for Zoom, Skype calls and more. |
| – To use your AirPods as a mic on Mac, connect them to the Mac, press the option and volume button, and select |
| your AirPods as the input device. |
| – Possible causes for AirPods mic not working on Mac include: the AirPods are muted on the Mac, a hardware |
| problem, dirty microphone grill, needing to be reset and reconnected, connection issue, and a software |
| issue. |
| – To make AirPods your default microphone on Mac, connect them to the Mac and press the option and volume |
| button and select your AirPods as the input device. |
Table of Contents
How to use AirPods as a mic on mac
To use your AirPods as a mic on Mac do as follows:
- Connect your AirPods to the mac
- Press the option button and a volume button at the same time on your Mac keyboard.
- Select your AirPods as the input device
Read more: How many devices can you connect to AirPods?
Can I use AirPods as a microphone?
Yes, you can use AirPods as a microphone.
The mic, on the AirPods, is generally very good. If you intend to get AirPods for general use cases such as talking on the phone, talking on FaceTime, Zoom, Skype or similar things, you will likely find that your AirPods work perfectly well.
However, if you are intending to use your AirPods for professional use cases such as music production, it will not be good enough.
With that being said, it is not uncommon to see people on Youtube, using their AirPods as a mic, but they’re not typically large Youtubers.
Read more: Can you charge AirPods with an AirPods Pro case?
Why does my AirPods mic not work on Mac?
If it is your mic that sounds bad on your Mac, below are a number of possible causes.
Your AirPods are muted on your Mac
It might just be the case that you have muted your AirPod’s mic on your Mac.
It would help to make sure that it is actually your mic that is being used when you are talking on your Mac.
You can do this by going to “System preferences” -> “Sound” -> “Input”
Broken AirPods
It might be the case that the mic on one of your AirPods is broken. However, only one mic is actually used at a time to record your voice. So, you could try using the other mic to see if it is due to a hardware fault.
You can change the mic that is being used on iPhone by doing the following:
- Go to settings
- Go to Bluetooth
- Click the “i” next to your AirPods
- Click “Microphone”
- Change it from “Always left” or “Always right”
However, it does not appear to be possible to switch which mic is being used on the Mac.
Dirty
It might be the case that your AirPods mic is dirty. The problem is that metal filings can easily get into the filing grill which can make it harder for the mic to hear your voice. To fix this do the following:
- Get some Blu-Tack
- Firmly press it into the microphone grill several times
Your AirPods need to be reset
Another possible reason is that your AirPods need to be reset and reconnected with the Mac you are using.
To reset and reconnect your AirPods, do the following:
- Forget the AirPods on the device you are using
- Put your AirPods in the case
- Press the button on the case for 15 seconds
- Wait 30 seconds
- Open the lid and hold the button on the case
- Reconnect your AirPods to your device
A connection issue
It is also possible that there is an issue with the connection that your AirPods have with your Mac. It would help to try connecting your AirPods to a different device and to see if the mic is still quiet when using that device.
It would also help to disconnect your AirPods from all the other devices that they have a connection with in case their connection has been interfering with your AirPods.
A software issue
AirPods do receive software updates. It might be the case that your AirPods need to be updated.
To update your AirPods, you need to put them in the charging case while it is being charged, then put a connected Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac) near the AirPods.
How do I make AirPods my default microphone Mac?
You can very quickly set your AirPods mic as the mic on Mac by doing the following:
- Connect your AirPods to the mac
- Press the option button and a volume button at the same time on your Mac keyboard.
- Select your AirPods as the input device
After that, it should be the case that your AirPods mic is the default mic when you connect them.
Pros of AirPods as a mic on Mac
- Convenient and easy to use
- Good quality sound
Cons of AirPods as a mic on Mac
- Potential connection issues
- Not great for professional purposes
