Jada Jones

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'key takeaways

• Share audio from one iPhone (or iPad) with two pairs of AirPods.
• Each listener can control their own volume and listening mode.
• This feature works with compatible Beats headphones, too.

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I often like to watch or listen to something with my husband at night -- but without disturbing our sleeping daughter and without splitting one pair of AirPods. Whether it's watching a movie, listening to a song, or sharing a podcast, there are countless times I've wanted to enjoy something with him on a single device, but can't just blast whatever is on the screen.

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Take our nightly routine, for example. With our 4-year-old asleep in the next room, we'll get into bed, grab one of our iPhones, and start scrolling through the TikToks we've shared with each other all day. We use AirPods to keep the noise down, but we don't listen with one set of earbuds. We each use our own. Thanks to Apple's audio-sharing, we can both connect to the same device at once.

I use this trick all the time. Each of us can control our own volume or, if using AirPods Pro or Max, even pick a preferred listening mode. The best part is that it just works -- no adapters, no wires, no hassle. Here's how to set it up.

How to use two AirPods with your iPhone simultaneously

What you'll need: A supported iPhone or iPad, plus two pairs of compatible AirPods or Beats headphones (such as AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Beats Fit Pro, or Powerbeats Pro). Make sure both pairs are charged and close to your device.

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone

Before you can share audio from the same iPhone or iPad, your AirPods need to be paired with the device. If they're already connected, you can skip ahead. Otherwise, follow these steps to initiate pairing:

1. Open your AirPods case near your iPhone or iPad.
2. Wait for the setup animation to appear on screen.
3. Tap Connect, then Done to finish pairing.

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Once connected, you'll see the AirPods icon appear in Control Center on your iPhone or iPad.

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2. Share your audio

Next, you'll need to share your audio. This is where you invite a second pair of AirPods or Beats to join in and listen to whatever you're playing on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Play something on your iPhone, like a song or video.
2. Open Control Center and tap the AirPods icon in the Now Playing widget .
3. Now, tap the Share Audio icon -- it looks like two people in a circle -- to start the pairing process.
4. Have your friend bring their AirPods or Beats close to your iPhone or iPad.
5. If their AirPods don't appear, open their charging case near your device.
6. When prompted on your screen, tap Share Audio.
7. You may be asked to hold the button on the back of the charging case to finish pairing.
   

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After a moment, you'll see confirmation that the second listener is connected.

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3. Adjust volume or listening mode

Once both sets of headphones are connected, you can each customize your listening experience. You can control individual volume levels and, on certain models, switch between different listening modes.

1. Open Control Center and touch and hold the volume slider.
2. You'll see two independent volume controls -- one for each headset.
3. If you're using AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or AirPods 4, tap Listening Mode at the bottom of the Control Center volume screen. From there, choose Noise Cancellation, Transparency, or Off.

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4. Stop sharing audio

When you're done sharing, you can stop the listening session immediately to restore single-device playback.

1. Go to Control Center.
2. Tap the Share Audio icon again.
3. Tap your friend's headphones to disconnect them.

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Your iPhone will continue playing through your own AirPods only.

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FAQs

Can I only use AirPods?

No. Apple's audio-sharing feature also works with Beats headphones. They must use Apple's H1 or W1 chip, however. Examples include the Powerbeats Pro, Beats Fit Pro, and the Solo Pro. You can mix and match models, too, like pairing AirPods and Solo Pro.

Also: How to use Live Translation on your AirPods - not just the newest ones

Can I share audio with more than two people?

No. Apple only allows two pairs of compatible AirPods or Beats headphones to connect to one iPhone or iPad at a time.

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