Boost iPhone Audio Features With This Simple Bluetooth Tip - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Boost iPhone Audio Features With This Simple Bluetooth Tip

by

In iOS and iPadOS, Apple includes an option for users to specify the Bluetooth accessories they connect using pre-defined individual labels.

device type bluetooth
Labeling your Bluetooth accessories helps to identify connected devices and improve audio notifications. Apple says that classifying Bluetooth accessories like this can also ensure that real-time Headphone Audio Level measurements are accurate.

When using headphones with an iPhone, for example, you can check the audio level in decibels by viewing the Hearing control in Control Center. In the Health app, you can also review the history of your headphone listening habits.

Apple provides five categories with which to label your Bluetooth accessories: Car Stereo, Headphone, Hearing Aid, Speaker, and Other. Here's how to access them.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Select Bluetooth.
  3. Tap the info button (the encircled 'i') next to a Bluetooth device in the list that you want to label.
    settings

  4. Tap Device Type.
  5. Select a label if the accessory is not already correctly identified.
    settings

Note that iOS recognizes AirPods and AirPods Max as headphones, so there isn't an option to change their Bluetooth label. (The same goes for Apple Watch.) However, you can still change the name of Apple earphones and headphones as they appear in Bluetooth device lists.

Top Rated Comments

DutchApplePie Avatar
15 months ago
It would be nice when playing music in a car through bluetooth if notification sounds would come from the phone instead of momentarily lowering the music volume.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ambientdaw Avatar
15 months ago
My experience with Bluetooth pairing with speakers from my iPhone and Mac is nothing short of miserable. Sometimes it works but it is 50/50 at best.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
15 months ago

What would you want to change them to?..
I would want Apple to document what the effect of each setting is, and letting me decide if I want my AirPods to work like e.g. a speaker. Instead it's "Tell us what you have (but for AirPods we already know), and we'll decide what is good for you."
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
15 months ago
Have set it up for some of my Bluetooth accessories. Will try enabling them for the rest of them and see.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
15 months ago
What we need is mic gain controls like we have on the Mac, why is this not available in iOS?! 🤦🏼
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thejadedmonkey Avatar
15 months ago
I've always wondered, is a stereo with a bluetooth input the same as a speaker, in Apple land? Or should I select "Other" for my stereo?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iCloud iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Get Two New Perks on iOS 27

Thursday July 2, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
If you pay for certain iCloud+ storage plans beyond the 5GB that Apple offers for free, you will receive two more perks on iOS 27 at no additional cost. A summary of the two new iCloud+ perks on iOS 27:Increased daily usage limits for some new Apple Intelligence features, including image generation in the revamped Image Playground app. HomeKit Secure Video cameras receive generated video...
American Express Gold Apple Pay Feature

American Express Announces New Apple Pay Feature

Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:27 am PDT by
American Express today announced that you can now redeem Membership Rewards points when checking out with Apple Pay on the web and in apps on the iPhone and iPad. When checking out with Apple Pay on iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 or later, tap on your eligible American Express card (Platinum, Gold, Green, and others) and select the Membership Rewards points option. You can use points to cover all or...
series 10 apple watch titanium digital crown

Report: Apple Watch Redesign Coming Next Year With New Band System

Tuesday June 30, 2026 8:45 am PDT by
A "major overhaul" of the Apple Watch's design is due to arrive next year with a new system for connecting bands, according to a known Weibo leaker. In a set of recent posts, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" linked the new claim to older rumors about an "Apple Watch X" model, which was said to introduce a fresh design and break compatibility with the existing watch band system. Citing...