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Don’t share your AirPods, share the audio.
Jason Cipriani / CNET
Have you ever wanted to watch a video from your phone with someone, without having a splitter or sticking your AirPod in their ear? Apple’s Audio Sharing feature has gone unnoticed since its launch last year. But with iOS 14, Apple has simplified the process, making it easy to share the audio played on your iPhone or iPad without having to sacrifice one of your AirPods or Beats headphones or stretch your ear AirPods Max headphones.
When you use Audio Sharing, it means that you can keep your AirPods in their ears and they can use theirs; the ick factor no longer exists.
Sharing audio is as simple as the first time you paired your AirPods with your iPhone, once you find out. This is what you need to know.
Sharing audio goes beyond AirPods
Apple may sometimes refer to the feature as “Share Audio with AirPods,” but it’s not limited to just AirPods. In fact, it works with any pair of wireless headphones or earphones that are powered by the H1 or W1 processor. Here is the complete list:
In addition to having a compatible audio device, you will also need an iPhone or iPad that supports Audio Sharing. It is important to note that just because your device supports the latest version of iOS does not automatically mean that it supports this feature. There is a full list of supported devices at the end of this post.
Sharing audio from your phone or tablet is very easy.
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani / CNET
How to use Audio Sharing with iPhone and iPad
It only takes seconds to set up Audio Sharing, allowing your friend or loved one to listen to it with you. Start listening to a show or music on your iPhone or iPad with your headphones or AirPods. Next, tap on the AirPlay icon, which can be found in the app you’re using to cast, on the lock screen, or in the Control Center. Right under your AirPods or Beats there will be a Share audio button. Touch it and follow the prompts.
If your friend has AirPods, you will need to place them in the charging case and open the lid before placing them next to your iPhone or iPad. If they have Beats headphones, they will need to press and hold the power button to put them into pairing mode by holding down the power button for a couple of seconds and then holding them next to their device. You will be asked if you want to share audio with your device; please accept it and then the audio will start streaming to both earbuds or Airpods.
Control the volume of both connected devices in Control Center or using the volume buttons on the side of your phone.
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani / CNET
Who controls the audio?
Whoever is sharing the audio from your device will have control over the volume of each connected headset or headset. Adjust the volume using the volume keys on the side of the phone or by opening Control Center and holding down the volume slider. Notice the little icon showing two people on the volume slider? That lets you know that you are sharing audio and control both devices.
After pressing and holding the volume slider in Control Center, two volume sliders will be displayed so that you can independently adjust the volume for each connected device.
Alternatively, you can also adjust the volume in the AirPlay menu, but the sliders are smaller and more delicate for making small adjustments.
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What iPhone and iPad models will work?
The list of supported iPhone and iPad models is extensive, but there are limits. Here is the current list of supported Apple devices:
Sharing audio is just one of the many features of iOS 14 and iPadOS, including a home screen widgets. But more importantly, there are many features offered by AirPods, too, and the AirPods Pro has a few tricks of its own.
