iPad audio sharing lets two AirPods play the same sound at the same time

You can connect two AirPods (or two AirPods Pro, or one of each) to a single iPad so both pairs play the same audio simultaneously. This feature is called audio sharing or SharePlay audio, depending on your iPad model and iOS version. Both AirPods will hear the same volume and the same content — you cannot split audio so one person hears music and another hears a podcast.

The process takes about two minutes and works on iPad models running iPadOS 13.1 or later. Both AirPods must be charged, already paired to the iPad individually, and within Bluetooth range (typically 30 feet or less).

Key Takeaways

  • Both AirPods must be paired to the iPad separately before you can connect them together for audio sharing.
  • On iPadOS 16.1 and later, you use the Control Center to turn on audio sharing by holding down the volume slider.
  • On older iPad versions, you pair the second AirPods through Settings > Bluetooth, then hold both AirPods near the iPad to trigger audio sharing.
  • Once audio sharing is on, both pairs will play the same content at the same volume until you turn the feature off.
  • Audio sharing works with music, videos, podcasts, and most apps, but some apps (like FaceTime or Zoom) may not support it.

Pair each AirPods to your iPad individually first

Before you can share audio, both AirPods must already be paired to the iPad as separate devices. If you have not done this yet, open the AirPods case and hold it near your iPad. A pairing prompt will appear on screen — tap "Connect" and follow the on-screen steps. Repeat this for the second AirPods.

You can check which AirPods are already paired by going to Settings > Bluetooth and looking at the list of devices. Each AirPods should appear as a separate entry (for example, "John's AirPods" and "Sarah's AirPods"). If you see only one, you need to pair the second one before moving forward.

Turn on audio sharing using Control Center (iPadOS 16.1 and later)

On newer iPad models, the fastest way to connect both AirPods is through Control Center. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center, then locate the audio card — it shows the current volume and which device is playing sound.

Press and hold the audio card (not just tap it). A menu will appear with options including "Audio Sharing" or "Share Audio". Tap that option, then select the second AirPods from the list that appears. Both pairs will now play the same audio.

If you do not see an audio sharing option in Control Center, your iPad may be running an older version of iPadOS. Check Settings > General > About to see your current version, and follow the older method described in the next section.

Connect both AirPods on older iPad versions (iPadOS 13.1 to 16.0)

If your iPad is running iPadOS 16.0 or earlier, audio sharing works differently. Make sure both AirPods are already paired in Settings > Bluetooth, then open any app that plays audio — music, a video, or a podcast.

Start playing the audio, then hold both AirPods cases close to the iPad (within a few inches). After a few seconds, a prompt will appear asking if you want to share audio. Tap "Share Audio" and the connection will set up. Both AirPods will now play the same sound.

If the prompt does not appear, make sure both AirPods are charged, both cases are close to the iPad, and both devices are already listed in Bluetooth settings. You may need to try again or restart the app.

Disconnect one AirPods or turn off audio sharing

To stop audio sharing and use only one AirPods, open Control Center (iPadOS 16.1 and later) and tap the audio card. Select the AirPods you want to keep, then tap "Stop Sharing Audio". On older iPad versions, straightforward disconnect one AirPods from Bluetooth settings or put one case away — the iPad will stop trying to share audio after a few seconds.

If you want to switch which AirPods is the primary device, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find the AirPods you want to use, and tap the info icon next to it. Select "Connect to This iPad" and it will become the active device.

Troubleshooting when audio sharing will not turn on

If audio sharing is not working, first check that both AirPods are showing in Settings > Bluetooth. If one is missing, open its case near the iPad and pair it again. Both devices must be charged to at least 10 percent battery.

Restart the app you are using to play audio — sometimes the app needs to be closed and reopened for audio sharing to work. If that does not help, restart your iPad by holding the power button and swiping to power off, then turning it back on.

Some apps do not support audio sharing. FaceTime, Zoom, and a few others require you to choose one AirPods or speaker before the call starts. If you are trying to share audio during a call, disconnect and try again after the call ends.

What audio sharing does and does not do

Audio sharing sends the exact same audio to both AirPods at the same volume. You cannot adjust the volume on one pair independently — if you turn up the volume on the iPad, both pairs get louder. You also cannot split the audio so one person hears music and another hears a different app.

Audio sharing works with music apps (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music), video apps (Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV), podcasts, and most other apps that play sound. It does not work with phone calls, FaceTime, or Zoom — those apps require you to pick one audio device before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two different types of AirPods together, like AirPods Pro and regular AirPods?

Yes. Audio sharing works with any combination of AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or AirPods 3rd generation, as long as both are paired to the same iPad and running current firmware. The audio will play at the same volume on both pairs.

Will audio sharing work if one AirPods is low on battery?

Audio sharing will work until the low-battery AirPods shut down. Both pairs will continue playing until the battery runs out on one side. You will see a low-battery warning on your iPad before this happens, giving you time to charge.

Can I use audio sharing with an iPad and an iPhone at the same time?

No. Audio sharing only works between two AirPods connected to the same device. If you want to share audio between an iPad and iPhone, you would need to use a different method, like playing audio through a speaker both devices can hear.

Does audio sharing work with Bluetooth speakers or other headphones?

No. Audio sharing is designed specifically for AirPods. You cannot use it to connect two Bluetooth speakers or mix AirPods with other brands of headphones to the same iPad.

What if I want to use one AirPods for the iPad and the other for my iPhone?

Each AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. If you want to use one pair with your iPad and another with your iPhone, you need two separate AirPods. You can pair both to both devices, but only one will be active on each device at any given moment.