> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.buildnatively.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.buildnatively.com/natively-platform/features/microphone.md).

# Microphone

## What is the Microphone?

The Microphone feature gives your app access to the device's microphone, which other features rely on to function - [Audio Recorder](/guides/integration/audio-recorder.md) uses it to capture voice recordings, and [Camera](/natively-platform/features/camera.md) uses it when recording video with sound. The Microphone itself has no direct SDK - it's a permission gate that other features build on top of.

Requesting microphone access prompts the user for permission the first time it's used, on both iOS and Android.

## Prerequisites

{% hint style="success" %}
This feature is available in any **paid** plan. [See all plans](/getting-started/subscription-plans.md)
{% endhint %}

## Natively Dashboard Setup

{% hint style="success" %}
Microphone is automatically enabled for all new apps. You only need to visit this section if you want to disable it or update the Permission Description.
{% endhint %}

1. Open your Natively app dashboard and navigate to **Features > Microphone**.
2. Toggle the feature to **Enabled**.
3. Enter the **Permission Description**.
4. Click **Save**.
5. Rebuild your app(s).

{% hint style="info" %}
The **Permission Description** is the text shown to users when the OS asks them to grant **microphone** access. Explain clearly why your app needs this permission - for example: "We use your microphone to let you record voice messages."
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
You must rebuild your app for these changes to take effect.
{% endhint %}

## Implementation

Instead of an Initialization/Setup Logic pair, this section lists the features that rely on **Microphone** access and how each one uses it.

### Features that use Microphone

{% content-ref url="/pages/Y1HqajhJmeuW4ELmDJaW" %}
[Camera](/natively-platform/features/camera.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/zmSrGXzn229lcXxxsFoZ" %}
[Audio Recorder](/guides/integration/audio-recorder.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

### How to use

#### Enable Microphone before implementing either feature

Since neither Audio Recorder nor Camera's video recording can request permission on their own if Microphone is disabled, always confirm Microphone is enabled in the dashboard before building on top of it.

#### Write one Permission Description that fits every use case in your app

If you use both Audio Recorder and Camera video recording, make sure the Permission Description covers the full scope of why your app needs microphone access, not just one feature's use case.

#### Test the permission prompt path end-to-end

Trigger whichever dependent feature (Audio Recorder or Camera video) is reachable first in your app's flow, and confirm the system prompt appears with your configured description before relying on it in production.

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>Microphone permission denied</summary>

If the user previously denied microphone access, no dependent feature (Audio Recorder, Camera video) will be able to prompt again automatically. Direct them to [Open App Settings](/guides/integration/open-app-settings.md) to manually re-enable the permission.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Permission Description causes App Store rejection</summary>

Apple requires a clear, specific explanation for microphone access. Avoid generic text like "we need this to improve the app" - describe the actual use case (e.g., "We use your microphone to let you record voice messages").

</details>