How to connect two pairs of AirPods to one device
Your AirPods® are loaded with cool features that allow you to do everything from listen to music to answer a phone call. If you and a friend both own a pair, you can even connect them to a single device, like your iPhone® or iPad®, and jam to the same playlist, watch the same in-flight movie, or tune into the same video chat. Here’s how:
What you need to connect two sets of AirPods
Like other wireless headphones, your AirPods use Bluetooth® technology to connect to your phone and other home tech, including laptops, tablets, wearables, and even smart TVs. This feature also lets you share audio with other AirPods and even some Beats by Dr. Dre® headphones. But in order to pair them correctly, your devices need to be compatible and running the latest software. Compatible models include:
iPhone 8 or later
iPad Pro® 12.9 inch (2nd generation) or later
iPad Pro 11 inch
iPad Pro (10.5 inch)
iPad Air® (3rd generation)
iPad mini® (5th generation)
iPad (5th generation) or later
iPod touch® (7th generation)
Apple TV® 4K
Newer Samsung® phones have a similar sharing feature called Dual Audio that lets you listen to a single device with two Bluetooth headsets or speakers. While you can connect a pair of AirPods to an Android™ device, you’ll have a more seamless experience using them with one listed above.
How to share audio on an iPhone or iPad
Once you’ve checked the compatibility of your wireless headphones, you can quickly pair them with an iPhone or iPad. It’s simple:
Connect the first pair of AirPods to your device. If this is your first time setting them up, keep your AirPods inside the case and open it near the device. Then follow the instructions onscreen.
Open Control Center on your device by swiping down from the top right corner of the Home Screen. Then tap the AirPlay® icon > Share Audio.
Now you’re ready to connect the second pair of AirPods. Hold the case near your device and open the lid. If you have AirPods Max® headphones, simply hold them close to the iPhone or iPad.
When your second pair of AirPods appear on the screen, tap Share Audio.
Adjust your audio sharing on an iPhone or iPad
Now that both AirPods are connected, you can easily press play, pause, or stop on the Lock Screen of your device or in the Control Center. Can’t agree on the volume? You can turn it up or down for each pair of AirPods separately using the volume sliders, or each listener can tweak it however they like using their headphone controls.
How to stop sharing AirPods
Ready to get back to listening on your own? When it’s time to stop sharing, you can disconnect either set of AirPods with just a tap.
Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of the Home Screen.
Tap the AirPlay icon then tap the checkmark next to a pair of headphones to stop sharing with them.
Now that you know how to connect more than one pair of AirPods to a single device, be sure to keep them safe with Asurion Home+™. We provide protection and tech help for more than 300 million customers. From fixing cracked screens and replacing lost phones to resolving streaming issues and more, Asurion® Experts are just a call, tap, click, or visit away. Learn more at Asurion.com.
AirPlay®, AirPods®, AirPods Max™, AirPods Pro®, Apple®, Apple TV®, Beats by Dr. Dre® iPad®, iPad Air®, iPad mini®, iPad Pro®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. The Asurion® trademarks and logos are the property of Asurion, LLC. All rights reserved. Asurion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Apple or Bluetooth.
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