Since they were released in 2016, AirPods have quite possibly become the most popular wireless headphones on the market. Their Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to listen to audio privately on a range of devices, but many people wonder: can AirPods connect to two devices?
Generally, AirPods can be simultaneously paired with as many devices as you’d like. When you’re switching between Apple devices, the headphones will often automatically switch along with you. However, listening to two streams of audio simultaneously is not as simple.
Below, we will discuss everything you need to know about connecting your AirPods to different devices, as well as listening to two streams of audio at once. Keep reading to learn more!
Can You Connect AirPods to Two Devices Simultaneously?
AirPods are Apple’s wireless headphones. They work through Bluetooth, and can easily connect to any device that has general Bluetooth support. can be connected to several devices at once. This allows for easy switching between devices. Plus, your AirPods even have the capability to automatically switch between Apple devices when you change the one you’re using.
For example, you may start listening to music on your iPhone with your Airpods. Then, you may join a Zoom call on your Macbook. As soon as you open your Macbook and audio starts playing from your Zoom call, your Airpods will switch from your iPhone to your Macbook to allow you to hear the sound playing from your call.
Generally, there’s no easy way to listen to two different audio streams simultaneously through one set of AirPods. However, there is a bit of a loophole that many Airpods Pro users have found. At this time, it’s unclear whether or not this trick will work for other AirPods versions, such as the AirPods 3rd Generation or AirPods Max.
How to Listen to Two Audio Streams Simultaneously with Airpod Pros
Although it’s not advertised anywhere, some Airpods Pro users have found a way to listen to two different audio streams at the same time through the same pair of AirPods. This has only been tested with Airpod Pros, so it’s not clear if this trick will work with other Airpod versions.
However, you can try the steps below, no matter which version you own, and see if it works:
- First, put both of your AirPods into their charging case.
- Open the case’s lid, and pair your AirPods with your first device.
- Once you’ve connected your first device to your AirPods, take one headphone out of the case. Keep the other connected.
- Close the case again, and get your second device ready.
- Open the charging case’s lid, then press and hold the button on the back of your charging case.
- You will see a pop-up window on your second device asking you to confirm. Press “Confirm,” then connect your AirPods to this second device.
When you take the other headphone out, put both in your ears. You should be able to hear two separate streams of audio, one playing from the left Airpod and another playing from the right. Keep in mind that this strategy will only work if you’re using two iOS devices.
How to Switch AirPods Between Devices
Maybe you don’t want to listen to two streams of audio through your AirPods simultaneously. Perhaps you just want to learn how to switch your AirPods from one device to another! You can connect your AirPods to nearly any device that has Bluetooth capabilities, regardless of the manufacturer.
To connect your AirPods to a new device for the first time, you’ll first need to make sure your Bluetooth is turned on. Then, you can put both AirPods into the charging case and open the lid. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the light begins flashing white.
If you’re using an Apple device, you can now open your Control Center and press the Airplay icon. Choose your AirPods in the list of devices and press “Connect.” If you’re using a non-Apple device, you’ll need to go into your Bluetooth device menu and choose your AirPods. Once you’ve completed either process, you should start hearing audio play through your headphones.
Related Content: Do AirPods Only Work With Apple Products?
The Bottom Line
Whatever version of AirPods you own, it is possible to connect them so they’re ready for use with multiple devices, whether those devices are manufactured by Apple or not. However, connecting them to two devices simultaneously is not as simple. The technique discussed above absolutely works with Airpod Pros, but has not been tested with other versions of the headphones.
All sources:
https://screenrant.com/apple-airpods-connect-two-devices-iphone-explained/