This is a common issue, as most recording apps default to your phone mic, even when you’re connected and you select your Bluetooth headphones (and their mics) as the input. Rev Voice—the paid version—offers the feature, and it works. If you’re using Android there’s a free, though very much homebrew, app called Earbuds Voice Recorder that seems to be one of the few free apps that actually works with a Bluetooth headphones mic. The user interface isn’t perfect, and you get ads. This is definitely more of an Android bug, especially if you’re using an iPhone with AirPods, which is more integrated.

This happens for all sorts of reasons. First off, try to point your device’s microphone toward the sound source in order to capture it best because if the sound is off-axis, it might get captured inaccurately or not at all. If the source is too loud for the mic, it’ll clip, so back the mic up, or move it closer if it’s too quiet. Clipping (when your sound source is too loud and distorts the audio) can’t be fixed, really, but a quiet source can become louder in editing by adding gain and compression effects. The bad audio could also be caused by an especially reflective room which creates echoes and reverb. Try a smaller room with carpeting, if possible, or a blanket fort. To be honest, your phone mic is only so good, and you may want to temper your expectations or upgrade the mic.

Sometimes, your location is anything but ideal. For more tips, check out our suggestions on how to get the most out of field recordings.

Back up your files to something like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud (or something else Cloud-based) when you’re done to keep your device storage free. Also, if your phone has any audio editing tools, you can get to editing there or transfer it to your computer to edit in your favorite digital audio workstation (DAW).