For example, if you have your AirPods connected to your Mac but receive a phone call on your iPhone, your AirPods will automatically switch to your iPhone when you answer a call. The feature is really useful, and when used properly, can really make your workflow efficient.

Supported Devices

Currently, only the following headphones by Apple and Beats support the audio switching feature:

AirPods ProAirPods (2nd generation)PowerbeatsPowerbeats ProSolo Pro

On the device side, you need to make sure all the devices you want to use for audio switching are signed in to the same Apple ID as your iPhone. You also need to ensure that your devices are updated to the latest firmware. That means they should be running iOS 14, iPadOS14, and macOS Big Sur or later, as well as the latest firmware for your headphones.

Latest Headphones Firmware

To use the automatic switching feature, it’s essential that your AirPods are running the latest firmware. Firmware updates are usually installed over-the-air for AirPods, AirPods Pro and the aforementioned Beats models when they’re connected to an iOS device. Apart from this, there is no other way to upgrade the firmware. A quick way to force upgrades to your AirPods / AirPods Pro is to put the earbuds in the case, connect the case to a power source and then re-pair the headphones with your device. Apple introduced AirPods / AirPods Pro / Beats headphones firmware update 3A283 that introduced audio switching in September 2020. You can check which version they’re running with the following steps:

  1. Connect your AirPods / Beats heaphones to your iOS device.
  2. Open the Settings app.
  3. Tap “General -> About -> AirPods.”
  4. Look at the number next to “Firmware version.” For Beats headphones:
  5. Open the Settings app.
  6. Tap on Bluetooth.
  7. Tap on the Info icon next to your Beats headphones.
  8. Look at the number next to “Firmware version.” If this is anything before 3A283, keep your AirPods connected in the case and hope that they update automatically. On the other hand, you can also use the Beats Updater to keep your Beats earphones or headphones up to date with the latest firmware available.

How to Use Audio Switching

  1. Make sure your headphones are connected to your iOS device.
  2. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  3. Tap on Bluetooth.
  4. Tap the Info icon next to your AirPods or Beats headphones.
  5. Tap “Connect to This iPhone / iPad.”
  6. Select Automatically. Now, whenever you open any other connected iPhone / iPad / Mac that’s synced with your nearby headphones, your AirPods / Beats headphones should automatically switch to it, and you’ll get a notification. In case you want to keep them connected to your current device, simply tap on the blue arrow next to the “Moved to” notification. This will keep them connected to your current device. Similarly, a notification will appear on the other device where the headphones were connected previously. If you don’t find the AirPods automatic switching feature handy, you can easily turn it off by following the steps again and selecting “When Last Connected to This iPhone” instead of “Automatically.” Are you making good use of this AirPods automatic switching feature? We have many other useful tips for using your Airpods with your device. For example, did you know you can easily locate your AirPods if they’re lost using Apple’s Find My feature?