How to Get iPhone Earbuds With Microphone to Work on Skype

When you plug your headphones in to your computer or mobile device, Skype automatically recognizes them as headphones. Because the microphone does not require a separate cable, Skype may not immediately register it as the sound input source. If you are unsure whether or not your microphone is working, make a test call in Skype. Launch Skype and look for "Skype test call," "Echo / Sound Test Service," or "Skype Test Call (echo123)" in your contacts. Call the contact, follow the prompts to record a message, and listen to the playback. If you do not hear audio, it is likely that you need to change your Skype or computer sound settings.

Before Skype can recognize your Apple inline microphone, you must adjust the configuration. On a Windows machine, open Skype and choose "Audio Settings" from the Call menu. In the Microphone drop-down box, choose the Apple headset input. To test the sound input, speak into the microphone and watch the volume indicator. If it does not react to the sound of your voice, your computer may not be compatible with the Apple headset. On a Mac, choose "Preferences" from the Skype menu and click on the "Audio/Video" tab. Ensure that your headset is selected in the Microphone field and speak into the microphone. If the volume indicator reacts with green bars, your headset is fully functional.

If your mobile device is compatible with the Apple headphones, it will automatically recognize the microphone; if it is not, your voice will simply be input through the phone microphone. Although the headphones were designed specifically for Apple devices, they do not work on all generations. The headphones work on all devices, but the earliest generations that support the inline microphone are the fourth generation iPod Nano, the iPod Classic, the second generation iPod Touch, and the iPhone 3GS. All later devices support the microphone, along with all iPad models.

If you are using Skype on a computer, it must be configured to accept your Apple microphone as an input device. On a Windows computer, open the Control Panel and click on "Hardware and Sound." In the Sound tab, click on the "Recording" tab and ensure that your Apple microphone is selected. If it does not appear in the list, your computer may not be compatible with the Apple headset. If you are using a Mac, click on the Apple menu and choose "System Preferences." Plug in your headset and click on the "Sound" icon; if the Input tab has a listing for External microphone, your earbuds are ready for sound.