Apple AirPods Tips and Tricks: 25+ Hidden Features

Apple AirPods are more than just wireless earbuds—they’re packed with hidden features that most users never discover. This guide covers the most useful tips and tricks for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, from quick setup tricks to advanced customization options that will change how you use them every day.

Quick Setup and Pairing Tricks

One of the best AirPods features is how easily they pair with Apple devices, but there are a few tricks to make it even smoother. If you have AirPods Pro or AirPods (3rd generation), you can check the battery status of each earbud and the case by simply holding them near your iPhone and opening the case lid—a pop-up appears instantly. For a quicker connection to a Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and select your AirPods; they’ll connect without needing to go into System Settings.

Another handy trick: if you’re sharing audio with a friend, bring their AirPods near your iPhone and a “Share Audio” prompt will appear. Both of you can then listen to the same song or movie, with independent volume controls for each pair.

Customizing Controls on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max

AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have squeeze stems or a digital crown that you can customize to suit your preferences. On AirPods Pro, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” next to your AirPods, and you can change what each squeeze does. For example, you can set a single squeeze to play/pause, a double squeeze to skip forward, and a triple squeeze to skip back. You can also customize the press-and-hold to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, or even trigger Siri.

On AirPods Max, the digital crown controls volume (rotate), play/pause (click once), skip (click twice), and answer calls (click once). The noise control button cycles between ANC and Transparency. You can also set the crown’s click speed in Settings > Accessibility > AirPods if you find it too sensitive.

Using AirPods with Android and Windows

While AirPods are designed for Apple devices, they work surprisingly well with Android and Windows—just with fewer features. To pair with an Android phone, put the AirPods in the case, open the lid, and press and hold the button on the back until the light flashes white. Then go to Bluetooth settings and select them. You’ll get audio playback and microphone use, but no automatic ear detection or ANC controls (on Pro models).

For Windows, pair them the same way, but note that the mic may not work in some apps unless you set it as the default recording device. Also, you can’t check battery levels natively on Android or Windows, but you can use third-party apps like “AirBattery” to see them.

Battery Life and Charging Tips

AirPods typically get 4-6 hours of listening time, with the case providing multiple charges. To maximize battery, enable Optimized Battery Charging (Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods > Battery), which learns your routine and waits to charge past 80% until you need them. For AirPods Pro, you can also turn on “Reduce Loud Sounds” in Accessibility settings to protect your hearing and potentially save battery.

If you’re in a hurry, a 5-minute charge in the case gives about 1 hour of listening time. For wireless charging cases, place them on a Qi-certified charger, but avoid charging them with a fast charger that exceeds 20W—it won’t damage them, but it won’t speed things up either.

Finding Lost AirPods and Using Find My

Losing an AirPod is common, but Find My can help. Open the Find My app on your iPhone, tap the Devices tab, and select your AirPods. You’ll see their last known location on a map. If they’re nearby, you can play a sound to locate them—each earbud plays a chirp that gets louder as you approach. For AirPods Pro 2 and later, the case itself has a speaker that can play a sound too.

If your AirPods are out of range, you can put them in “Lost Mode” to get a notification when they’re found. Note that if the AirPods are in the case with the lid closed, they won’t emit a sound, so keep the case open when trying to locate them.

Accessibility Features for AirPods

AirPods have several accessibility features that benefit everyone. In Settings > Accessibility > AirPods, you can enable:

Headphone Accommodations: Boosts soft sounds and adjusts frequencies to your hearing profile (you can take a quick hearing test in the Health app).
Conversation Boost: Uses beamforming microphones to amplify the person speaking in front of you, helpful in noisy places.
Live Listen: Turns your iPhone into a remote microphone that sends audio to your AirPods—great for hearing a lecture or a conversation across the room.
Tap to Mute: On AirPods Pro 2, you can tap the stem to mute/unmute during calls (enable in Settings > Accessibility > AirPods).

Common Problems and Fixes

If your AirPods aren’t working properly, try these fixes:

No sound: Check that they’re connected (Settings > Bluetooth), then try reconnecting. If that fails, put them back in the case for 30 seconds, then re-pair.
One AirPod not working: Clean the mesh with a dry cotton swab—earwax buildup is the most common cause. Also, check that the volume balance isn’t skewed (Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual).
Connection drops: Reset your AirPods by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white. Re-pair them.
Mic not working: In Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods, set the microphone to “Always Left” or “Always Right” to test if one side is faulty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my AirPods battery percentage?

Open the case near your iPhone and the battery pop-up appears. Alternatively, add the Batteries widget to your Home Screen to see battery levels at a glance. On a Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and hover over your AirPods.

Can I use AirPods with a non-Apple device?

Yes, AirPods work as standard Bluetooth earbuds with Android, Windows, and other devices. You’ll get audio playback and a microphone, but you lose features like automatic ear detection, Siri, and ANC control (on Pro models). To use the mic on Windows, you may need to select “Headset” mode in sound settings.

How do I reset my AirPods to factory settings?

Put your AirPods in the case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the lid and press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds. The light will flash amber, then white. Release the button, and your AirPods are reset—you’ll need to re-pair them with your devices.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting?

This often happens due to Bluetooth interference or outdated firmware. First, update your iPhone and AirPods (Settings > General > About > AirPods). Then, forget the device in Bluetooth settings and re-pair. If the problem persists, reset your AirPods as described above.

Are AirPods waterproof?

AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd gen) are sweat and water resistant (IPX4), meaning they can handle workouts and light rain, but they are not waterproof. Don’t submerge them in water, and avoid showering or swimming with them. The charging case is not water-resistant at all.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →