How to Connect Two AirPods to One Device: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever wanted to share your favorite song or podcast with a friend or loved one using your AirPods, but only have one device available? Luckily, modern Apple devices make it relatively simple to connect two sets of AirPods (or compatible Beats headphones) to a single iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. This allows you both to enjoy the same audio without the need for splitters or sharing earbuds. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps, troubleshoot potential issues, and offer tips for the best experience.
## Why Connect Two AirPods?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly explore why connecting two AirPods to one device is a great feature:
* **Sharing Music:** Listen to the same music with a friend or partner while on a walk, traveling, or relaxing at home.
* **Watching Movies Together:** Enjoy movies or TV shows without disturbing others around you, especially useful in shared spaces like planes or trains.
* **Podcast Listening:** Share insightful podcasts during commutes or leisure time.
* **Accessibility:** This feature can be helpful for individuals with hearing impairments, allowing them to adjust the volume independently while listening with someone else.
## Connecting Two AirPods to an iPhone or iPad
The easiest and most common way to connect two AirPods is through an iPhone or iPad. Apple has streamlined the process for seamless pairing. Here’s how to do it:
**Method 1: Audio Sharing (iOS 13.1 and Later)**
This method is the most straightforward and utilizes Apple’s built-in Audio Sharing feature.
**Step 1: Connect Your AirPods (The First Pair)**
Make sure your own AirPods are already connected to your iPhone or iPad. If they aren’t, open the charging case near your unlocked device. A pairing animation should appear on the screen. Follow the prompts to connect.
**Step 2: Access Control Center**
Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone or iPad screen (or swipe up from the bottom on older devices) to open the Control Center.
**Step 3: Tap the AirPlay Icon**
In the Control Center, locate the audio control card (it usually displays the name of the currently playing audio). Tap the AirPlay icon, which looks like a triangle with circles emanating from the top.
**Step 4: Share Audio**
A list of available audio output devices will appear. Underneath your connected AirPods, you’ll see a “Share Audio…” option. Tap on it.
**Step 5: Bring the Second AirPods Close**
Ask the person whose AirPods you want to connect to open the charging case near your iPhone or iPad. Make sure the AirPods are inside the case.
**Step 6: Connect the Second Pair**
An animation should appear on your screen, prompting you to connect the second pair of AirPods. Tap “Connect.” If the animation doesn’t appear automatically, you may need to press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods charging case until the status light flashes white.
**Step 7: Adjust Volume (Individually)**
Once both AirPods are connected, you’ll see both sets of AirPods listed in the audio output options. You can now adjust the volume for each pair of AirPods independently using the volume sliders on the screen. Each person can tailor the volume to their preference.
**Method 2: Using Settings (Alternative Method)**
If the Audio Sharing feature isn’t working or available, you can try this alternative method using the Settings app.
**Step 1: Connect Your AirPods (The First Pair)**
As with the previous method, ensure your own AirPods are already connected to your iPhone or iPad.
**Step 2: Open Settings**
Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
**Step 3: Go to Bluetooth**
Tap on “Bluetooth.” Make sure Bluetooth is enabled.
**Step 4: Forget the Second AirPods (If Previously Paired)**
If the second pair of AirPods has been previously paired with the iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to “forget” them first. Locate the second pair of AirPods in the list of Bluetooth devices. Tap the “i” icon next to their name. Then, tap “Forget This Device” and confirm.
**Step 5: Put the Second AirPods in Pairing Mode**
Open the charging case of the second pair of AirPods. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white. This indicates that the AirPods are in pairing mode.
**Step 6: Connect the Second AirPods**
In the Bluetooth settings, the second pair of AirPods should appear under “Other Devices.” Tap on their name to connect.
**Step 7: Select Audio Output (Control Center)**
Swipe down to access Control Center. Tap the AirPlay icon. You should now see both sets of Airpods as available audio outputs. Select both. Note that individual volume control might be limited with this method.
## Connecting Two AirPods to a Mac
Connecting two AirPods to a Mac is similar to the process on iOS devices, but with a slightly different interface.
**Step 1: Connect Your AirPods (The First Pair)**
Make sure your AirPods are connected to your Mac. If they aren’t, open the AirPods case near your Mac and follow the on-screen prompts. Alternatively, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth, and select your AirPods from the list.
