Apple changed the game when it introduced AirPods back in 2016, and today they’re an essential accessory for anyone who wants to listen to music and chat to friends when they’re out and about. Whether you’ve had a pair since day one or you’re a late convert, we’ve put together six hacks you probably didn’t know about…
Use with other devices
Though Apple created AirPods primarily to work with iPhones and iPads, they can be paired with third-party devices, too. Just head to the Bluetooth settings of your device and connect, and you’re good to go. Obviously, some functionality, like Hey Siri, won’t work when you’re connected to a non-Apple device, so bear that in mind!
Change their commands
If you don’t want to activate Siri when you tap on your AirPods, you don’t have to. Head into your Settings menu, click on Bluetooth, then your AirPods settings, then ‘i’. From there, you can make changes to your commands and choose from a whole host of options, like pausing a track, skipping to the next track, and more. Oh-so convenient!
Turn off playback
Always get a shock when you pop your AirPods in your ear and have them play immediately? Turn off the Automatic Ear Detection feature from the settings menu, and you can manually play your favourite music or YouTube videos, without being freaked out by a loud song playing as soon as you put your AirPods in!
Listen to people
Apple introduced a new feature in 2018 called Live Listen, allowing users to turn their iPhone microphone into a listening device. Pop in your AirPods, put your iPhone in another room, and listen to what’s happening. To turn this on, go to Settings -> Control Center -> Customize Controls and add the Hearing control. You can then tap the hearing control in your Control Center whenever you want to have a nosy and hear what people are saying!
Watch TV in silence
Want to watch TV after dark? Connect AirPods to your Apple TV device, and you’ll be able to stream away until your heart’s content. Go to Settings -> Remotes and Devices -> Bluetooth and hold your AirPods button on to start the pairing process. From there, you’ll be able to watch TV shows and movies when your kids are asleep.
Listen with someone else
With iOS 13, Apple introduced Audio Sharing, allowing two people to listen to one device from two sets of AirPods. Go to Control Center, click on Now Playing, tap AirpLay, and then connect both pairs of AirPods. This is a great option for flying and long car journeys, and means you don’t have to have to settle for an AirPod each!
Do you have any other AirPods tips? Let us know on social media and check back soon for more from AppleMagazine.
