Apple’s new AirPods are an amazing set of wireless headphones that let you talk and listen on your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac — or any Bluetooth compatible device — without having to deal with cords. You can even configure them to make them work just exactly the way you want. Once you figure out where the settings are hidden, of course!
If you’ve got a pair of AirPods 2, don’t forget that you can use Hey Siri to trigger playback controls and a whole lot more.
How to rename your AirPods
Apple will assign a default name to your AirPods the first time you pair them with your iPhone. If you want to give them a different name, though, you can change it at any time.
- Launch Settings from your iPhone’s Home screen.
- Tap on Bluetooth.
- Tap on the current name of your AirPods under My Devices.
Tap on Name.
Tap on the Back button (looks like
How to set the double tap shortcut on your AirPods
Because AirPods have accelerometers, you can double tap on each side to trigger commands. By default, a double-tap on the right AirPod brings up Siri, but you can fully customize them.
How to turn off automatic ear detection on your AirPods
Thanks to infrared sensors, your AirPods can tell when you put them in your ear and automagically route audio to your earbuds from the original audio source. If you hate that idea, however, here’s how to set up manual audio routing.
- Launch Settings from your iPhone’s Home screen.
- Tap on Bluetooth.
Switch Automatic Ear Detection to Off.
How to choose which microphone is used by your AirPods
When you wear AirPods, you have two beam-forming microphones available for phone calls and Siri commands. Normally, AirPods will automatically switch between the mics depending on which has the best input, but if you’d rather set it and forget it, you can do that too.
This is also the microphone that Siri will use to listen for your trigger word on AirPods 2.
- Launch Settings from your iPhone’s Home screen.
- Tap on Bluetooth.
Tap on Microphone.
Tap on the Back button (looks like
Any AirPods questions?
If you have any other questions about using your AirPods, drop them in the comments below!
Ваши наушники AirPods автоматически подключаются к устройству, которое Вы слушаете в данный момент (необходимо использовать один и тот же Apple ID).
Например, если Вы слушаете музыку с iPad, Вы можете просто включить музыку, подкаст или другое аудио на iPhone для переключения между устройствами. Наушники AirPods также переключаются на iPhone, когда Вы совершаете или принимаете вызов на iPhone.
Переключение AirPods обратно на iPhone
Если AirPods автоматически переключились с iPhone на другое устройство, но Вы хотите, чтобы они оставались подключены к iPhone, коснитесь (в уведомлении «Переключились на…» вверху экрана iPhone).
Чтобы наушники AirPods не переключались между устройствами автоматически, откройте «Настройки» > «Bluetooth». Коснитесь рядом с именем AirPods, коснитесь «Подкл. к этому iPhone», затем коснитесь «При последнем подключении к этому iPhone».
Выбор между AirPods и другими устройствами для воспроизведения аудио с iPhone
Коснитесь на экране блокировки или на экране «Исполняется» в приложении, из которого воспроизводится аудио.
You can switch from listening to one device with your AirPods to listening to another.
Switch automatically
AirPods are connected to your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time. Sound switches between them automatically.
To switch between devices automatically 1 with your AirPods (2nd generation), AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max:
- Make sure that you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, a Mac with the latest version of macOS, or an Apple TV with the latest version of tvOS
- Sign in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication
If you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on your devices, your AirPods will automatically switch from listening to music on your iPad to answering a phone call on your iPhone, for example.
In some situations with macOS Big Sur or later, you’ll see a notification about your AirPods on the screen of your Mac. Click Connect to confirm that you want your AirPods to switch to your Mac or stay with your Mac.
Switch manually
If necessary, follow these steps to choose a different device to play audio or to switch the audio to different headphones or speakers.
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Open Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Touch and hold the audio card in the upper-right corner of Control Center to control audio.
- Tap , then choose the device that you want from the list. 2
On your Mac
Click the volume control in the menu bar and choose your AirPods 3 or speakers under Output. If you’re using macOS Big Sur or later, sound controls are in Control Center.
On your Apple TV
- Make sure that you’re signed in to iCloud on your Apple TV.
- With your AirPods in your ears, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Choose your AirPods.
- Choose Connect. On your Apple TV, your AirPods should now appear in My Devices.
