The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Wear your AirPods and connect them to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Open the AirPods settings on that device, then choose the left or right gesture control and select an available action. AirPods 1 and 2 let you customize double tap; later models use stem controls, and their press-and-hold options vary by model.
Which AirPods gestures can you customize?
| AirPods generation | Gesture | What you can assign |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 1 and 2 | Double tap on either earbud | Siri, play/pause, next track, or previous track, depending on the options shown in settings. |
| AirPods 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Pro | Press and hold the stem | On supported models, Siri or listening-mode changes. Available choices depend on the model. |
These generations do not share one gesture menu: AirPods 1 and 2 have double-tap assignments, while later models use stem controls. Apple’s AirPods controls guide describes the controls by model. Use the choices actually shown for your connected AirPods as the final guide.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Change double-tap actions on AirPods 1 or 2
- Put both AirPods in your ears and connect them to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- On iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap the AirPods name near the top. On Mac, open System Settings and select the AirPods name in the sidebar.
- Choose the left or right AirPod’s double-tap control, then select an action such as Siri, play/pause, next track, or previous track.
- Try the gesture on each earbud to confirm the assignments work as intended.
Each earbud can have its own action. For example, you can assign Siri to one and next track to the other, provided those choices appear in the settings for your model.
Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Change press-and-hold actions on later AirPods
- Wear the AirPods and connect them to the device where you want to change the setting.
- Open Settings on iPhone or iPad and tap the AirPods name near the top. On Mac, open System Settings and select the AirPods in the sidebar.
- If you do not see the gesture setting, open Controls & Gestures.
- Under Press and Hold AirPods, select Left or Right, then choose one of the actions offered for that AirPod.
- Test the hold on the stem. Repeat for the other side if you want a different action assigned there.
Supported models may offer Siri or listening-mode changes, but not every model presents the same choices. If a setting or action is absent, it may not be available for that AirPods model.
#1 Best Overall
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds | Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat & Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip
- 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.*
Adjust press speed or hold duration if the gesture is difficult
On supported devices and AirPods models, Accessibility settings include Press Speed and Press and Hold Duration adjustments. These can help if your AirPods do not register a press or hold comfortably. Apple documents model support and adjustment details in its AirPods accessibility settings guide.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds with MagSafe Charging Case (Renewed)
- 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
Apple AirPods 2 with Charging Case - White (Renewed)
- 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
Rank #3
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation | Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging Case, Wireless Charging, H2 Chip
- 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.*
Rank #2
Sale
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation | Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging
- 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.*
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.
