Want to listen to music with someone without using speakers? Or watch a movie on the go without having to share headphones? With Audio Sharing on your iPhone or iPad, you can send audio to two pairs of AirPods simultaneously via Bluetooth. This also works with certain Beats headphones. Here's what you need and how to set it up correctly.
Audio Sharing is a feature in iOS that lets you send audio from your iPhone or iPad to two wireless headphones simultaneously. This is useful when two people want to listen to the same music or watch the same movie – whether on the go, on a plane, or simply at home. It's important that your device and headphones are compatible. The connection is completely wireless via Bluetooth, with no detours.
Devices that support audio sharing
Not every iPhone or iPad can use audio sharing. The following models are supported:
- iPhone 8 or newer
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
- iPad (5th generation or newer)
- iPad mini (5th generation or later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation or later)
- iPad Pro 10.5 inch
- iPad Pro 11 inch (all generations)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation or later)
Compatible headphones for audio sharing
Audio sharing works not only with AirPods, but also with a number of Beats models. The headphones must be wireless and supported by Apple.
Supported AirPods and Beats models:
- AirPods (all models)
- AirPods Pro (all models)
- AirPods Max
- Beats Fit Pro
- Beats Flex
- Beats Solo Pro
- Beats Solo3 Wireless
- Beats Studio3 Wireless
- BeatsX
- Powerbeats
- Powerbeats Pro
- Powerbeats3 Wireless
How to share audio with two pairs of AirPods
Setup varies slightly depending on the headphone model, but the basics are always the same. Here's the process if you're using two pairs of AirPods:
- Put in your AirPods and connect them to your iPhone or iPad as usual.
- Start an audio source – for example, music or a movie.
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner.
- In the audio control panel, tap the icon in the top right that shows your connected AirPods.
- Select the “Share Audio…” option.
- Open the charging case of the second AirPods and hold it near your device.
- A connection prompt will appear on the screen. Tap "Share Audio."
- If necessary, press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case until the connection is established.
- Now both AirPods hear the same sound.
Adjust volume
Once connected, you can control the volume of both AirPods using your iPhone or iPad. You can also adjust each earbud individually using the built-in sensors or buttons. This way, each person has control over their own volume.
Share audio with Apple TV
If you have an Apple TV 4K with tvOS 14 or later, you can also use Audio Sharing there. The steps are similar: Open Control Center on the Apple TV, select your headphones, and enable Audio Sharing for a second pair.
How to easily share audio with AirPods
Audio Sharing is an easy way to wirelessly share audio with someone. It requires a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV and supported headphones like AirPods. Setup is quick and intuitive. A particularly useful feature is that both users can control the volume independently. If you regularly share content with others, this is a feature you should know about. Looking for accessories? Our Amazon Storefront is your destination for high-quality products, including HomeKit-compatible ones! (Image: Shutterstock / BadPixma)
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FAQ: AirPods – Sharing audio with two pairs
You can use the Audio Sharing feature on a compatible iPhone or iPad. Open Control Center, select your AirPods, and tap "Share Audio." Then, open the case of the second pair of AirPods near your device and follow the onscreen instructions.
iPhones from iPhone 8 and later and iPads from the 5th generation and later are supported. Apple TV 4K with tvOS 14 or later also supports the feature. It's important that your device is running iOS 18 or later.
All AirPods models (AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max) are compatible. Many Beats headphones, such as Beats Fit Pro, Powerbeats Pro, and BeatsX, are also supported.
Yes, both users can individually adjust the volume directly on their own pair of AirPods. Alternatively, the volume can be controlled centrally via the iPhone or iPad.
Yes, you can use one pair of AirPods and one compatible pair of Beats at the same time, as long as both devices are supported by Apple.
No, audio sharing is built into iOS. You don't need an additional app. Everything works directly through your device's Control Center.
Yes, audio sharing works with any audio source – including videos, films, or series on your iPad or iPhone.
Audio sharing currently works with a maximum of two couples at a time – that is, you and one other person.
No, macOS currently doesn't support audio sharing with two pairs of AirPods. The feature is limited to iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
No, the connection is entirely via Bluetooth. No internet or Wi-Fi is required.
