External Microphone on Zoom android tablet

[noblecole88]

I've noticed that on Zoom for android, you cannot use an external microphone 🎤 with the application. You are only forced to stay with the default mic. I have the Hollyland Lark A1 microphones which should make me mobile when handling meetings. They work well with both the video and audio recording applications but don't work on Zoom.

[lancetlc]

Hey @noblecole88 

Since the Lark A1 works via its receiver plugged into your Android device, here are a few things that have worked for other users in similar situations:

1. Check/Enable USB OTG (On-The-Go)

Some Android devices require you to manually enable USB OTG support for external devices to be properly recognized by all apps.

• Go to your Settings.

• Search for OTG or USB OTG.

• If you find a setting, ensure the OTG Connection or similar option is enabled.

2. Test with the Hollyland LarkSound App

Check if the Hollyland LarkSound App has any settings that might help force the connection or change the output mode of the receiver, which might influence how the Android OS presents the microphone to Zoom.

• Install the LarkSound app if you haven't already.

• Connect the Lark A1 receiver.

• Check the app for any settings related to USB Mode or Output Settings.

3. The "Original Sound" Setting (Limited Success)

This is a setting primarily for musicians, but it can sometimes bypass Zoom's audio processing, which might allow the raw external mic audio through. However, it often still relies on the device's default input.

1. Before joining a meeting, go to your Zoom Settings > Meeting.

2. Look for and enable the option Use Original Sound (or "Original Sound for Musicians").

3. In a meeting, tap the screen, select the "..." (More) menu, and look for the option to Enable Original Sound.

Note: Even when this works, some users report that it still defaults to the phone's mic, but it's worth a try.

4. Bluetooth Workaround

If your Lark A1 receiver connects via a physical cable/plug:

• Option A: USB-C/Lightning Receiver: If you are using the Hollyland USB-C receiver, you're relying on the system to pass that audio input directly.

• Option B: 3.5mm Receiver: If your phone still has a 3.5mm jack (or you're using a dongle), ensure the receiver's output is a TRRS (4-pole) cable, which is required for microphone input on phones.

Ultimately, the most reliable solution is to use an operating system that allows you to manually select the microphone. Since your goal is mobility, if you have access to a lightweight tablet or a small laptop, that will almost certainly solve the issue immediately.

[noblecole88]

Thank you. I honestly don’t understand how, after all these years, Android still hasn’t addressed the audio-routing limitations built into the OS. With remote work becoming the norm, you’d expect this to be a priority. Maybe they assumed everyone would rely on the headphone jack or Bluetooth headsets with built-in mics. But with wireless lavalier microphones becoming so popular, it really feels like an update that’s long overdue.