You can connect two AirPods to the same device, but only one pair plays audio at a time

Apple's standard pairing system lets you connect multiple AirPods to a single phone or tablet, but the device will only send sound to one pair. If you want both pairs to play the same audio simultaneously — so two people can listen together — you need to use Audio Sharing, a feature built into iOS 13.1 and later. If you want to switch between pairs without unpairing, you can straightforward select which pair you want to use from the Bluetooth menu.

The method you choose depends on what you're trying to do: switch between pairs for different people, or have two pairs play together in real time.

Key Takeaways

  • Audio Sharing lets two AirPods pairs play the same sound from one device at the same time, and works on iOS 13.1 or later.
  • To use Audio Sharing, hold one AirPod pair near the iPhone, then tap the pop-up that appears to connect the second pair.
  • You can switch between pairs without unpairing by opening Bluetooth settings and selecting a different pair from the list.
  • Audio Sharing works with AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and Beats headphones, but not all third-party wireless headphones.
  • If Audio Sharing doesn't appear as an option, your iOS version is too old or your headphones don't support the feature.

How to set up Audio Sharing for two AirPods pairs

Audio Sharing is the fastest way to get two pairs playing together. Start with one pair already connected to your iPhone or iPad. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner (iPhone X and later) or up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and earlier). Tap and hold the audio card in the top-right of Control Center to see the full audio menu.

Now hold the second pair of AirPods close to your iPhone — within a few inches. A pop-up should appear on your screen asking if you want to share audio. Tap Share Audio. The second pair will connect and both will play the same audio from that moment on. If the pop-up doesn't appear, make sure the second pair is charged and in pairing mode (hold the button on the back for a few seconds until the light flashes white).

To stop Audio Sharing, open Control Center again, tap and hold the audio card, and tap the second pair's name to disconnect it. The first pair will keep playing.

Switching between two AirPods pairs without unpairing

If you want one pair to play at a time but don't want to unpair and re-pair every time you switch, you can keep both pairs connected and just select which one receives audio. Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and you'll see both pairs listed. Tap the pair you want to use and it will become the active one. The other pair stays connected but won't receive audio.

This method is useful if you share a phone with someone else, or if you have one pair for work and another for exercise. You can switch in seconds without going through the full pairing process again.

Pairing a second AirPods pair to your phone for the first time

Before you can use Audio Sharing or switch between pairs, the second pair needs to be paired with your device. Put the second AirPods in their case and open the lid. Hold the case near your iPhone and wait for the pairing screen to appear. Tap Connect. If the pairing screen doesn't show up, open Settings, go to Bluetooth, and tap Add New Device. Then hold the AirPods case open near your phone until it appears in the list.

Once paired, the second pair will stay in your Bluetooth list even after you disconnect it. You won't have to pair it again — just select it from the Bluetooth menu or use Audio Sharing to connect both at once.

Which headphones work with Audio Sharing

Audio Sharing works with AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and most Beats headphones including Beats Solo Pro, Beats Studio Pro, and Beats Fit Pro. It does not work with AirPods 2 (the second generation), older Beats models, or most third-party wireless headphones. If you're trying to use Audio Sharing with a second pair and the option doesn't appear, your headphones likely don't support it.

You can still connect two unsupported pairs to the same phone and switch between them using the Bluetooth menu — you just won't be able to play audio on both at the same time.

Troubleshooting when Audio Sharing won't work

If the Audio Sharing pop-up doesn't appear when you hold the second pair near your phone, first check that both pairs are charged and that the second pair is in pairing mode. The light on the case should flash white. If it's not flashing, press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until it does.

Next, make sure your iOS version is 13.1 or later. Go to Settings, tap General, then About, and check the software version number. If it's older than 13.1, update your phone first. If you're on the right iOS version and the second pair is in pairing mode, try restarting your phone and trying again. If Audio Sharing still doesn't work, your second pair may not support the feature — check the product specifications on Apple's website.

What happens to the first pair when you connect a second pair

When you connect a second AirPods pair to your phone, the first pair doesn't automatically disconnect. Both stay in your Bluetooth list and both can receive audio if you use Audio Sharing. If you're not using Audio Sharing and you select the second pair from the Bluetooth menu, the first pair will stop receiving audio but will stay connected.

To fully disconnect a pair, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find the pair in the list, tap the info icon next to it, and tap Forget This Device. This removes it from your Bluetooth list entirely. You'll have to pair it again the next time you want to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Audio Sharing with AirPods and Beats headphones at the same time?

Yes. Audio Sharing works with AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and compatible Beats models like Beats Solo Pro and Beats Studio Pro. You can pair one AirPods pair with one Beats pair and use Audio Sharing to play the same audio on both.

Will Audio Sharing drain the battery faster on both pairs?

Yes, both pairs will use more battery when playing audio simultaneously because they're both receiving and playing the same stream. If battery life is a concern, use only one pair at a time and switch between them from the Bluetooth menu instead.

What if I want to use two AirPods pairs but have different audio play on each one?

iOS doesn't support sending different audio streams to two pairs at the same time. You can only play the same audio on both pairs, or play audio on one pair at a time. To have different audio on each pair, you would need two separate devices.

Do I need to unpair the first AirPods to connect a second pair?

No. You can keep the first pair paired and add a second pair without removing the first one. Both will stay in your Bluetooth list and you can switch between them or use Audio Sharing to connect both at once.

Why does the Audio Sharing option not appear when I hold my second AirPods near my phone?

The most common reasons are: your iOS version is older than 13.1, the second pair isn't in pairing mode (the case light should flash white), or your second pair doesn't support Audio Sharing. Check your iOS version in Settings > General > About, and verify your headphones are compatible with the feature.