**Step 2: Open Bluetooth Preferences**
Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
**Step 3: Select Bluetooth**
In System Preferences, click on “Bluetooth.” Ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
**Step 4: Connect the Second AirPods**
Put the second pair of AirPods in pairing mode by opening the charging case and pressing and holding the setup button on the back until the status light flashes white.
**Step 5: Select the Second AirPods**
In the Bluetooth preferences, the second pair of AirPods should appear under “Devices.” Click “Connect” next to their name.
**Step 6: Select Audio Output**
Once both AirPods are connected, click the volume icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Select both sets of AirPods as output devices. You can also find this in System Preferences > Sound > Output.
**Step 7: Adjust Volume**
You may need to adjust the volume using the volume slider in the menu bar or in System Preferences. Individual volume control may be limited compared to iOS devices.
## Connecting Two AirPods to an Apple TV
Sharing audio on an Apple TV is a great way to enjoy movies or shows without disturbing others.
**Step 1: Connect Your AirPods (The First Pair)**
Ensure your AirPods are already connected to your Apple TV. If not, put them in your ears. Navigate to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth. Select your AirPods from the list.
**Step 2: Navigate to Control Center**
Press and hold the TV button on your Siri Remote to bring up the Control Center.
**Step 3: Select Audio Controls**
Navigate to the audio controls within the Control Center.
**Step 4: Share Audio**
Select “Share Audio”.
**Step 5: Connect the Second AirPods**
Bring the second pair of AirPods near the Apple TV in their opened charging case. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect them. If prompted, press and hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes.
**Step 6: Adjust Volume**
You can adjust the volume for each pair of AirPods individually using the volume controls on the screen. This provides a personalized listening experience for each user.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
While connecting two AirPods is generally a smooth process, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
* **AirPods Not Appearing:**
* Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
* Ensure the AirPods are charged and in pairing mode (white flashing light).
* Try resetting the AirPods by pressing and holding the setup button on the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber and then white.
* Restart your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.
* **Audio Only Playing Through One Set of AirPods:**
* Check the audio output settings on your device to ensure both AirPods are selected.
* Ensure the volume is not muted or set too low on one set of AirPods.
* Try disconnecting and reconnecting both sets of AirPods.
* **Connection Issues:**
* Move closer to your device to ensure a strong Bluetooth connection.
* Reduce interference from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi routers.
* Update your device to the latest operating system.
* **Audio Sharing Not Available (iOS):**
* Ensure your iPhone or iPad is running iOS 13.1 or later.
* The devices involved must be compatible. Some older AirPods models or older iOS devices might not fully support Audio Sharing.
* **Volume Imbalance:**
* Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual and adjust the left-right balance slider to ensure it’s centered.
## Tips for a Better Experience
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience when using two AirPods on one device:
* **Keep AirPods Updated:** Ensure both sets of AirPods are running the latest firmware for optimal performance and compatibility.
* **Manage Bluetooth Connections:** If you have many Bluetooth devices paired with your device, it can sometimes cause conflicts. Try disconnecting unused devices.
* **Monitor Battery Life:** Since you’re using two sets of AirPods, be mindful of their battery levels. Consider having a charging case nearby.
* **Use Separate Apple IDs (If Applicable):** While not required, using separate Apple IDs for each user can help maintain independent settings and preferences.
* **Clean Your AirPods:** Regularly clean your AirPods to maintain audio quality and prevent earwax buildup, which can affect performance.
## Compatible Devices
While the Audio Sharing feature introduced with iOS 13.1 makes connecting two AirPods much easier, it’s important to know which devices are compatible. The following devices support audio sharing with AirPods or compatible Beats headphones:
* **iPhones:** iPhone 8 and later
* **iPads:** iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (5th generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later)
* **iPod Touch:** iPod touch (7th generation)
Make sure your Apple TV is running tvOS 13 or later.
## Conclusion
Connecting two AirPods to one device is a convenient and practical way to share audio experiences with others. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or enjoying podcasts, this feature enhances collaboration and enjoyment. By following the steps outlined in this guide and troubleshooting any potential issues, you can easily set up and enjoy this functionality on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. So grab a friend, connect your AirPods, and start sharing the sounds you love!