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Regardless if I plug in a headset or headphones (without a microphone), I get a headset icon in my notification bar.

I would expect Android to use the builtin microphone in case normal headphones are connected, so I do not have to unplug my phones when someone calls.

Alternatively, is there an app or widget to manually toggle between headphone and headset mode?

I have an HTC Desire with CyanogenMod 7, so I am not sure if it is a problem with CM7 or Android in general.

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    FWIW, headphones will display a headset icon in my status bar, too, but I think my microphone is still active. I haven't tried a call recently, but I can still use Voice Search and whatnot with headphones plugged in.
    – eldarerathis
    Apr 21, 2011 at 19:57
  • I have CM6.2.1 installed on my Droid and I get the headset icon in the status bar when I plug my phone into my cassette adapter (cassette tape thing with a 1/8" plug coming out) in my car. There's definitely no mic on that piece of equipment.
    – newuser
    Apr 21, 2011 at 20:41

2 Answers 2

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You can see the details of this at the Android developer documentation, but an app can definitely tell if a wired device plugged into the audio jack has a microphone or not. I will tell you that this information is not always accurate or consistent across devices though, as I have experienced with my own app Hearing Saver. Sometimes different phones send different codes for this particular bit of information, so if you are experiencing difficulties with certain apps not recognizing your headset, I'd get into contact with the developer of that app.

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  • Thanks for the link. I have made some tests with headphones, headset and an extension cord with builtin microphone and I am now confident that the internal microphone of the handset is only deactivated when a proper headset is plugged (TRRS connector). I will accept your answer because it proves the fact that Android is indeed capable of deciding between headphones and headset.
    – ischeriad
    Apr 23, 2011 at 8:53
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This is a Droid running CM 6.1.2.

enter image description here

There doesn't seem to be any appreciable difference between the headset and headphones other than the wired vs. wireless indicator.

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    Thank you for the screenshots. I have stereo Bluetooth headphones without a microphone and I need to test how they behave. Your answer shows that the icons can not be "trusted", Android should definitely introduce a separate headphones icon. I believe an old Sony Ericsson feature phone I owned could make the distinction so I was irritated.
    – ischeriad
    Apr 23, 2011 at 9:00

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