How to effectively use your Apple AirPods

You may the controls on your AirPods to perform various tasks such as stopping and starting playback, skipping tracks, taking calls, and utilizing Siri, in addition to managing audio from the apps that you use with them. The controls on your device can be changed for AirPods (all generations), AirPods Pro (all generations), or AirPods Max.

On your device, go to Settings, then tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the Screen.

AirPods (1st or 2nd generation) Controls

A double tap on the top of the stem of your Airpods will control them. To answer a call, for instance, double-tap when it comes in. With a double tap, you may also program each of your Airpods to perform one of the following functions:

• Play and Pause audio content.
• Play the next track.
• Go back to the previous track
• Activate Siri.

AirPods (3rd generation) Controls

Any of the following can be done using the force sensor included on the stem of both (3rd generation) AirPods:

• Play and pause audio: Press the stem. To resume playback, press it again.
• Play the next track: Double-press the stem.
• Play the previous track: Triple-press the stem.
• Answer a call: When you receive a call, press the stem.
• Activate Siri: Press and hold the Stem, then ask questions, control apps, and more.

AirPods Pro (1st generation) controls

The force sensor located on the stem of both AirPods Pro (1st generation) allows you to perform the following actions:

• Play and pause audio: Press the stem. To resume playback, press it again.
• Play the next track: Double-press the stem.
• Play the previous track: Triple-press the stem.
• Answer a call: When you receive a call, press the stem.
• Switch between Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode: You can set either of your AirPods to perform this action when you press and hold the stem.
• Activate Siri: You can set either of your AirPods to Perform this action when you press and hold the stem.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Controls

The Touch control located on the stem of both AirPods Pro (2nd generation) allows you to perform the following actions:

• Play and pause audio: Press the stem. To resume playback, press it again.
• Play the next track: Double-press the stem.
• Play the previous track: Triple-press the stem.
• Answer a call: When you receive a call, press the stem.
• Adjust volume: Lightly swipe up or down on the stem.

Additionally, you may turn on the personalized volume, which will automatically change the volume according to your surroundings and preferred level of  sound.

• Switch between Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Adaptive Audio noise control modes: You can set either AirPods to do this by pressing and holding the stem.
• Activate Siri: You can set either of your AirPods to Perform this action when you press and hold the stem.

AirPods Max Controls

You can use the Digital Crown and the noise cancellation button-located on the right headphone-to control audio, phone calls, Facetime calls, and to activate Siri.

Control audio content

You can use the Digital Crown and noise control button to do any of the following:

• Play and Pause audio content: Press the Digital Crown. To resume playback, press it again.
• Play the next track: Double-click the Digital Crown.
• Play the previous track: Triple-click the Digital Crown.
• Adjust the volume: Turn the Digital Crown.
• Switch between Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode: Press the noise control button.

Control phone and FaceTime calls

When you receive a call, use the Digital Crown to do any of the following:

• Answer a call: Press the Digital Crown.
• Decline an incoming call: Double-click the Digital Crown.
• Answer a second incoming call and put the first call on hold: Press the Digital Crown.
• Switch between two active calls: Double-click the Digital Crown to end the current call and switch to the other call.
• Decline a second incoming call: Press and hold the Digital Crown.
• Send the call to your phone: Double-click the Digital Crown.

Activate Siri

• Activate Siri: Press and hold the Digital Crown, wait for a chime, then ask questions, control apps, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: How can I check the battery life of my AirPods?

A: Open the AirPods case near your connected iPhone, and a pop-up will appear on your device showing the battery status of both the AirPods and the case. You can also check this information in the Batteries widget on your iPhone.

2. Q: Can I use AirPods with non-Apple devices?

A: Yes, you can use AirPods with non-Apple devices. Put your AirPods in pairing mode by opening the case and holding the button on the back until the LED light flashes white. Then, go to the Bluetooth settings on your non-Apple device and select your AirPods to pair.

3. Q: How do I control music playback on AirPods?

A: AirPods have touch-sensitive controls. Double-tap the left or right AirPod to play/pause music, answer/end calls, or activate Siri. You can customize these controls in the Bluetooth settings on your connected device.

4. Q: How do I update the firmware of my AirPods?

A: AirPods firmware updates are typically delivered automatically when your AirPods are connected to your iOS device and charging in the case. Make sure your AirPods are in the case, connected to your device, and the case is charging.

5. Q: Can I use only one AirPod at a time?

A: Yes, you can use either the left or right AirPod independently. If you’re using one and receive a call or play music, the audio will automatically switch to the one in use.