Since their launch in 2016, Apple's AirPods have become wildly popular and are an oft-gifted item. In 2019, Apple released AirPods Pro, and this year the company debuted a pair of over-ear headphones called AirPods Max, offering more choice for consumers this holiday season.
If you received AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max as a gift, make sure to take a look through all of the how tos in this guide, because there are plenty of tips and tricks worth knowing.
Basic Features
- How to Set Up and Connect Your New AirPods 2 or AirPods Pro
- How to Charge AirPods, AirPods 2, and AirPods Pro
- How to Change the Name of Your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max
- How to Use Just One AirPod or AirPod Pro
- How to Clean Your AirPods or AirPods Pro
- How to Find Your AirPods or AirPods Pro Serial Number and Check Your Firmware
- How to Update Your AirPods or AirPods Pro
- How to Answer a Phone Call on AirPods and AirPods Pro
- How to Wirelessly Charge Your AirPods or AirPods Pro
Must-Know Tutorials
- How to Use the 'Hey Siri' Command With AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro
- How to Turn Off Automatic Ear Detection on Your AirPods
- What Does the Light on the AirPods Case Mean?
- How to Pair AirPods to Your Apple Watch
- How to Unpair Your AirPods From iPhone, Apple TV, Apple Watch, or Mac
- How to Have AirPods Announce Your Calls
Connectivity With iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac
- How to Switch Devices When Using AirPods
- How to Check AirPods Battery Life on iPhone and Apple Watch
- How to Use AirPods With Your Mac and Customize Controls
Tips and Tricks
- How to Use Just One AirPod
- How to Set AirPods Microphone to Just One AirPod
- How to Share One Pair of AirPods With a Friend
- You Can Tap Your Ear to Activate Your AirPods
- How to Get Siri to Announce Incoming Messages Over AirPods
Troubleshooting
- How to Reset AirPods, AirPods 2, and AirPods Pro
- Lose an AirPod? What You Can Do
- How to Troubleshoot Problems with AirPods
- Only One AirPod Working? Here's How to Fix the Problem
- How Long Do AirPods and AirPods Pro Last?
Just for the AirPods Pro
- How to Control the Noise Cancellation Feature on AirPods Pro
- How to Customize the Force Sensor Gesture Functions on AirPods Pro
- How to Perform an Ear Tip Fit Test on AirPods Pro
- How to Control the Transparency Feature on AirPods Pro
- How to Buy Replacement AirPods Pro Ear Tips
Just for the AirPods Max
- How to Set Up and Connect Your New AirPods Max
- How to Customize the Noise Control Button on AirPods Max
- How to Disable Automatic Head Detection on AirPods Max
- How to Reverse the Digital Crown Volume Controls on AirPods Max
- How to Turn Off AirPods Max
AirPods Guides
- AirPods: Our Complete Guide to Apple's Wireless Earphones
- Powerbeats Pro vs. AirPods 2
- AirPods vs. AirPods Pro: Features Compared
- AirPods Pro vs Powerbeats Pro
Videos
More Info
Know a super useful iPhone tip that other MacRumors readers might not be aware of? Make sure to share it in the comments below.
For more info on Apple's latest iPhones, and the iOS 14 operating system, make sure to check out our detailed roundups: AirPods 2, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
Related Forum: AirPods
Popular Stories
Apple Aiming to Release 'Breakthrough' New iPhone Accessory
Apple is looking for a "breakthrough" with its push into wearable AI devices, including an "AirTag-sized pendant," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In a report this week, he said the pendant is reminiscent of the failed Humane AI Pin, but it would be an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone product.
The pendant would feature an "always-on" camera and a microphone for Siri voice...
Read Full Article
Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET.
Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
iPhone 17 Pro Max Curiously Becomes Most Traded-In Smartphone
New trade-in data indicates that Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max has rapidly become the single most traded-in smartphone.
According to a new report from SellCell, Apple's latest flagship iPhone has quickly risen to the top of the independent trade-in market, accounting for 11.5% of all devices appearing in the top-20 trade-in rankings just months after release. The analysis is based on SellCell...
iOS 26.4's New CarPlay Video Feature Shown in Action
Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability.
There are several new references to CarPlay video streaming functionality within the iOS 26.4 beta's source code. The feature is not yet visible to users, but...
Low-Cost MacBook Expected on March 4 in These Colors
Apple will announce its rumored low-cost MacBook at its event on March 4, with the device coming in a selection of bold color options, according to a known leaker.
Earlier this week, Apple announced a "special Apple Experience" for the media in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET.
Posting on Weibo, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" said that the...
Top Rated Comments
80 months ago
Come on people, aren't things getting a bit out of hand when earphones have such complexity? Oh for the good old days when all you had to do to hear music was plug earphones into a jack.
80 months ago
Well, this isn’t on Apple really. It’s just Macrumors making article bait as they expect a lot of new AirPod-owners because of the season. It is really not a hassle for most users (bar if you’re unlucky, get a dud and actually have to troubleshoot something). You open the package, the phone/pad offers to automatically pair them to your account, and you’re set.
Come on people, aren't things getting a bit out of hand when earphones have such complexity? Oh for the good old days when all you had to do to hear music was plug earphones into a jack.
80 months ago
AirPods are literally easier to use than corded headphones because you don’t have to spend any time untangling wires and staying tethered to your device.
Come on people, aren't things getting a bit out of hand when earphones have such complexity? Oh for the good old days when all you had to do to hear music was plug earphones into a jack.
“The good old days” are never actually that good in comparison. It’s only people living in the past who say that.
80 months ago
Seriously, what complexity?
Call me old fashioned, but that one advantage does not outweigh all the complexity involved with using these devices. And wireless headphones have existed for a long time and don't involve all the complexity that EarPods have.
How are EarPods complex? AirPods aren't complex either...the opposite actually.
80 months ago
There’s zero need for any of the guides in this article. There’s an intro to the AirPods as soon as you set them up and the intro isn’t very long. There is nothing complex about them.
That's great to know, but if it was as simple as that, then why would there even been the need for the massive amount of guides at the top of this article?
I use some old wired ones with an old phone at work.
I plug them in the phone, press them in my ears and they work.
There are no articles needed.