Turn off automatic switching
If you don’t want your AirPods to switch automatically, you can turn off automatic switching on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.
On your iPhone or iPad
- With your AirPods in your ears and connected to your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the Information button next to your AirPods in the list of devices.
- Tap Connect to This iPhone [or iPad].
- Tap When Last Connected to This iPhone [or iPad].
- To turn on this feature again, tap Automatically.
On your Mac
- With your AirPods in your ears and connected to your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Bluetooth.
- Click the Options button next to your AirPods in the list of devices.
- From the Connect to This Mac menu, choose When Last Connected to This Mac.
- To turn this feature on again, choose Automatically.
On your Apple TV
- With your AirPods in your ears and connected to your Apple TV, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Turn off Suggest Nearby AirPods.
1. Sound should not switch from one device to another automatically if you’re in a conversation, like a phone call, a FaceTime call, or a video conference.
2. AirPods appear only when they’re nearby and ready to use.
3. If you don’t see the volume control in the menu bar, learn how to add it.
Ваши наушники AirPods автоматически подключаются к устройству, которое Вы слушаете в данный момент (необходимо использовать один и тот же Apple ID). Например, если Вы слушаете музыку с iPhone, Вы можете просто включить музыку, подкаст или другое аудио на iPad для переключения между устройствами.
Переключение AirPods обратно на iPad
Если наушники AirPods автоматически переключились с iPad на другое устройство, но Вы хотите, чтобы они оставались подключены к iPad, коснитесь (в уведомлении «Переключились на…» вверху экрана iPad).
Чтобы наушники AirPods не переключались между устройствами автоматически, откройте «Настройки» > «Bluetooth», коснитесь информационной кнопки рядом с именем AirPods, коснитесь «Подкл. к этому iPad», затем коснитесь «При последнем подключении к этому iPad».
Выбор между AirPods и другими устройствами для воспроизведения аудио с iPad
Коснитесь в Пункте управления, на экране блокировки или в элементах управления «Исполняется» в приложении, из которого воспроизводится аудио.
Apple devices are known for their sleek looks, excellent user experience, and high level of integration. AirPods are highly popular but they can be pricey, so if you want to save some money when buying a pair you can look below for the best AirPods deals. Black Friday deals have started already, and stock is likely to be low. If you don’t want to miss out on Black Friday AirPods deals, you should shop ASAP. We’ve found the best offers on AirPods of all kinds, including the regular AirPods with Charging Case true wireless earbuds, the newer-generation AirPods 2 with Wireless Charging Case, the newest AirPods 3, or the top-of-the-line AirPods Pro.
Today’s best AirPods deals
Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case
AMAZON RENEWED
Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case (Renewed)
Apple AirPods Max Headphones
Apple AirPods with Charging Case
Apple AirPods: Are they worth the money?
Apple AirPods are to iPhone owners what fine wine is to gourmet cheese — a match made in heaven. So it should come as no surprise that they’re the most popular true wireless earbuds, introducing users to the wonderful world of simple, wire-free listening the second they pop them in their ears.
Related
There really isn’t a whole lot to the AirPods, and that’s what makes them so fantastic. Just pop one in each ear and you’re ready to roll. Need to adjust the volume, send a test, place a call, create a calendar event, or find an answer to a question on Google? Just ask Siri and she’ll take care of it.
Should you buy AirPods now or wait until Black Friday?
It’s a known fact that Black Friday deals bring steep discounts on AirPods. With a little more than a month to go until the annual shopping bonanza, we’d recommend holding out for the slew of Black Friday AirPods deals we’re going to see.
Apple AirPods 2 vs. Apple AirPods 3: What’s the difference?
The newly announced AirPods 3 borrow some nice features from the AirPods Pro, making them a worthy upgrade from the AirPods 2 but at a reasonable price.
While AirPods 2 had the H1 chipset that allowed the “always on” feature for Siri, the AirPods 3 use the force touch button that comes standard on the AirPods Pro. This lets you control the flow of music, answer calls, or adjust volume by pinching the AirPod in yoru right ear.
