Sharing audio with two sets of AirPods has simplified the way friends and family can enjoy music, podcasts, or movies together. Apple’s introduction of the audio sharing feature means you no longer need to hand over one of your AirPods to someone else for a shared listening experience. The process is designed with user convenience in mind so that you can effortlessly share whatever you’re listening to with another pair of AirPods or Beats headphones.
This capability is particularly useful when you’re in close proximity, like during a flight, waiting in a queue, or while commuting. Your iOS or iPadOS device becomes a hub for communal listening, creating a more social and inclusive audio experience without the need to carry additional accessories or speakers. Audio sharing also maintains the personal audio space for each listener, ensuring that both parties can control their own volume levels independently.
Understanding AirPods Audio Sharing
AirPods Audio Sharing allows you to enjoy your favorite audio with a friend, each using your own pair of AirPods or compatible Beats headphones. This feature is tailored to provide a communal listening experience without compromising individual comfort and preferences.
Requirements for Audio Sharing
To share audio with another set of AirPods or Beats headphones, both users must have headphones that support this feature. You must also ensure the following:
- Your iOS or iPadOS device must have the latest version of the operating system that supports audio sharing.
- Both sets of AirPods or Beats headphones should be within close proximity to initiate the audio sharing session.
Note: To start sharing, connect your headphones to your device. Then, access the audio sharing option through the device’s control center, lock screen, or within the app you are using to play audio.
Compatible Devices and Operating Systems
The table below lists compatible devices and the minimum operating system requirements necessary to use audio sharing with AirPods:
| Devices | Minimum OS Requirement |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iOS 13.1 or later |
| iPad | iPadOS 13.1 or later |
| iPod Touch | iOS 13.1 or later |
| AirPods | 1st generation or newer |
| AirPods Pro | All models |
| AirPods Max | All models |
| Beats | Specific models that are equipped with an H1 or W1 chip |
Ensure your device and headphones meet these requirements to use the audio sharing feature successfully.
Setting Up Your AirPods for Sharing
Sharing audio with two sets of AirPods lets you enjoy the same media together. Here’s how to pair your AirPods with your device and add a second pair for audio sharing.
Pairing AirPods with Your Device
To begin sharing audio, you first need to pair your AirPods with your iPhone or iPad. Making sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your device, place your AirPods in their case and open the lid. A setup animation will appear on your iPhone or iPad; tap “Connect” to pair. If you’re using AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, you might need to complete additional steps as prompted onscreen.
Connecting the Second Pair of AirPods
Once your AirPods are connected, bringing a second pair of AirPods close to your device initiates the sharing process. With the second AirPods in their case and the lid open, hold them near your device. An option to “Share Audio” should appear on your screen. Tap it, and follow any subsequent instructions to complete the connection. Both sets of AirPods can now enjoy the same audio smoothly and synchronously.
Sharing Audio with Two AirPods
Apple offers a unique feature that allows you to share audio between two sets of AirPods seamlessly. This function is handy when you want to enjoy the same music or watch a movie together without disturbing others.
Using Control Center on iOS
First, ensure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad. Swipe down from the top-right corner to access Control Center. Tap the AirPlay icon, which looks like a triangle with concentric circles above it. From the list, select Share Audio to begin connecting the second pair of AirPods.
Using the Audio Sharing Menu
Once you tap Share Audio, bring the second set of AirPods close to your device. A prompt will appear on your screen; open the AirPods case, press and hold the button on the back of the case, and then follow the instructions on your device to connect. This links both pairs to one iPhone or iPad, letting you share your audio effortlessly.
Controlling Volume for Each Pair of AirPods
After successfully connecting both sets of AirPods, you can adjust the volume for each pair individually. Access the Control Center once more and use the slider to set your desired listening level. Doing this helps cater to different listening preferences, ensuring an enjoyable audio-sharing experience for both parties.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
During your experience with sharing audio on AirPods, you might encounter some issues that can disrupt your listening experience. The following subsections provide targeted solutions to common problems so that you can resume your shared audio sessions seamlessly.
If your shared audio connection is interrupted, place your AirPods back in their charging case and close the lid. Wait for about 30 seconds before opening the lid. On your iOS device, access the Control Center or the Lock Screen and tap the AirPlay icon. Select “Share Audio” again, and hold your friend’s AirPods close to your device to re-establish the connection.
Resolving Audio Imbalance Between AirPods
An audio imbalance, where one AirPod is louder than the other, can hinder your shared listening experience. To fix this, open the Settings on your iOS device and navigate to “Sounds & Haptics.” Here, select “Headphone Accommodations” and ensure that the audio balance slider is in the middle position, ensuring equal audio distribution to both AirPods.
Fixing Compatibility Problems
Occasionally, audio sharing won’t work if there’s a compatibility issue. First, verify that both sets of AirPods are compatible with audio sharing – this feature is not available for all models. If both are compatible but the feature is still not working, ensure that both the iOS devices and AirPods are updated to the latest firmware version.
Tips for Optimal Audio Sharing Experience
To ensure an enjoyable experience while sharing your audio with another set of AirPods, consider these practical tips that can enhance your listening session.
Maximizing Battery Life While Sharing
- Volume Levels: Keep the volume at a moderate level. Higher volumes drain battery life faster, so finding a comfortable middle ground can extend your listening time.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly update your AirPods. Updated firmware can improve battery efficiency and extend playback time.
Ensuring Synchronous Audio Playback
- Stable Connection: Stay within the recommended range of your iOS device (about 30 feet or 9 meters) to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection.
- Fewer Obstructions: Physical obstructions can disrupt the Bluetooth signal. Try to minimize barriers between your AirPods, the shared listener’s AirPods, and the iOS device.
Managing Distance and Connectivity
- Close Proximity for Pairing: When initially pairing the second set of AirPods, ensure both users are close to each other and the iPhone or iPad to facilitate a quick and seamless connection.
- Avoid Extreme Distances: While using shared audio, don’t stray too far from each other or the device to maintain the connection and audio sync.
