To use one AirPod, wear either the left or right earbud on its own. To switch ears, put the AirPod you’re wearing in its charging case and wear the other one. If by “switch” you mean move playback to another Apple device, select your AirPods in that device’s audio controls instead.
Use one AirPod and switch to the other
You can wear either AirPod by itself. Apple says that when you use only one, it acts as the microphone if microphone selection is set to Automatic. You can find this option in the AirPods settings while they’re connected. Apple’s AirPods settings guide explains the microphone and other settings.
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- Put the AirPod you’re using in its charging case.
- Wear the other AirPod. Playback can continue through that earbud.
Check Automatic Ear Detection if playback behaves unexpectedly
Automatic Ear Detection affects playback when you remove or put an AirPod in your ear. If audio pauses, resumes, or routes in a way you don’t expect, check whether the feature is enabled.
- iPhone or iPad: Connect your AirPods, open Settings, tap the AirPods name, and look for Automatic Ear Detection. If you don’t see it, check Audio & Routing.
- Mac: Open System Settings, select your AirPods, and look for Automatic Ear Detection. Check Audio & Routing if the setting isn’t visible.
Apple’s step-by-step instructions are in Change the settings of your AirPods and AirPods Pro.
#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.*
Switch AirPods to another Apple device
Changing which earbud you wear is different from changing which device is playing audio. On the device where you want to listen, select your AirPods from its audio controls. On iPhone or iPad, use the AirPods icon in Now Playing, on the Lock Screen, or in Control Center; on Mac, use the Bluetooth status menu.
Supported AirPods can also switch automatically between supported Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account. Availability and settings depend on the AirPods model and system version. See Apple’s instructions for switching AirPods between Apple devices for compatibility and setup details.
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.*
When Mono Audio is useful
Mono Audio is optional; you don’t need to turn it on to use one AirPod. It makes the same audio content available in both channels, which can help when you’re listening with one earbud. Apple places the setting under Accessibility > Audio & Visual on iPhone or iPad, Accessibility on Apple Watch, and Accessibility > Audio on Mac. Mono Audio can’t be used with Spatial Audio and head tracking. Details are in Apple’s guide to playing the same sound in both AirPods.
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
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.*
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