You can use your Apple earbuds as a microphone and headphones on a PC, but it’s not easy. You need to install an unofficial virtual audio device to make it work. Don’t worry, the process is simple enough for anyone to follow and the results are worth it. Once complete, you’ll be able to use your Apple earbuds as a mic and headphones on any computer you like. First, let’s take a look at how you can use Apple earbuds as a mic and headphones on a PC with ease.
How To Use Apple Earbuds As A Mic And Headphones On Pc?
- Download and install the WinMTR program on your PC. Once the installation is complete, open the program and click on ‘Start’. Select the ‘Remote Ping’ option and click on ‘Next’. In the next window, enter the IP address of your Mac and click ‘Next’. Now in the next window, click on the ‘Start’ button and wait for a few seconds. Once the test is complete, you will see the results in the window.
- Connect your Apple earbuds to your PC with a USB cable. Once connected, open up the WinMTR program again and select the ‘Remote Ping’ option from the left-hand side menu bar. In this window, enter your Mac’s IP address that you got from step 1 and select ‘OK’ to start the test again.
- If you are using an iPhone or iPad as a microphone on your PC, follow these steps: First of all download X-Audio Recorder on your computer which is free software available for Windows and MacOS users (X-Audio Recorder for Windows | X-Audio Recorder for Mac). Open up X-Audio Recorder software on your computer (if you are using a Mac, open the X-Audio Recorder on your Mac). Click on the ‘Audio’ tab in the X-Audio Recorder software and select the ‘Open’ button next to the option ‘Apple Device (iOS)’, as shown below:
- Now click on the ‘Start Recording’ button. You can also adjust the recording volume by clicking on the ‘Volume slider’.
- Once the recording is complete, click on the ‘Save’ button. Once you save the file in your computer, open up the WinMTR program again and click on the ‘Remote Ping’ option from the left-hand side menu bar. In this window, enter the name of your saved file in the ‘Host:’ field and select ‘OK’ to start the test again.
- If you are using an iPad as a mic on your PC, follow these steps: First of all download X-Audio Recorder on your computer which is free software available for Windows and MacOS users (X-Audio Recorder for Windows | X-Audio Recorder for Mac). Open up X-Audio Recorder software on your computer (if you are using a Mac, open the X-Audio Recorder on your Mac). Click on the ‘Audio’ tab in the X-Audio Recorder software and select the ‘Open’ button next to the option ‘Apple Device (iOS)’ as shown below:
- Now click on the ‘Start Recording’ button. You can also adjust the recording volume by clicking on the ‘Volume slider’.
- Once the recording is complete, click on the ‘Save’ button. Once you save the file on your computer, open up the WinMTR program again and click on the ‘Remote Ping’ option from the left-hand side menu bar. In this window, enter the name of your saved file in the ‘Host:’ field and select ‘OK’ to start the test again.
- Now, if you are using an iPhone or iPad as a mic/audio device on your Mac, follow these steps: First of all download X-Audio Recorder on your computer which is free software available for Windows and MacOS users (X-Audio Recorder for Windows | X-Audio Recorder for Mac). Open up X-Audio Recorder software on your computer (if you are using a Mac, open the X-Audio Recorder on your Mac). Click on the ‘Audio’ tab in the X-Audio Recorder software and select the ‘Open’ button next to the option ‘Apple Device (iOS)’ as shown below:
- Once the recording is complete, click on the ‘Save’ button. Once you save the file on your computer, open up the WinMTR program again and click on the ‘Remote Ping’ option from the left-hand side menu bar. In this window, enter the name of your saved file in the host field and select ‘OK’ to start the test again.
What You Can Do With Apple Earbuds As Headphones And Mic?
- You can record your audio without any external microphone.
- You can connect it to your iPhone and listen to music at the same time.
- You can also use it as a microphone and speak directly into your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad without using an external microphone.
- You can record your voice on your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad without using an external mic and save it as a file on your computer. (You will need to download the iMovie app from Apple App Store.)
- You can send voice messages by connecting it with other Apple devices via Bluetooth or WiFi connection.
- You can also connect it to your computer and use the iMovie app to edit and save your recorded voice file.
- You can connect it to your computer and use the GarageBand app to record, edit and share your voice recording with other people on the Internet. (You will need to download the GarageBand app from Apple App Store.)
- You can also connect it to a power bank, which makes a great microphone for podcasts or audio recordings of lectures or presentations in the classroom.
- You can also connect it to a power bank, which makes a great microphone for podcasting or speaking into iChat in front of crowds at conferences or meetings, etc.
- Connect one end of the earbud cord to the Apple Earphone jack on your iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad, then connect the other end of the earbud cord to any external device that has an audio jack (like speakers).
Install Virtual Audio Device For Earbud Mic Functionality
- If you don’t see that option in the Sound Prefs window, then you’re not running OS X 10.9 or later. I’m not aware of any other way to enable it.
- Go to System Preferences > Sound > Output and check the box next to “Enable Mic with Virtual Audio Device (VAD)”
- Go to System Preferences > Sound > Input and check the box next to “Enable External Microphone (Mute on Focus)”
- Go to System Preferences > Accessibility and check the box next to “Turn on Speak Selection”
- In the Sound Prefs window, check “Enable Mic with Virtual Audio Device (VAD)” and “Enable External Microphone (Mute on Focus)”
- Go to System Preferences > Sound > Output and check the box next to “Enable Mic with Virtual Audio Device (VAD)”
- Go to System Preferences > Sound > Input and check the box next to “Enable External Microphone (Mute on Focus).”
- In the Sound Prefs window, check “Enable Mic with Virtual Audio Device (VAD)” and “Enable External Microphone (Mute on Focus).”
- Connect your Mac to the Internet.
Conclusion
The Apple earbuds are a great pair of headphones. They’re comfortable to wear, easy to use, and sound great. However, they also make a great microphone. With the right virtual audio device, you can use your apple earbuds as a microphone and headphones on a PC. It’s a great way to make use of a pair of headphones you may have lying around.