This article will explain how to share audio from one set of AirPods (and apple device) with another set of AirPods belonging to someone else (worn by anyone else)
If you have ever wondered how to have your friend hear your favorite song at the same time as you, then stick around and I will tell you how.
To share audio on Airpods, click the Airplay icon button, then click the share audio button below that. The other person should click join on their device if the headphones are not in the charging case. If their headphones are in the charging case, then they must press and hold the charging case pairing button.
My name is Paul Smith, an audio and film enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in reviewing and writing about audio-related products and content.
I tested the sharing functionality of my apple Airpods in order to share my favorite songs with those around me and create new memories.
Below I will cover the following topics in relation to sharing audio on Airpods.
- Sharing audio when a friend is wearing AirPods or Beats headphones
- How to control audio whilst sharing audio on Airpods
- Share Audio whilst AirPods are in their Charging Case
- How to stop sharing audio with Airpods
- What Wireless iPhones Can Share Audio
- What Wireless Headphones Can Share Audio
- Why are my AirPods not sharing audio?
Sharing audio when a friend is wearing AirPods or Beats headphones.
You can only share audio with Airpods from a compatible device and compatible headphones.
- Click on this link to find out whether you have a compatible device.
- Click on this link to find out whether you have compatible headphones/earphones.
Let us assume you are using your Apple iPhone as the device.
This method of sharing audio with someone else’s AirPods or Beats headphones should be applied when the other person’s Airpods are NOT in the charging case.
- Make sure that your friend’s (the other person’s) Airpods are very close to your device.
- First, you need to ensure that your Airpods are in your ear.
- Next, you must ensure your Airpods are paired to your phone.
- Click on the Airplay button on the top right of your phone. This button could be located on the lock screen, control center, or in the app that you are listening to?
- Then, on your device click the share audio button when prompted to. The share prompt button should be situated below your headphone’s name.
- The other person should then get a prompt, and should then click join on their device in order to pair to your device and hear the audio that you are listening to.
How to control audio when sharing audio in Airpods
Using the controls on the lock screen or the control center on your device you can do the following.
- Play your favorite songs
- Pause music and movies
- Stop playing audio
On either set of headphones (yourself or your friends), you can enable audio control by dragging the volume slider at the bottom.
Audio can also be physically controlled from each individual set of headphones using your fingers.
You can also individually control the audio with the controls on your headphones.
There are other ways to adjust your volume on your Airpods
Firstly you can make use of Siri
Follow these steps
- All you have to do is double-tap the Airpods, and
- Wait for the chyme
- Tell Siri to increase or decrease the volume
You can also control your headphones from your apple watch
Follow these steps
- Press the play now button
- You will then be taken to the control section of the watch where you can control the volume and another setting.
Share Audio whilst AirPods are in the Charging Case
You can also share audio where the other person’s AirPods are still in their charging case.
First, ensure that your AirPods are in your ears.
Have your friend bring their charging case (opened) closer to your Airpods:
Then follow the following steps
- With Airpods in your ear, ensure your Airpods are paired to your phone.
- Click the Airplay icon on the top right of your screen
- Next click on the Tap temporarily/share Audio button, which should be located beneath the name of your headphones
- Your friend should then press the charging case pairing button.
- Once connected you must press done and will then will be able to share audio.
How to stop sharing audio with Airpods
When the music is done and you want to stop sharing, click on the AirPlay icon in the control center from your device, from the Lock Screen, or in whatever app you’re listening to.
Click the checkmark next to the headphones you wish to stop sharing.
As soon as you stop sharing audio, the second set of headphones automatically disconnect.
What iPhones Can Share Audio
| iPhone | Ipad | iPod |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 8 and later | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) and later | iPod touch (7th generation) |
| iPad Pro 11-inch | ||
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch | ||
| iPad Air (3rd generation) and later | ||
| iPad mini (5th generation) and later | ||
| iPad (5th generation) and later |
What Wireless Headphones Can Share Audio with Airpods
| Airpods | Beats | Powerbeats/Other |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods Max | BeatsX | Powerbeats |
| AirPods Pro | Beats Flex | Solo Pro |
| AirPods (1st generation) and later | Beats Fit Pro | Powerbeats Pro |
| Beats Solo3 Wireless | Powerbeats3 Wireless | |
| Beats Studio3 Wireless |
Why are my AirPods not sharing audio?
The reasons that your headphones are not sharing audio may be due to the following.
- Incompatible Headphones and Devices
- The device may need to be restarted
- You may have older versions of IOS and iPadOS installed on your PC
Possible solutions to solve the problem of why your Airpods may not be sharing audio are the following
- The headphones or the IOS device and version are not compatible and do not permit audio sharing.
In order to resolve this issue, ensure that you have compatible headphones and an updated version of IOS, and the appropriate phone.
Click on the following link to understand what headphones and devices can be used for audio sharing using Airpods.
2. Your device may simply need a reboot
This can be done by restarting your device.
You can simply hold the power on/off button and then press restart when prompted to
3. You may have an older or incompatible version of IOS and IPadOS installed on your phone.
This can be done by following the instructions below
- Go to Settings on your phone
- Click on general
- Click on software update
- Click on install now / Download and install
The Bottom Line
Check this video out for a step-by-step guide
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