But that isn’t the main reason you’re going to want to opt for the newer AirPods 3 with Wireless Charging Case. The new AirPods have an increased battery life, up to 30 hours if you use the wireless charging case. The new case is also equipped with MagSafe tech for wireless charging.
The biggest reason to switch from AirPods 2 to AirPods 3 is the updated sound. Apple added Dolby Atmos support to the AirPods 3, something only the Pro models had before. The new AirPods 3 have head tracking, meaning the Dolby Atmos spatial sound adjusts based on which direction your head is facing. This provides awesome immersion when using AirPods 3 to watch movies on an iPhone or Apple TV.
Apple AirPods 2 vs. Apple AirPods 3: Which do I need?
So, which do you need? Well, if you can live without MagSafe wireless charging, don’t mind using Siri instead of a button, and can live without immersive spatial sound, then look no further than the AirPods 2. You can snap up a pair for an absolute bargain. For everyone else, it’s the AirPods 3. Or is it?
Wait! What about the AirPods Pro?
Naturally, the AirPods Pro sit at the head of the table, with a more smaller, more compact design; noise-cancellation; sweat-resistance; and interchangeable eartips, which makes them a better choice for fitness fanatics. They also sound better than both the AirPods and AirPods 2.
Or perhaps the AirPods Max?
If you want the AirPods experience but you prefer an over-ear headphone to an earbud, then Apple has you covered with the AirPods Max. If you want some peace and quiet then these offer exceptional noise-cancelling ability, and as you’d expect from an Apple product the build quality is excellent. There’s great sound quality on these as well, even if they don’t come cheap, so if you’re looking for a notch above regular AirPods in terms of sound as well as a more comfortable over-ear design, these are the AirPods for you.
How much are AirPods?
Here’s a breakdown of every AirPods model and its retail price:
- AirPods 2 — $159
- AirPods 3 — $179
- AirPods Pro — $249
- AirPods Max — $549
Keep in mind that new deals come out every day. It’s almost a guarantee that you’ll find some sort of discount on every model of AirPods if you shop around. Or just look at our deals list above — we did all the work for you!
We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we choose what we cover carefully and independently. The prices, details, and availability of the products and deals in this post may be subject to change at anytime. Be sure to check that they are still in effect before making a purchase.
Digital Trends may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.
Some Bluetooth headphones can switch automatically between paired devices. The trouble is that Apple has severely limited this function to switching between your iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. Some non-Apple AirPods allow you to switch between several different devices, and some will only allow you to pair with one device at a time.
Are the AirPods Exclusive to Apple?
Apple came up with the AirPods to avoid adding even more unique technology that would force people to buy Apple products. Therefore, they equipped the AirPods with Bluetooth connectivity and nothing more. In other words, no technology or software is blocking you from using the Apple AirPods with other Bluetooth-compatible devices.
You can use them with other devices, and there are now AirPods clones. That means you do not have to buy the Apple version, though they are universally called wireless headphones rather than AirPods.
How to Automatically Switch the Airpods Between Devices
To clarify, “automatically” in this case means not having to go through the trouble of pairing up your device every time. The simplest answer is to pair up all of your devices with your AirPods, and then turn them all off. Switch on just one of them, and it should come up and start playing on your Airpods.
The Last Linked Device
The Apple AirPods will automatically link to their last device. Let’s say that you were listening to your Smart TV with your earphones previous night, and you switched everything off. When you wake up in the morning, you can turn everything back on again, and the earbuds will connect to your TV as soon as you turn it on.
The Apple iPhone and Apple Watch
You can pair up your AirPods and AirPods 2 to your Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad, and they will all work fine. However, the AirPods will only automatically switch between your Apple Watch and iPhone.
You can switch them all on in turn, and only your iPhone and Apple Watch will wrestle with the AirPods. It might be because the iPhone and the Apple Watch are personal items, and the others are not. After all, it may be a little jarring if your kid is listening to SpongeBob on the Smartphone, and then the Apple TV hijacks the connection and replaces it with the soundtrack to a Fast and Furious movie that is currently running on the screen.
Pairing with Non-Apple Devices
Your newer Apple device may have a different pairing method, but the most common pairing method uses the setup button located behind the charger. Put your AirPods in your charger case and leave the lid open. Push and hold the Setup button until the LED light starts to blink. Now, take the device you wish to pair the earbuds with and connect through Bluetooth as you would pair any other device.
