How to connect an external wireless microphone to an iPhone or Android phone

Step 1: Understand why the built-in microphone is not enough

• The mic built into a phone, camera or camcorder captures the ambience and noise of the room.
• If you record a little further away from the device, the audio quality drops.
• A wireless lavalier-style mic on your clothing keeps the voice clear at a distance.

Step 2: Check what comes in the DJI wireless mic kit

• The kit comes in a small pouch with the receiver and the transmitter.
• A furry windscreen ("dead cat") goes on top of the mic for windy recordings.
• A clip lets you attach the transmitter to your shirt or anywhere you want.
• It feels sturdy and premium, not cheap.

Step 3: Turn on the receiver and the transmitter

• The power button is on the side; the screen is on the front.
• Turn both units on and they are ready to go.
• Each unit charges through its own USB-C port.

Step 4: Pick the right phone adapter: Lightning or USB-C

• The receiver has an 8-contact connector on one side for the adapters.
• iPhone: use the Lightning adapter.
• Android: use the USB-C adapter.
• Push the adapter all the way into the receiver.

Step 5: Plug the receiver into the phone (remove a thick case)

• Push the receiver with its adapter all the way into the phone's port.
• It can be connected either way around.

Caution: A thick rugged case (an OtterBox Defender Pro in the video) does not let the receiver plug in. Remove the case first.

Step 6: Clip on the transmitter, start recording and watch the meter

• Clip the transmitter on your clothing and start recording on the phone.
• The receiver shows a level meter, so you can see the audio being picked up.
• The receiver also has a headphone jack so you or a cameraman can monitor the sound.

Step 7: Use on-board recording as a backup

• The transmitter can record the audio itself, so you don't lose it if you go out of range.
• Press the button once to start recording and once again to stop.

Caution: In the video this button sometimes worked and sometimes didn't. Check that the recording actually started.

Step 8: Connect the receiver to a camcorder

• Remove the phone adapter from the receiver.
• Plug a cable from the receiver's output into the camcorder's red mic input.
• Start recording. That's it.

Step 9: Avoid interference: run on battery

• With the camcorder and the mic both on external power, a Sony AX100 got interference; a Sony AX53 did not.
• The manufacturer saw the same issue with a DSLR. Running the mic on its own battery solved it.
• The battery is sealed (no screws). Expect to replace the whole kit when it wears out, maybe in 2–4 years.

Caution: For a studio where the cameras stay on 24/7, a wireless mic you can leave plugged in is a better choice.