What is Speak or Listen Mode on iOS?

Speak or Listen Mode controls how audio is recorded and played back when using an external microphone on an iPhone or iPad. How it works depends on your iOS version and the devices you connect.

iOS 26 and later

On iOS 26 and later, Riverside does not ask you to confirm or select an audio input when you connect an external microphone. iOS automatically selects the microphone.

You can view and change the active microphone in iOS settings if needed. Audio input selection is handled by the operating system.

Speak or Listen Mode may still apply in some setups, but you will not see the wired connection prompt shown below.

iOS 25 and earlier

On iOS 25 and earlier, Riverside asks how you want to use a wired audio connection when an external microphone is detected. This is where Speak or Listen Mode applies.

External microphone with no headphones

iOS-wired-connection_modal_IMG_4877_compress.PNG

Tap Yes to enable Speak or listen mode if you:

  • are using an external microphone
  • but are not using headphones

ios_wired-connection-loop.gif

When Speak Mode is on, you can record audio with the external mic. When Listen Mode is on, the device's speakers play the Studio's audio.

To toggle between the modes, tap the Mic/Ear button at the bottom of the Studio screen. A Host or Producer can switch your device's mode from their web browser if they mute/unmute you.

Echo cancellation is still applied when you're in Speak or listen mode.

Headphones or External Mic with connected Headphones

In the Wired connection pop-up, tap No if you are using:

  • wired headphones with an in-line mic, or
  • a USB microphone with headphones connected to it
    ipad-usb-mic.jpg

The app uses the connected device for both audio input and audio output.

IMPORTANT: 
Bluetooth headphone support depends on the operating system.
On iOS 26 and later, you can use Bluetooth headphones for audio output while using an external microphone.
On Android and iOS 25 and earlier, wired headphones are required.

  • Go to your settings to remove the recognized device from the list so it will be forgotten, then add it again. This will trigger the pop-up and you can select your answer.
    1. On your iPhone, open Settings.
    2. In the Settings, tap Sounds & Haptics.
    3. Tap Headphone Safety.
    4. Tap USB Audio Accessories.
    5. Tap Forget All USB Audio Accessories.
    6. Reopen the Riverside app.
    7. From the 'Wired Connection' pop-up, tap Yes (no headphones).

Learn more