Remember that you are connecting via Bluetooth and that it’s best to test the connection after pairing. You can check by playing a song through your newly paired device. You can connect your AirPods with non-Apple devices this way, as well. However, some advanced features, such as auto-disconnect, might not work.
Do I Need an iCloud Account?
In short, having iCloud may make things easier, but you don’t need it to make the auto-switching feature work. Plus, there is a good chance that you’ll pair your AirPods with many non-Apple devices. It is only your Apple products that will benefit from the easy-pairing functions that come with an Apple iCloud account.
Conclusion – Which Will Win the Fight?
If you’ve paired your AirPods with many devices, then what happens if you switch on several of them? Which will play on your AirPods? The most common answer is that the nearest device or the one with the strongest signal. However, your iPhone and Apple Watch will always win over other devices. If you are using only your Smartphone and Watch, then your Watch will win.
Do you know an easier way to auto-switch AirPods? Do some knock-off sets allow auto-switching across the board? Let us know in the comments.
“AirPods” has won plenty of accolades from most quarters. What I really like a lot about it is that how easily it gets paired with iPhone and then automatically gets connected with other devices like iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac which is signed into the same Apple ID. Hence, switching AirPods with these devices is unbelievably easy.
What if you want to switch AirPods with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac manually? You can get it done quickly without having to go through too many steps.
How to Use AirPods with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac
Switch AirPods with iPhone
Switching AirPods with iPhone is pretty simple. All you have to do is just put the earphone in your ear. There is also an option to switch them manually.
Step #1. First off, just swipe from the bottom to bring up Control Center. Then, swipe over to the now playing card.
Step #2. Tap on the audio destination button and then you need to choose your AirPods.
There is also another way you can switch to AirPods. Simply open Settings → Bluetooth and select AirPods.
Switch AirPods with iPad
Step #1. Swipe up from the bottom to access Control Center. Then, swipe over to the now playing card.
Step #2. Tap on the audio destination button and then select your AirPods.
(Alternately, launch Settings → Bluetooth and select AirPods.)
Switch AirPods with Apple Watch
Once you have paired your AirPods with iPhone, they get connected with Apple Watch automatically provided it’s synced with the same Apple ID and running watchOS. Switching AirPods with Apple Watch is as simple as it can ever get. Just play music on your wearable device and you are done. However, you also have the option to switch manually.
Step #1. First off, you need to swipe up from the bottom to access Control Center and then tap on AirPlay button.
Step #2. Now, tap on AirPods.
Use your AirPods with your Mac
Using AirPods with Mac is quite simple.
Step #1. To start things off, click on Bluetooth icon in the menu bar on your Mac.
Step #2. Click on Connect and then select your AirPods.
How to Customize and Configure AirPods
The best thing I like about AirPods is that you can customize them as per your convenience. As for instance, you can change their name, double tap shortcut and more. Follow this complete guide to customize AirPods perfectly.
How to Use Siri to Control Music on AirPods
Step #1. Simply double tap one of the AirPods.
Step #2. Now, you need to ask Siri to do things like play any song, pause the song you are playing, lower volume etc.
- Play my Favorites playlist.”
- “Turn up the volume.”
- “How do I get home from here?”
- “Skip to the next song.”
- “Pause music.”
- “How is the battery on my AirPods?”
- Play or pause
- Skip back 10 seconds
- Lower volume by 50%
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You can switch from listening to one device with your AirPods to listening to another.
Switch automatically
AirPods are connected to your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time. Sound switches between them automatically.
To switch between devices automatically 1 with your AirPods (2nd generation), AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max:
- Make sure that you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, a Mac with the latest version of macOS, or an Apple TV with the latest version of tvOS
- Sign in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication
If you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on your devices, your AirPods will automatically switch from listening to music on your iPad to answering a phone call on your iPhone, for example.
In some situations with macOS Big Sur or later, you’ll see a notification about your AirPods on the screen of your Mac. Click Connect to confirm that you want your AirPods to switch to your Mac or stay with your Mac.
