Troubleshooting for RØDE Wireless products being used on iOS (Apple iPhone and iPad)
For guidance on troubleshooting wired products with iOS, see:
If you find that your Wireless Receiver (RX) is not being detected on your iOS device and/or that you're not getting audio from the Wireless Kit, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.
- Ensure that your Wireless RX is running the latest firmware. You can check and update the firmware using the RØDE Central App, which helps maintain compatibility and fixes any bugs that might be causing detection problems
- Confirm that your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Using an outdated OS version can sometimes prevent your device from correctly recognising USB or Lightning accessories, including a Wireless RX. To update your iOS device, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your device and install any available update. Once updated to the latest iOS, reconnect your Wireless RX and check whether it's detected
- We also recommend that you update your RØDE app(s) as necessary.
USB-C versus Lightning
There are two distinct connection types for iPhone and iPad. The main difference between the two connection types is that the traditional Lightning port features a flat, exposed tab with external pins, whereas the modern USB-C standard provides a hollow plug with internal pins that can deliver significantly faster charging and data transfer speeds.
USB-C was introduced from the iPhone 15 (2023) and iPad Pro (3rd Generation, 2018)
Please use the dropdown options below to access our guidance on each type:
USB-C
Reset USB Audio Accessories:
Your iPhone may be detecting your Wireless kit as a headphone device and not an external microphone. As a result, the Wireless RX becomes undetectable as an input device.
- Connect your device to your iPhone
- Settings > Sound & Haptics > Headphone Safety > Click on USB Audio Accessories
- Opt for Forget All USB Audio Accessories
- Disconnect and reconnect your device to your iPhone
- When prompted, "Are you connecting a pair of headphones?" Please select "Other device" instead of "Headphones"
Wired Accessories Permissions:
Your iPhone or iPad's Wired Accessories setting determines whether the iOS device will communicate with connected accessories, and if this is blocked or restricted, your Wireless RX won't be detected even though it's properly connected.
- Open Settings and tap Privacy & Security
- Scroll down to the Security section and tap Wired Accessories
- Selected Always Allow if not set already
- If this is already set, try setting Always Ask (at least temporarily, for troubleshooting purposes). This is an Apple security measure which will prompt an alert every time you connect a device).
Input Verification:
Verify if your iPhone is detecting the Wireless RX as an input device.
- Navigate to your iPhone’s Settings menu.
- From there, go to Sounds and Haptics, then select Input.
- In this section, you should see the Wireless RX listed as an available input source. If it does not appear, double-check your connections, cables, and firmware updates to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Microphone Permissions:
If your iPhone or iPad correctly detects the Wireless RX, the app you're using still needs explicit permission to access it as a microphone input.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone
- From there, find the app you're trying to record with and make sure the toggle next to it is switched on
- If the app isn't listed, open it and attempt to record. This should trigger the permission prompt if it hasn't already appeared.
Detection Issues In RØDE Apps/Other Apps:
If the device connects with the phone but is not recognised in any apps, we recommend a clean install:
- Uninstall the app from your iPhone: Apple | Remove or Delete Apps from iPhone
- Close all background apps: Apple | Close an app on your iPhone
- Restart your iPhone: Apple | Restart your iPhone
- Re-download the app in question with all other apps closed, and re-connect your device
Lightning
Check Cable Compatibility:
For users with an iPhone 14 or an earlier model with a Lightning port, the same steps above apply for troubleshooting detection issues.
However, it is important to note that you will need to connect the Wireless RX to your iPhone using an MFI-certified cable, as this is a common culprit with iOS Lightning devices. Examples of such cables include the SC15 or SC19. These cables are specifically designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices and ensure proper communication between your microphone and iPhone.
Why is a MFI-certified USB cable needed to connect my microphone to an iPhone?
The included charging cable that comes with the iPhone, as well as a number of other third-party cables will not work as they only provide basic charge and sync functions. Conversely, because RØDE cables are designed to transfer and sync data, the RØDE cables cannot be used for charging.
Important: If you are using the original 1st Gen Wireless GO kit, you'll need an official Apple USB-C/ Lightning to 3.5mm adapter to connect your RX to your iPhone along with a SC4 or SC7 adapter.
For more detailed information, please refer to the guides below:
If you're still having issues with the product, please reach out to our Service Team via the contact page for further assistance.