Get a new set of headphones for Christmas? We've rounded up a list of tips, tricks, and features that you might not know about, to help you get used to your new earbuds.
If you're new to AirPods, we have a long list of tips on how to use them.
The basics of the AirPods.
There are 6 useful tips for new owners of AirPods.
Here are 6 more useful tips for your new AirPods.
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1. Find My will keep your AirPods safe.
If your AirPods are lost or stolen, you can find them with the Find My app. You can use the Find My network to find a lost set of AirPods if the battery holds out.
If you're out and about and forget your AirPods, you should turn on "Notify When Left Behind" so you can be notified immediately. To turn it on, open the Find My app, tap on your AirPods in the list, and then use the "Notify When Left Behind" option. The Find My features work for the AirPods Max.
2. Automatic device switch can be activated or de-activated.
If you swap your phone for a Mac, the AirPods connection will transition from one device to another as you do, because they have a feature that allows them to automatically connect to whatever device is in active use.
Automatic switch can be useful, but it can be turned on if you don't want it to switch between devices. You can manage it by following these steps.
You need to connect your AirPods to your phone.
Go to the settings app.
Next to your AirPods in the list, you can tap on the "i" next to the wireless device.
You can connect to this phone by tapping on it.
To turn on automatic switch off, choose "When Last Connected to This iPhone", and then choose "Automatically" to turn it on.
"Automatically" is turned on so that your AirPods will connect to your phone when they're in your ears. When Last Connected to This iPhone is selected, the AirPods will only connect to the last connected device. This feature works with all of the above.
If you don't like Automatic Switching and want it off entirely, you will need to disabling it for each device connected to your account. Apple handles it on a per-device basis.
3. Turn on notifications.
With the latest version of Apple's mobile device operating system, AirPods are able to announce all of your incoming notifications, including Messages.
Here's how to turn it on.
Go to the settings app.
"Notifications" can be tapped on.
"Announce Notifications"
"Announce Notifications."
On "Headphones"
With both headphones and notifications toggled on, when you have the AirPods in, you will get notifications from your favorite apps and be able to respond. If you have a text message, you can send it out with no need to hold your phone up.
You can use Announce Notifications to get important notifications without having to listen to them.
4. Check your battery life.
There are many ways to keep an eye on your battery life. You can use the "Battery" app on an iPad or an iPhone to see the battery level when you connect them to a device.
The control center of the Apple watch can give you battery life information if your AirPods are connected to it. We have a dedicated AirPods battery how-to for more on the different ways to check your battery life.
5. The Force Sensor can be used to control playback.
If you've upgraded to the AirPods 3 or the AirPods Pro from the original AirPods or the AirPods 2, you might not be familiar with the physical controls.
There is a force sensor in the stem. The force sensor can be used to control the media.
Play/Pause audio for single press.
The double press is Skip forward.
The triple press is Skip backward.
When there is a call, answer it.
Double press on a call.
Press and hold.
The long press force sensor gesture on the AirPods Pro can be set to noise control or voice. The only way to use the AirPods 3 is with the press and hold gesture.
6. Make sure Spatial Audio is on.
Spatial audio is a feature that allows you to follow the movement of the iPhone with supported audio and video. Spatial audio can be toggled on or off using the Control Center, and it is available for the AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
The Control Center can be opened with your AirPods connected. We have a guide if you don't know how.
There is an icon that looks like the AirPods on the volume knob. If you don't see it, you need to connect your AirPods.
Press on the volume button.
The "Spatial Audio" option is available.
Pick between Off, Fixed, or Head Tracked.
Fixed will allow spatial audio to be used, but without head- tracking. Head tracking is included in the spatial audio feature.
You can preview what spatial audio sounds like by connecting your AirPods to your phone and selecting the "Spatial Audio" option.
Many third party apps support spatial audio, like Disney+, and it works with the Apple TV app and Apple Music. There are many popular third-party apps that support spatial audio.
Learn more.
To learn more about your new earbuds, we have a dedicated AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro roundups, both of which walk through all the different features and will be useful as you learn to use your new earbuds.
