The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →You can personalize AirPods by renaming them, changing supported controls and listening options, and tuning Spatial Audio or accessibility settings. The exact choices depend on your AirPods model, the device you connect them to, and its software, so start by checking which options appear in your AirPods settings.
Connect your AirPods and find their settings
Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad, then open Settings and tap your AirPods when they appear near the top of the screen. You can also find them under Settings > Bluetooth and tap the information button beside their name. The available controls vary by model and software; Apple’s AirPods settings guide describes model-specific options.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Rename your AirPods
- Place your AirPods in their charging case and open the lid.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the information button beside your AirPods.
- Tap the current name, enter the name you want, then tap Done.
If the labels or route differ on your device, open the AirPods settings page shown for your connected model and look for its name field.
Recommended Free Tools
Change controls and listening behavior
Depending on the model, AirPods settings may let you choose what a double-tap or press-and-hold action does, or select listening modes. These are model-dependent choices, not a single set of controls available on every pair.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
Choose an action for the controls
Open your AirPods settings and review the control options shown for your model. Where supported, assign an available action to a double-tap or press-and-hold gesture. The options displayed on your device determine what you can configure.
Select a listening mode when available
Some models offer listening modes such as Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, or Adaptive Audio. Choose among the modes provided in your AirPods settings; do not expect every mode to appear on every model.
Rank #2
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Set up Personalized Spatial Audio
Personalized Spatial Audio requires an iPhone with iOS 16 or later and a TrueDepth camera, supported AirPods or Beats, and compatible audiovisual content. If these requirements are met, use the setup option in your AirPods settings and follow the on-screen camera prompts to capture views of your face and ears. Apple’s Personalized Spatial Audio instructions describe the supported devices and setup.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteApple says the camera data used to create the profile is processed entirely on your device and that the images are not stored. If the profile syncs to other devices, Apple says it is end-to-end encrypted.
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Choose Spatial Audio and head tracking
On a supported device, connect and wear your AirPods, open Control Center, touch and hold the volume control, then choose Off, Fixed, or Head Tracked if those options appear. Off disables Spatial Audio; Fixed keeps the sound presentation fixed rather than following your head; Head Tracked adjusts the presentation as you move. The setting is saved per app in Apple’s documented flow, and availability depends on the app and content. See Apple’s Spatial Audio and head tracking guide for supported controls.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Adjust accessibility settings
For supported AirPods, iPhone accessibility settings can adjust how quickly you press controls and how long you press and hold them. They also include a head-tracking control for Spatial Audio. Find these options under Settings > Accessibility > AirPods, then select your connected AirPods. The choices shown depend on the model. Apple documents them in its AirPods accessibility settings guide.
Rank #4
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
Customize Transparency on supported AirPods Pro
Some AirPods Pro models provide additional Transparency adjustments, including amplification, balance, and tone. Open the AirPods settings and look for the Transparency customizations available for your model. Apple’s Transparency mode guide covers these settings.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
