How to record audio on iPhone, and make it sound good
Your iPhone already has everything you need to record audio. Getting it to sound good comes down to distance, the room, and, when it matters, a better microphone.
By the Mini Mic Pro team · Updated
Record with Voice Memos
- Open Voice Memos (it comes with every iPhone; search for it if it isn’t on your home screen).
- Tap the red button to start recording.
- Tap it again to stop. The recording saves automatically.
- Tap the recording to play it back, rename it, or share it with the share button.
Five ways to make it sound better
- Get close. Distance matters more than anything else. Every time you double the distance to the mic, your voice gets much quieter while the room stays the same.
- Pick a soft room. Carpets, curtains, sofas and full closets soak up echo. Kitchens and bathrooms do the opposite.
- Kill the background. Turn off fans and air conditioning, close windows, and move away from the fridge.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb so notifications don’t interrupt the recording.
- Make a 10-second test and listen back with headphones before the real take.
When to use an external mic
Voice Memos is fine for notes. For anything people will listen to (a podcast, a voiceover, a video where you’re talking), a clip-on mic is the biggest upgrade you can make. It sits 6–8 inches from your mouth, so your voice stays clear even when the phone is across the room filming you.
With Mini Mic Pro, plug the receiver into the iPhone, hold the mic button until the light is solid green, and record in Voice Memos as normal. Voice Memos picks up the plugged-in mic automatically.
Recording video with good audio
The same mic works in the Camera app. Plug it in, turn it on, and film. If the audio still sounds like the phone, disconnect any Bluetooth earbuds; they take over the input. See wireless mic for iPhone for the full setup.
Questions
Where is the microphone on an iPhone?
iPhones have several microphones, including at the bottom edge near the charging port and near the cameras. Pointing the bottom of the phone toward your mouth usually gives the clearest voice from the built-in mics.
Can I record audio on iPhone without an app?
Yes. Voice Memos comes with every iPhone. You can also record a video in the Camera app and use its audio.
How do I record a podcast on my iPhone?
Use a clip-on mic for each speaker and record in Voice Memos or a recording app. Our podcast and interview guide covers placement and setup.