Switch manually
If necessary, follow these steps to choose a different device to play audio or to switch the audio to different headphones or speakers.
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Open Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Touch and hold the audio card in the upper-right corner of Control Center to control audio.
- Tap , then choose the device that you want from the list. 2
On your Mac
Click the volume control in the menu bar and choose your AirPods 3 or speakers under Output. If you’re using macOS Big Sur or later, sound controls are in Control Center.
On your Apple TV
- Make sure that you’re signed in to iCloud on your Apple TV.
- With your AirPods in your ears, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Choose your AirPods.
- Choose Connect. On your Apple TV, your AirPods should now appear in My Devices.
Turn off automatic switching
If you don’t want your AirPods to switch automatically, you can turn off automatic switching on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.
On your iPhone or iPad
- With your AirPods in your ears and connected to your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the Information button next to your AirPods in the list of devices.
- Tap Connect to This iPhone [or iPad].
- Tap When Last Connected to This iPhone [or iPad].
- To turn on this feature again, tap Automatically.
On your Mac
- With your AirPods in your ears and connected to your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Bluetooth.
- Click the Options button next to your AirPods in the list of devices.
- From the Connect to This Mac menu, choose When Last Connected to This Mac.
- To turn this feature on again, choose Automatically.
On your Apple TV
- With your AirPods in your ears and connected to your Apple TV, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.
- Turn off Suggest Nearby AirPods.
1. Sound should not switch from one device to another automatically if you’re in a conversation, like a phone call, a FaceTime call, or a video conference.
2. AirPods appear only when they’re nearby and ready to use.
3. If you don’t see the volume control in the menu bar, learn how to add it.
How to Switch AirPods Automatically on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Apple’s AirPods can now automatically switch between your devices. If you’re using AirPods with an iPhone and pick up your iPad, they’ll switch. if you get a call on an iPhone, they’ll switch back. Here’s how this all works.
What You’ll Need
At its initial release in September 2020, Automatic AirPods switching requires one of the following headphones: AirPods Pro, AirPods (2nd generation), Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, or Solo Pro.
Apple’s original 1st generation AirPods aren’t supported. It won’t work with third-party wireless headphones, either—but it will work with some of Apple’s wireless Beats headphones.
You will also need the following software on your device: iOS 14 for iPhones, iPadOS 14 for iPads, and macOS 11.0 Big Sur for Macs. (As of September 2020, this version of macOS was not stable yet. It will be released later in 2020.)
How Automatic AirPods Switching Works
First, you must be signed into your devices with the same Apple ID. When you’re signed into your devices with the same Apple ID, your AirPods will automatically switch between your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Mac.
It’s designed to “Just work.” For example, if you’re listening to something on your iPhone and then pick up your iPad and play something else, your AirPods will automatically switch to your iPad. If you’re listening to something on your iPhone or iPad and then sit down in front of your Mac and play audio, they will automatically switch to your Mac. This works whether you’re listening to music, a podcast, a video, or any other source of audio.
And, when a call comes in on your iPhone and you answer it, your AirPods will automatically switch from whatever device you’re using back to your iPhone so you can take the call on your AirPods.
You’ll see an notification when the automatic switch occurs. On the device your AIrPods disconnected from, you’ll see a message saying your AirPods “Moved to” another device at the top of your screen.
How to Switch Your AirPods Back
If your AirPods switch automatically and you want to switch back, tap the blue “back” button at the right side of the “Moved to” notice.
You can still manually move AirPods between devices, too. To connect your AirPods to an iPhone or iPad, open the Control Center, long-press the music playback tile, tap the button at the top-right corner, and tap your AirPods in the list.
How to Disable Automatic AirPods Switching
If you don’t like this feature and would prefer to choose which device your AirPods connects to manually, you can disable the automatic switching.
To do so, place your AirPods in your ears and head to Settings > Bluetooth on an iPhone or iPad. Tap the “i” button to the right of your AirPods in the list.
Tap the “Connect to This iPhone” (or iPad) option.
Select “When Last Connected to This iPhone” (or iPad.) Your AirPods will connect to the last device you connected to rather than switching automatically.
To re-enable automatic AirPods switching, return here and select “Automatically” on this screen.
