External mic not working with Apple Facebook app

Hi,

I too had exactly the same issue where as I had to plug-in the audio interface after going live, but now this has also stopped working. iOS and Facebook apps are completely up-to-date, but the iPhone will not pick up the audio interface (tried iPhone 6S, 7, 9 and 11 Pro Max), however it does work on an iPad. Has anybody had the same issue – is there a fix for this?

much appreciated!

Yes. Download iRig Recorder. Free app. You have to enable “background audio” then keep it running in the background. Go back thru this string and you will see lots of discussion of this workaround. Also Prism Live works to connect you to FBLive but it’s more steps.

Hi, to sum this whole thing up, the best way to solve this issue - for now - is to use iRig as described in the comments above. Other apps might also work, however, from what I experienced, eg. the suggested Streamlabs app was a huge failure to use!

iRig seems to be just fine!

hope this helps!

I have no dog in this either, but have found iRig very easy to get the app and configure (background audio on). To run it you just open before starting FBLive and minimize in background. I have run multiple tests and 3 weeks of outdoor church services with it without a hiccup.

I just right now got off the phone with Apple Support. I explained the problems on Facebook live that WE ARE ALL HAVNG!

Apple Support had me "Reset All Settings" and try to get on live to Facebook. NOTHING...NOTHING changed. I still have the same problem as ALL of you! I was told to delete the Facebook app and reinstall it... I am worried I will lose my information on Facebook if I do that. I spent at least an hour or longer with them, they called back after I reset my settings, they were very good but I was told that the bottom line is that it is a Facebook problem NOT Apple. I requested they go to the Apple Community and told them where to find all these complaints. I am sure they didn't. If we ALL call apple support and complain perhaps they will fix the upgrades which is what I requested that they do. Apple Support #(800)275-2273

I updated my phone prior to calling Apple support hoping it would work and it still did NOT work. I have asked Apple to put out the new “fix”. I’m hoping enough people call Apple support to motivate them...

Seems to me that’s correct. All apps work with an external microphone except for Facebook.

Anyway, the iRig workaround works and using Streamlabs OBS even worked with my iPhone XS wireless with NDI app.

My audio worked connected with the iRig Pro Duo to the lighting Jack of the iPhone.

I also agree it’s a Facebook issue, however this is the only forum I’ve found that speaks to the problem and offers work arounds. Priceless at this point given Facebook’s inaction. I suggest we keep the thread alive wile at the same time constantly reporting the problem to Facebook and pushing them for a solution.

And this goes on and on. This is egregious for neither Facebook or Apple to take any action on what is a major problem. I have posted here a couple of times already. This is bush league for nothing to be fixed with this problem. The only work around that I've find to this point is to start FB live then plug in the device- which creates a crackling sound. It low-class and looks like the operator has no idea what they are doing. I think this needs to be elevated to the next level- on social media and traditional media. Maybe "bad press" will garner some attention to what would seem like a fundamental responsibility from these two organizations. I will get in contact with national desks at the major networks and see where it goes.

Agreed. BTW, if you have a Facebook Live stream saved in which the mic didn’t work, you can shake your iPhone and it will capture it and allow you to send Facebook a complaint about stuff not working. I’m considering doing more frequent tests in which I post the stream to my personal FB account with an audience of “Only Me” and send every one of them as a complaint to Facebook until they fix this. Maybe every week.

IT'S almost FIXED!!! edit: Well, almost. You have to plug in the mic AFTER starting the transmission, but you don't need iRig or other software.

Version 303.0 for iOS of Facebook that just came out today WORKS with an external mic plugged into the lightning port on my 11 Pro Max without using iRIG (which did work btw), but after doing a 3rd test where it was plugged in before starting the transmission, that didn't work..

I'll be submitting another error report, but we're getting there.

Tried with my iPad (latest IOS & Facebook update). Plugged the microphone, turned on Facebook, went live, tested microphone off then on.... didn’t work, I could hear the test with microphone off (ie internal microphone was still on). So still not working properly. Didn’t test with the delayed plugging method since I got kicked off of Facebook last week for 2 days because of too many tests.... oh sorrow...

The problem started AFTER the IOS updates, first in November (it was intermittent) then, after the last two updates it stopped working altogether.

I took the advice of the one person suggesting the iRIG Recorder App. I have to wait until "Live" starts then connect the audio into the phone and audio is then perfect. I use the iRIG pro I/O to connect to my phone.

My many thanks to the person who suggested the App!!!

Do you use the iRig pro I/O with mics or a line source like from a mixer? I’d like to use a device that takes line in (from my mixer) and transfers to the lightning adapter.

I have been using 1/4” balanced to 3.5mm to 3.5mm Rode TRS to TRRS to Apple lighting adapter which works (with prism live), but I would like something that accepts stereo or two mono signals like the iRig pro I/O. I don’t think I need the amplification capability. Just to take a line stereo signal and make it acceptable for the iPhone.

Same here, updated the Facebook app, restarted the iPhone, opened the app, started a Facebook live video, waited a few seconds then connected the interface. Audio remained from the iPhone internal mic. The repeated but connected the interface before starting live, same result, internal mic only.

Oh well :(