So you want to watch the exciting new series your buddy is streaming right now on his iPhone. Your first instinct is to ask him to lend you one of his AirPods and you both can share the same excitement.
But, what if there is a brand new way for you to watch the same episode on the same screen or listen to the same music using two pairs of AirPods or Beats headphones? Sounds too good to be true? Not anymore! Apple now lets you connect two pairs of earphones in one device with its Share Audio feature!
Just like how we described it above, turning on the Share Audio feature will let you connect two pairs of compatible headphones to an iPhone or iPad. Let’s check out how we can do this.
Supported Headphones and Earbuds to Use Apple’s Share Audio Capability
Before we share the steps on how to use the Share Audio feature on your iOS device, here’s a list of compatible headphones that you can use to connect.
- AirPods Pro, 1st generation and later
- AirPods Max
- AirPods, 1st generation and later
- Beats Fit Pro
- Beats Flex
- Beats Solo 4
- Beats Solo3 Wireless
- Beats Studio3 Wireless
- BeatsX
- Powerbeats3 Wireless
- Powerbeats Pro
- Powerbeats
- Solo Pro
Compatible Apple Devices with Share Audio Feature
- iPod touch, 7th generation, running iOS 13 and later
- iPad, 5th generation and later, running iOS 13 and later
- iPad mini, 5th generation and later, running iOS 13 and later
- iPad Air, 3rd generation and later, running iOS 13 and later
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch, running iOS 13 and laterÂ
- iPad Pro 11-inch, running iOS 13 and later
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 2nd generation and later, running iOS 13 and later
- iPhone 8 and later, running iOS 13 and later
- Apple TV 4K, running tvOS 14 and later
How to Use Share Audio by Pairing Two Apple AirPods or Beats to One iPhone or iPad
First, make sure your headphones are connected to your iOS device. Now, tap the AirPlay button in the Control Center, in the app or on the Lock Screen. Next, tap the Share Audio button.
You need to see your buddy’s headphone on your screen to connect it. For your friend’s AirPods, make sure the AirPods are in the case with an open lid and close to your device. For Beats headphones, they must be in pairing mode and close the device. Once you see the headphones, it is time to tap Share Audio.
If you want to control the volume, simply use the volume slider of your headphones. Take note that controlling the volume will only affect your own device and not with the other headphones.
How to stop sharing the audio? Simply tap the AirPlay button and then tap the Check icon next to the headphone. It will automatically disconnect the device.
This method works only on iPhones, iPads and iPod touch. If you want to use the Share Audio feature on Apple TV 4K, here’s how to do it. Go to the Control Center of your Apple TV 4K and select Audio Controls. Look for the headphones that you want to connect and click Share Audio. Now, pair the second device based on the instructions on your screen.
In Closing
Apple’s Sharing Audio feature is perfect if you want to stream your favorite shows with a friend in a public setting. Enjoy all the thrills and excitement without worrying of an audio blast but having the convenience of a better sound.
