Get the Most Out of Your AirPods With These Simple Tips and Tricks

Apple AirPods are a fantastic pair of earbuds. Since their release, I’ve enjoyed their sound quality, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and other features. However, after years of using them, I’ve realized I missed out on many of their capabilities.

In this article, I’ll share some tweaks that have improved my experience with the AirPods Pro 2. I discovered some recently, and they’ve changed how I use them. You can try many of these tricks even if you have other generations of AirPods.

The Best Tips and Tricks for Your AirPods

Most users stick to the AirPods’ basic features: toggling between ANC and Background Sounds, turning the volume up or down, and little else. But the AirPods Pro 2 are packed with options—so much so that they can even give you a hearing test to check for issues. If they can do that, why not have them adapt to your routine? There’s a whole world of hidden settings, tricks and customization options that can make all the difference.

Customize Your AirPods With Shortcuts

If you have an iPhone, you can set your AirPods to automatically adjust their modes and volume settings every time you use them. For example, I have a shortcut that activates ANC at 30% volume when I use them. Super convenient, right? Here’s how you can customize your AirPods with Shortcuts:

Put on your AirPods and connect them to your iPhone.
Open the Shortcuts app and press the + button to create a new shortcut.
Look for Noise Control Mode and select your AirPods. Select the mode you want (for example, ANC).
Then add the Adjust Volume action and set it to the desired level (I use 30%).
Name the shortcut, save your changes, and you’re done. Everything is configured automatically every time you use your AirPods.

Enable Personalized Spatial Audio

One of the most impressive features of AirPods Pro 2 is Personalized Spatial Audio. If you haven’t already turned it on, it’s time to try it. This technology adapts the earbuds’ sound to the unique shape of your ears, creating an immersive experience tailored to each person.

Put on your AirPods and open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap your AirPods and select Personalized Spatial Audio.
Follow the instructions to set it up (you’ll use Face ID to map your ears).

Once enabled, you’ll notice music and audio have incredible depth.

Turn on Transparency Mode

One of the most valuable modes on AirPods Pro 2 is Transparency Mode. It lets you hear what’s happening around you while wearing the earbuds. What not everyone knows is that you can customize this mode to amplify certain sounds—like conversations—and filter out annoying background noise. I call this “super ambient sound mode.”

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations.
Turn on Headphone Accommodations and scroll down to Transparency Mode.
Adjust the settings to your preference: You can increase sound gain and improve voice clarity.

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Use Background Sounds to Concentrate or Relax

Another hidden gem in iOS is the Background Sounds feature, which you can combine with ANC in your AirPods Pro. These sounds—such as rain, ocean, and white noise—are perfect for eliminating distractions while you work, meditate, and relax before bed.

Go to the Control Center and tap an area with no widgets to edit.
Tap Add a Control and look for Background Sounds.
Turn on this option whenever you need it. Combined with ANC, it can help you focus or rest when you need it most.

Have Siri Describe Photos Sent to You

One of the coolest features I recently discovered is that Siri can describe pictures you receive in the Messages app while you’re wearing AirPods. For example, you might hear, “You received a picture of a brown dog lying on the ground.” It doesn’t always recognize all photos, but it’s a valuable and curious feature.

Go to Settings > Notifications > Announce Notifications and turn on the option for earbuds.
Make sure the Messages app is enabled in this section.
Try asking a friend to send you a photo via iMessage while wearing your AirPods.

Turn on Conversation Awareness

Have you ever had someone try to talk to you while wearing AirPods and you didn’t notice? With AirPods Pro 2, you can turn on Conversation Awareness. This feature automatically pauses noise cancellation when someone starts talking to you.

Go to Settings > AirPods > Conversation Awareness.
Turn it on and adjust the sensitivity to your preference.

Share Music With Friends

Want to listen to music with someone who also has AirPods? You can connect two pairs of earbuds to the same iPhone using the Share Audio feature.

Open the Control Center and tap the AirPods icon in the Music Player.
Select Share Audio and follow the instructions to pair the second pair of AirPods.
Use the touch controls to adjust the volume.

Use Touch Controls to Adjust Volume

Did you know that AirPods Pro 2 have touch controls on the ends of each earpiece? You can adjust the volume by sliding your finger up or down the “stem.” Many people overlook this setting, but once you try it, it’s hard to go back.

Go to Settings and select your AirPods.
Make sure touch gestures are enabled.
Next time you want to adjust the volume, just slide your finger across the earpiece—no need to take your iPhone out of your pocket.

Use Find My to Track Down Lost AirPods

If you often lose your AirPods, the Find My feature is your best friend. AirPods Pro 2 are compatible with Apple’s Find My network, so you can locate them even if they’re not in the case.

Open the Find My app on your iPhone.
Go to the Devices tab and select your AirPods.
If they’re nearby, you can make them beep. If they’re far away, you can view their last recorded location.

After customizing your AirPods Pro 2, your experience will be even better. Plus, many of these tricks work with other generations. I encourage you to spend a few minutes configuring and testing these settings. What you can do with just a few simple tweaks is amazing.

Image | David Levêque (Unsplash)