Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPut your AirPods in and connect them to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac first. Then open the AirPods settings for that device to change listening modes, supported stem gestures, or which AirPod supplies the microphone. Available controls depend on the AirPods model and software, so a missing option does not necessarily mean anything is wrong.
Open your AirPods settings
With your AirPods connected, use the device-specific path:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- iPhone or iPad: Open Settings and tap your AirPods name near the top of the screen.
- Mac: Open System Settings and select your AirPods in the sidebar. Scroll the sidebar if you do not see them.
Some controls are nested rather than shown on the main AirPods page. Look under Audio & Routing for microphone selection or Controls & Gestures for certain gesture settings. Menu names and locations vary by model and software. Apple’s AirPods settings guide covers settings on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Recommended Free Tools
Change the listening mode or noise control
On a supported model, choose a listening mode in AirPods settings or from Control Center on iPhone or iPad. Depending on the model, the available choices may include Active Noise Cancellation (sometimes labeled Noise Cancellation), Transparency, Adaptive Audio, and Off. Do not expect every mode—or noise cancellation itself—on every AirPods model.
#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.*
For supported stem models, press and hold the stem’s force sensor to cycle through listening modes. You can customize which modes are included in the cycle in AirPods settings. AirPods Max use the listening-mode button instead. The exact options depend on the model. Apple’s listening-mode instructions apply to AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, or later.
What the modes do
- Active Noise Cancellation uses outward-facing microphones to detect external sound and counter it with anti-noise; an inward-facing microphone also listens for unwanted sound inside the ear.
- Transparency lets outside sound in so you can hear what is happening around you.
- Adaptive Audio adjusts to your surroundings on supported models. Apple describes Transparency and Adaptive Audio as listening experiences on AirPods Pro 3; support for newer features varies by individual model and feature.
- Off is available on some models and turns off the other listening modes.
Apple explains the distinction between cancellation and Transparency in its noise control overview. Check your AirPods model before troubleshooting a mode that is not listed.
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.*
Change what press and hold does
For AirPods with configurable stem controls, connect them, open their settings, then look for Press and Hold, Controls & Gestures, or the corresponding model-specific control. Select Left or Right and choose from the actions offered on your model. On applicable models, press and hold can cycle listening modes.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →AirPods 1 and AirPods 2 use older double-tap controls rather than the stem press-and-hold controls described here. Gesture options are generation-dependent; follow the controls shown for your particular model instead of assuming every AirPod has a stem sensor.
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 which AirPod uses its microphone
In your connected AirPods settings, open Microphone. On some software versions it is under Audio & Routing. Choose one of the available options:
- Automatically Switch AirPods: Either AirPod can act as the microphone. When you use only one, that AirPod acts as the microphone.
- Always Left AirPod or Always Right AirPod: Fixes microphone selection to that side, even if the selected AirPod is removed or placed in its case, according to Apple.
This setting selects which AirPod supplies the microphone; it is not a control for microphone volume.
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
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
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
