Connecting two pairs of AirPods to a single iPhone provides a shared listening experience that’s perfect for enjoying music or movies together. With iOS 13 and later, iPhones support audio sharing that allows multiple pairs of AirPods to connect to the same device. We find this feature particularly helpful during long journeys where we want to immerse ourselves in the same audio world without disturbing others around us.
To get started, ensure that the iPhone in question is an iPhone 8 or later and that both pairs of AirPods are compatible. The process is intuitive; once one pair of AirPods is connected, bringing the second pair close to the iPhone instantly initiates a prompt for connection. Having the ability to distribute audio to two sets of AirPods without any additional accessories simplifies what could otherwise be a complex task, making it an elegant solution for shared audio experiences.
Contents
Preparation and Compatibility
Before linking two sets of AirPods to a single iPhone, we need to ensure our device is compatible and running the latest version of iOS.
Checking Device Compatibility
The ability to connect two pairs of AirPods to one device requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 13 or later. Compatible iPhone models typically include the iPhone 8 and newer. For iPads, the feature works on a vast array of models starting with the iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Air 3rd generation, as well as the iPad mini 5th generation and later. The 7th generation iPod touch also supports this capability. It’s pivotal that the device supports Bluetooth, which is a given, since this technology underpins the AirPods’ wireless connectivity.
| iPhone | iPad | iPod Touch |
| iPhone 8 and newer | iPad Pro (11-inch and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), iPad (5th generation and later) | 7th generation |
Updating to the Latest iOS Version
To take advantage of connecting two pairs of AirPods, we need to make sure our compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch is updated to the latest version of iOS. We recommend checking this by going to the ‘Settings’ app, then tapping on ‘General,’ and finally ‘Software Update.’ If an update is available, follow the onscreen instructions to download and install it. Keeping the device updated not only allows us to use the newest features but also ensures greater security and stability in the device’s performance.
If we encounter any issues while updating, restarting the device and attempting to update again often resolves common problems. If issues persist, we should consult Apple’s support resources or consider visiting an Apple Store.
Connecting the First Pair of AirPods
Before we begin, ensure your AirPods are charged and your iPhone’s Bluetooth is turned on. We’ll guide you through pairing your AirPods and verifying that they’re ready to use with your favourite music apps like Apple Music or Spotify.
Pairing Your AirPods via Bluetooth
Firstly, let’s open the AirPods case—with the AirPods inside—next to your iPhone. A setup animation should appear on your iPhone screen. If it doesn’t, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled by swiping into your Control Center and checking the Bluetooth icon. Once the setup prompt appears, tap ‘Connect’ and follow the instructions.
Verifying the Connection
After pairing, audio from your phone should now be transmitted to your AirPods. You can verify the connection by playing music from Apple Music or Spotify. Adjust the volume using either your iPhone’s volume control or the AirPods’ touch controls if available.
If these steps are successful, your AirPods will be connected, and you can enjoy listening to your content privately. Now, let’s move on to how to connect an additional pair for audio sharing.
Sharing Audio with a Second Pair of AirPods
Audio sharing is a convenient way to enjoy content together. With AirPods or compatible Beats headphones like AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Flex, you can easily share your listening experience right from your iPhone.
Enabling Audio Sharing
To enable audio sharing, we first ensure that our device runs on iOS 13 or later. The process starts in the Control Center where we locate the AirPlay icon. This icon is key to initiating the share audio feature for AirPods, and it’s straightforward to use.
Steps to enable audio sharing:
- Open the Control Center on the iPhone.
- Tap the AirPlay icon.
- Select ‘Share Audio’ to start the process.
By tapping the AirPlay icon, we access our audio output options. Here’s where we come across the ‘Share Audio’ feature that allows another pair of AirPods or compatible Beats headphones to connect to our iPhone.
Connecting the Second Pair
Once audio sharing is enabled, pairing the second set of AirPods or compatible Beats headphones is simple. We just need to bring them close to our iPhone and follow a few quick prompts.
Guidelines for connecting a second pair of AirPods:
- Bring the second pair of AirPods or Beats close to the iPhone.
- If it’s AirPods or AirPods Pro, open the lid; if it’s Beats, put them in pairing mode.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to pair.
- Control the volume independently for each pair through the Control Center or the connected device.
We have the option to control the volume for each pair separately, offering personalized listening levels. This feature is particularly useful when one listener prefers a different volume than the other.
Managing Connections and Audio Controls
When we connect two pairs of AirPods to one iPhone, managing audio and connections properly ensures a seamless experience for both listeners.
Adjusting Volume for Both Pairs
Each pair of AirPods can have its volume controlled independently. Here’s how we handle it:
- Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap the AirPlay icon.
- Each pair of AirPods will have its own volume slider.
- Adjust each slider to set the volume for each listener.
Disconnecting One or Both AirPods
Sometimes we may need to stop sharing audio with one or both AirPods. Here are the steps:
- Go to the Control Center and tap the AirPlay icon.
- Choose the pair you wish to disconnect.
- Select ‘Stop Sharing Audio.’
To disconnect both:
- Simply put one or both pairs back into their charging case and close the lid.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Connection stability is crucial. If you find that AirPods are not working as expected, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure both pairs of AirPods are sufficiently charged.
- Check for any obstacles or electronic interference between the AirPods and the iPhone.
- Restart the iPhone to refresh the connection.
If audio isn’t sharing correctly:
- Make sure that both AirPods are within the Bluetooth range of the iPhone.
- Verify that the device is running the latest version of iOS to ensure compatibility.
- Confirm that AirPods are selected as the audio output.