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Set up AirPods Pro 3 with an iPhone or iPad
- Update the iPhone or iPad to the latest iOS or iPadOS available for it, then go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
- With the AirPods in their case, open the lid and hold the case next to the device.
- When the setup animation appears, follow its instructions and tap Done.
Apple says the device needs Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity for access to Find My features during pairing. After setup, AirPods connect automatically to other Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account, as described in the Apple AirPods User Guide.
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If the setup animation does not appear
- Keep the AirPods inside the open case and hold it near the iPhone or iPad.
- Double-tap the front of the case. Wait for the status light to flash white.
- On the iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Bluetooth and select AirPods Pro 3 from the device list.
Pair AirPods Pro 3 with a Mac
- Install the latest macOS available for your Mac.
- Put the AirPods in their case, open the lid, and hold the case near the Mac.
- Double-tap the front of the case and wait for the status light to flash white.
- On the Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, select AirPods Pro 3 in the device list, and click Connect.
Apple also documents pairing with Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro. The pairing process and labels can vary with device and operating-system version; consult the AirPods pairing guide for those paths.
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Learn the default stem controls
AirPods Pro 3 use a force sensor in each stem, with a swipe gesture for volume. The Apple controls guide lists these actions:
#1 Best Overall
- 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.*
- Press once: Play or pause audio; press again to resume. Press once to answer an incoming call.
- Press twice: Play the next track.
- Press three times: Return to the previous track.
- Swipe up or down: Adjust volume.
- Press and hold: Switch among Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Adaptive Audio when listening-mode switching is assigned. If Siri is assigned instead, press and hold to activate Siri.
- Press and hold both stems together: Start Live Translation.
When Announce Calls and Announce Notifications are enabled, nodding can accept a call or reply to a notification or message; shaking your head can decline a call or dismiss a notification.
Choose what press and hold does
- Wear the AirPods and make sure they are connected to your device.
- On iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap the AirPods name near the top. On Mac, open System Settings and select the AirPods in the sidebar.
- If the controls are not visible, open Controls & Gestures.
- Under Press and Hold AirPods, choose Left or Right, then assign either listening modes or Siri.
You can configure the left and right stems separately. For example, assign listening-mode switching to one stem and Siri to the other. These are configuration choices, not a ranked set of options. Apple’s Siri setup guide also puts the assignment under the left- or right-side press-and-hold controls.
Rank #2
- 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.*
Change call gestures and other settings
With AirPods connected, return to their settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Depending on the operating-system version, some items may be grouped differently; Apple’s AirPods settings guide describes the available options.
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Choose how to mute or end calls
The default call actions are a single press to mute or unmute and a double press to end a call. In AirPods settings, select Mute & Unmute or End Call, then assign that action to Press Once or Press Twice. The other action changes automatically.
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.*
Use the stems as a Camera Remote
On iPhone, turn on Camera Remote in AirPods settings and choose Press Once or Press and Hold, or turn the feature off. When a supported camera app is open, the assigned camera action temporarily takes over some media, listening-mode, or Siri gestures.
Adjust detection, microphone, and case options
- Automatic Ear Detection: By default, audio pauses when you remove an AirPod and resumes when you put it back in. You can turn this off in AirPods settings; on some interface versions, it may appear under Audio & Routing.
- Microphone: Choose automatic switching or always use the left or right AirPod microphone.
- Pause when falling asleep: On supported Apple devices, enable the option to pause media automatically when you fall asleep while listening.
- Charging case sounds: Enable or disable the case sounds in AirPods settings.
Make the controls easier to use
On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Accessibility > AirPods. Apple documents options to adjust press speed and press-and-hold duration, turn off Volume Swipe, and adjust the swipe length. See the AirPods accessibility settings guide for details.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
Which settings should you change first?
- If you often switch listening modes, keep listening-mode switching on press and hold for the stem you use most; assign Siri to the other stem if useful.
- If accidental volume changes are a problem, disable Volume Swipe or adjust its swipe length in Accessibility settings.
- If you frequently mute calls, set Mute & Unmute to the press count that feels easiest to remember, keeping in mind that the End Call gesture moves to the other count.
- If you use Camera Remote, remember that its gesture can temporarily displace other controls while a supported camera app is active.
Menu wording and placement can shift between iOS, iPadOS, and macOS releases. If a listed control is missing, check that the AirPods are connected and look under Controls & Gestures or the relevant accessibility settings.
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Best Value
- For iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac
- Dolby Atmos Support for Immersive Audio
- IPX4 Sweat & Water Resistance
- Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking
- Adaptive EQ Adjust Music in Real-Time
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.
