AirPods do more than play music: you can control playback, answer calls, adjust volume, and talk to Siri using taps, presses, or your voice. Knowing the gestures makes them far easier to live with day to day.
What you'll need
- Your AirPods
- A paired device
Step by step
- Put them in and start audioPlace the AirPods in your ears and play music or a podcast. Audio routes to them automatically once connected.
- Control playbackDepending on the model, pinch the stem or tap an AirPod to play or pause, and use a double or triple gesture to skip tracks.
- Adjust the volumeOn models with a stem, slide your finger up or down the stem, or ask Siri to raise or lower the volume.
- Handle callsPinch or tap to answer or end a call. The built-in microphones pick up your voice so you can talk hands-free.
- Use SiriSay the Siri wake phrase or press and hold the stem to ask Siri to change songs, check messages, or set reminders.
Handy tips
- Open the case lid near your iPhone to check the battery level of both AirPods and the case.
- Customize what each press or tap does in Settings under Bluetooth, next to your AirPods.
- Taking an AirPod out of your ear pauses audio, and putting it back resumes it on most models.
FAQ
How do I check my AirPods battery?
Open the case lid next to your unlocked iPhone and a card shows the charge of each earbud and the case. You can also add a battery widget.
How do I change what the taps or presses do?
Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, then the info icon by your AirPods. There you can reassign the press and hold actions for each side.
Can I use just one AirPod at a time?
Yes. You can wear a single AirPod and keep the other charging in the case, which is handy for longer listening sessions.