Sometimes you need to share music or movies with others. On an iPhone, this usually means playing audio through the built-in speaker, using a Bluetooth speaker, or splitting a pair of AirPods with a friend.
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The latter method is incredibly useful when you are in a public space or anywhere else you don’t want others overhearing what you are listening to.
However, while splitting a pair of AirPods is the go-to method, it isn't necessarily the best way to share audio. You won't be able to achieve full audio immersion if you are using only one AirPod, according to a report by the tech news website BGR.
Additionally, you are forced to stick to a single volume level, and in the case of the AirPods Pro 3 and similar models, a single listening mode as well.
To avoid all of this, there is a clever AirPods feature you can use instead called "Audio Sharing." This feature has been around since 2019, but you might not even know it exists.
What is Audio Sharing?
The Audio Sharing feature on AirPods allows the same audio from a single device to be played simultaneously across two pairs of AirPods. This means you and a friend can listen to the same content using your own respective earphones while enjoying a shared wireless experience.
With this feature, each pair of earphones is controlled independently. This means you can set your volume level to 75% while your friend sets theirs to 50%. Furthermore, if both pairs support different listening modes, you can configure a different mode for each set of earphones.
In terms of compatibility, Audio Sharing supports all models of AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, including older generations. It is also available for select Beats and Powerbeats headphones.
However, for Audio Sharing to work, both pairs must be connected to an iPhone 8 or later, or an iPad from the 2017 generation or later.
The two pairs of earphones do not necessarily have to belong to two different people; if you own two pairs of AirPods linked to the same Apple ID, you can use them together with Audio Sharing. This way, your friend can listen along with you even if they don't own a pair of AirPods themselves.
How Does the Feature Work?
To start a private listening or streaming session with someone else, follow these steps:
Put on your AirPods.
If they don't pair automatically, connect your AirPods to your iPhone first.
Open the Control Center.
In the "Now Playing" section, tap the AirPods icon.
Select the sharing icon (the icon depicting two people) in the upper right corner.
Have your friend bring their AirPods case (with both earphones inside) close to your iPhone.
Tap "Share Audio" in the pop-up window on your iPhone.
Connect your friend's AirPods to the iPhone by double-tapping the front of the case or long-pressing the back button, depending on the AirPods model being used.
(Note: If you are using a second pair of your own personal earphones, you can skip this step as reconnection will not be necessary).
Once completed, your friend's earphones will appear in the "Now Playing" panel, and the same audio will play across both pairs. You can adjust the volume of your friend's earphones independently from the "Now Playing" panel or the Control Center, without altering your own volume level.
To disconnect your friend's earphones, open the Control Center, tap the "Now Playing" panel, tap "AirPods + 1" at the bottom of the panel, and uncheck your friend's earphones to stop the audio streaming to them.
BGR / BGR.com
