Discord Mobile cannot manually select a specific hardware audio input device; it uses your phone's default microphone. To change audio input on Discord mobile, you must adjust your phone's system-wide audio input or change the voice input mode between Voice Activity and Push to Talk.
Can you change audio input on Discord mobile?
Discord Mobile does not currently offer an in-app option to manually select a specific hardware input device, such as choosing between your phone's built-in microphone and a connected Bluetooth headset's microphone. This is unlike the desktop version. The app automatically uses whatever microphone your operating system has set as the default. What you can change in the app is the input mode, how your microphone is activated, not the physical device itself.
How to change input mode on Discord mobile
To switch between Voice Activity and Push to Talk, follow these steps:
- Open the Discord app on your mobile device.
- Tap your avatar in the bottom-right corner to open User Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Voice under "App Settings".
- Under the Input Mode section, select either Voice Activity or Push to Talk.
Note: An older method instructed users to tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner to open the side menu, then tap 'Settings', then 'Voice and Video', then 'Input Device'. This navigation path is incorrect for current Discord Mobile versions.
Voice Activity transmits your voice automatically when you speak, without needing to press a button. If this mode is selected, you can enable "Automatically determine input sensitivity" or manually adjust the input sensitivity slider to control how loudly you need to speak to trigger the microphone.
Push to Talk requires you to press and hold a dedicated button on the screen to transmit your voice. This mode is useful for reducing background noise when you are not speaking.
How to adjust app permissions for your microphone
If your microphone is not working, Discord may not have permission to access it. To check and fix this:
- Open your phone's system Settings app.
- Navigate to the Apps or Applications section.
- Tap on Discord to open its app settings.
- Tap on Permissions or App Permissions.
- Locate the Microphone permission and ensure it is enabled.
After enabling the permission, launch Discord and test your audio input by joining a voice channel. This is a common fix for Discord mobile mic problems.
Workaround: Change your default microphone in phone settings
Since Discord Mobile uses your phone's default microphone, you can change which microphone Discord uses by changing the system-wide audio input. For example, to use a Bluetooth headset:
- Open your phone's system Settings app.
- Find and tap Sound or Audio settings (the exact name varies by device).
- Look for Input or Microphone settings.
- Select the desired audio input source, such as your Bluetooth headset.
Once you have selected the new default input in your phone settings, Discord Mobile will automatically use that microphone for voice chat. This is the only reliable workaround since there is no in-app device selector.
Why isn't my mic working on Discord mobile?
If your microphone is not working, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check microphone permissions: Ensure Discord has permission to access your microphone in your phone's system settings (see the section above).
- Restart the Discord app: Force close the app and relaunch it. This can resolve temporary glitches.
- Verify your OS input device: Make sure the correct microphone is selected as your phone's default input in your system's Sound or Audio settings. If you are using a Bluetooth headset, confirm it is paired and connected.
- Test in another app: Try recording a voice memo or using another communication app to confirm your phone's microphone hardware is working.
If none of these steps work, consult the Discord Audio and Sound Settings within the app to ensure your input mode and sensitivity are configured correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Bluetooth device as the audio input on Discord mobile?
Yes, but only if you set the Bluetooth device as your phone's default microphone in your system settings. Discord Mobile will then use that device automatically. Ensure the Bluetooth device is paired and connected before opening Discord.
Can I change the audio input during a Discord voice call on mobile?
You cannot change the hardware input device during a call because Discord Mobile has no in-app device selector. However, you can change your input mode (Voice Activity or Push to Talk) during a call by tapping your avatar and accessing the Voice settings. Note that changing the audio input device during an ongoing call may cause a momentary interruption in the audio.
Why is my audio input not working on Discord mobile even after granting permissions?
If permissions are enabled and the microphone still does not work, the issue may be that your phone's default input device is not the one you intend to use. Go to your phone's Sound or Audio settings and verify which microphone is set as the default. Restarting both the Discord app and your phone can also help.
