Switch your AirPods to another device

: June 7, 2024
: Apple

Table of Contents

Switch your AirPods to another device

Switch your AirPods to another device

You can switch from listening to one device with your AirPods to listening to another.

Switch automatically

AirPods are connected to your iPhone and Apple Watch at the same time. Sound switches between them automatically.

To switch between devices automatically1 with your AirPods (2nd generation) or AirPods Pro, you need an iPhone or iPad with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, or a Mac with the latest version of macOS.

Your devices need to be signed in with the same Apple ID using two-factor authentication. For example, while listening to music on your iPad, you answer a call on your iPhone. Your AirPods switch from the music on your iPad to the phone call on your iPhone automatically.

In some situations with macOS Big Sur, you’ll see a notification about your AirPods on the screen of your Mac. Click Connect to confirm that you want your AirPods to switch to—or stay with—your Mac.

Switch manually

If necessary, follow these steps to choose a different device to play audio or to switch the audio to different headphones or speakers.

On your iOS device

Open Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Touch and hold the audio card in the upper-right corner of Control Center to control audio.
Tap , then choose the device that you want from the list.2

On your Mac

Click the volume control in the menu bar and choose your AirPods Pro3 or other speakers under Output Device.

Turn off automatic switching

Here’s how to turn off automatic switching on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

On your iPhone or iPad

With your AirPods in your ears, go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iOS device.
Tap the Info button next to your AirPods in the list of devices.
Tap Connect to This iPhone [or iPad].
Tap When Last Connected to This iPhone [or iPad].
To turn on this feature again, tap Automatically.

On your Mac

With your AirPods in your ears, open Bluetooth preferences on your Mac.
Click the Options button next to your AirPods in the list of devices.
Click Connect to This Mac.
Choose When Last Connected to This Mac.
To turn this feature on again, choose Automatically.

1. Sound should not switch from one device to another automatically if you’re in a conversation, like a phone call, a FaceTime call, or a video conference.

2. AirPods appear only when they’re nearby and ready to use.

3. If you don’t see the volume control in the menu bar, learn how to add it.

Published Date: June 09, 2021