How to Connect Two Sets of AirPods to the Same iPhone
You can watch a video or listen to a song with a friend without using speakers thanks to Apple’s new Audio Sharing feature. Unfortunately, the feature only works with newer models of iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches when they are paired with AirPods or PowerBeats Pro.
Which Devices Support Audio Sharing?
First and second-generation AirPods and PowerBeats Pro wireless headphones are supported by the new Audio Sharing feature, as was previously mentioned. As more products are released that feature Apple’s W1 or H1 chip, this list should grow.
Currently, only the following devices support audio sharing:
- iPhone 8 (and newer)
- iPad Pro (first-generation and newer)
- iPad Air (third-generation and newer)
- iPad mini (fifth-generation and newer)
- iPod touch (seventh-generation and newer)
How to Pair a Second Set of AirPods
You can connect two sets of wireless headphones to a single iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and share the audio between them without any lag or stuttering using Apple’s Audio Sharing feature.
To connect the second pair of AirPods to your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the AirPods case next to your iPhone. You’ll see a popup stating that you can connect to these AirPods even though they are not yours.
- Tap on the “Connect” button.
- Put the AirPods into pairing mode by pressing the physical button at the back of the AirPods case. The AirPods will be connected, and you’ll see the battery status on the screen.
- Tap on “Done.”
How to Use Two Pairs of AirPods to Play Audio
You can manage the audio output through any AirPlay menu now that the second pair of AirPods has been paired with your device. This applies to the Music app, Control Center’s Now Playing widget, and the lock screen’s Now Playing widget.
We’ll walk you through using the Control Center’s AirPlay menu.
Step 1: From the top-right corner of the iPhone or iPad screen, swipe downward to access the Control Center. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen on an iPhone or iPod Touch with a Home button to display the Control Center.
Step 2: Tap and hold on the “Now Playing” widget to expand it.
Step 3: Select the “AirPlay” button.
All of the devices are now visible to you. Your AirPods will be chosen as the current output device if they are connected. The second set of AirPods can be seen below that. Tap on the empty “Checkmark” button next to it.
Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch is now able to play audio from both AirPods. You can use both devices to play anything.
The audio for both devices can be managed separately or jointly. To adjust the volume for both AirPods simultaneously, use the slider at the widget’s bottom. To adjust the volume for a specific pair of AirPods, use the slider underneath the listing for those specific AirPods.
How to Share Audio with a Friend using an iPhone
It is possible to share audio from one iPhone with two pairs of AirPods in a different way that does not involve pairing. Instead, you establish a connection with your friend’s iPhone, which is connected to their AirPods.
Devices running Bluetooth 5.0, iOS or iPadOS can use this feature. The iPad Pro (2nd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad mini (5th generation) all support this feature, so the iPhone 8 and later models do too.
Your friend only needs to place their iPhone on top of yours if both of them are running iOS 13 or higher. Your iPhone will display a popup asking if you want to share the audio from your iPhone with your friend’s AirPods after you do this.
Tap on “Share Audio.” As soon as your friend confirms on their iPhone as well, audio sharing will start.
You can control the playback and volume from the AirPlay menu once both AirPods have appeared.
