iPhone 8 plus external mic is not working

I had the same issue trying to use a Smarmonic mics. Their tech support came up with an app that has solved the external mic problem.

go to the App Store and download SmartRecorder. It will let you select Lightening outlet for an external mic. Works with Facebook Live too.

Hi Derek,

I had the same issue and it drove me nuts. Went through a bunch of mics and finally bought a Saramonics Blink 500 wireless set. It did not work at first either, but their engineers fixed the issue. They put together a little app called SmartRecorder, it's free and it's in the App Store.

Start it up and go to settings in the upper right-hand corner. The first line is "Auto Input Source." Check to see if you're plugged in where you want and go about your business. Has been working fine for me on the iPhone 8 as well as Facebook Live.

Good luck,

Jim

Thanks for getting back to us Derek_17,

Since we last spoke, an iOS update has come out. If you haven't yet, please update to iOS 14 and let us know if anything changes. Here are the steps if you need:

Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If problems persist, we would recommend checking with the microphone manufacturers to ensure that there's no firmware that's necessary.

Have a great day!

Here is what I do. I am using the Saramonc Blink 500 with the app. Before I go to FB, I make sure I am set for an external mic in the Lightning input. If you are using the Blink, the transmitter will show a blue light. Then, got to FB. As long as the transmitter is showing a blue light you are good to go.

I have not tried to use only an external mic without the Blink, but the SmartRecorder app should keep you functioning with the external mic. Saramoninc told me this happens when Apple changes IOS or FB makes mods.

Hope this helps.

Jim

Hello Derek,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities! We want to clarify with you what is happening. Was it that external, third-party microphones are not working? Or, was it that the iPhone's internal microphone is not working until a third-party external is connected?

If it's the iPhone's internal microphone, the following may be of some assistance: If the microphones on your iPhone aren't working - Apple Support

We look forward to hearing back from you!

Hello,

I am also having an issue with my Ipad not recognising the external mic I plug in using a TSSR adapter to a mixing desk. This has only become an issue since updating to IOS 14.

If you have any suggestions on how to solve it, that would be much appreciated.

thanks!

Sandra

I have the same issues as Derek_17, my external mics used to work but now they do not. I know the microphone I am trying to use works because it does on my computer, but no longer on my I-Phone8Plus. I have updated to latest 14.1 software and it still does not work.

Same issue. Original adaptor from apple being used here but... My phone internal mic works and my iPhone 8 plus do not recognize any external 3,5mm jack mics plugged (THAT IT USED TO. My professional camera can recognize those mics, so, they're working fine.). My phone is updated to iOS 14.2 and the issue remains for months now. Any solutions found so far? Whats crossing my mind is that Apple doesn't want us to use third party professional gear on their beloved phone. Why? Because Apple doesn't profit when you buy from other companies... Why would somebody record a video with a U$1000 pro level external mic if they can blow your years away using the tiny sounding internal microphones that the iPhone came with? Just thinking. Maybe It's the Dongle Society spreading the trend that every electronic device will have to spill their guts in a form of crappy adaptors that doesn't do what they are supposed to for their users. I'm really trying to follow apple on this... But this topic is not about our beautiful sounding mics that got rejected... It's all about the swallowed 3,5mm dongle that doesn't work anymore after another obscure update from the Apple. I'm a musician and a content creator. I just want the working 3,5mm jack back so I can use professional Headsets and Microphones to work on my device. I don't care if my phone was not waterproof because of it. :-/

No help from Apple either!!! I was using a Shure MV88+ with my iPhone 8 and the Motiv App along with. Everything worked PERFECTLY, then the OS updates. Looks to me like Apple/Facebook is trying to figure out how to capitalize on this! Why support 3rd party systems when we can make our own and force the users to use our product. Kinda the way they did when reengineering the iPhone with that stupid lightning headphone connector. 1/8 jack was working just fine. Thanks Apple for always fixing what wasn't broken in order to increase your bottom line!

txavi8or: Please give use details. Do I set up as if I am making an audio message, then leave External Microphone checked in that app, but move to FB Live? I have downloaded the SmartRecorder App, but have not yet had a chance to use it with my mixer, only a set of earbuds.

Have sort of the same issues but it is mostly showing up trying to go on Facebook Live, the mics just quit working. No help from FB.