Apple’s AirPods Pro have redefined the wireless audio experience with their sleek design, active noise cancellation, and intuitive controls. Whether you are new to the AirPods Pro or looking to enhance your usage, understanding their controls can significantly improve your experience. This guide will provide you with a detailed breakdown of all the essential AirPods Pro controls, including gestures, voice commands, customization options, and troubleshooting tips.
1. Understanding the AirPods Pro Controls
Unlike traditional earphones with physical buttons, AirPods Pro rely on a combination of touch-sensitive force sensors, automatic ear detection, and voice control via Siri. The controls are mainly located on the stems of the AirPods, allowing for quick and easy access to various features.
A. Basic Controls Using the Force Sensor
The force sensor is located on the flat indented section of the AirPods Pro stem. It allows users to control playback, calls, and noise cancellation modes with different press gestures.
| Gesture | Function |
|---|---|
| Single press | Play or pause audio |
| Double press | Skip to the next track |
| Triple press | Go back to the previous track |
| Press and hold | Toggle between Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode |
These gestures provide seamless audio control without needing to reach for your phone.
B. Volume Control
Originally, the first-generation AirPods Pro did not have direct volume control. Users had to adjust the volume using their iPhone, Apple Watch, or Siri. However, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) introduced swipe controls on the stem for volume adjustment:
- Swipe up on the stem → Increase volume
- Swipe down on the stem → Decrease volume
This feature offers more convenience, allowing users to adjust the volume directly from the AirPods.
2. Advanced Features and Controls
Beyond basic audio playback, AirPods Pro offer a range of advanced controls, enhancing both usability and accessibility.
A. Noise Control Modes
The AirPods Pro feature three noise control modes to improve your listening experience in different environments:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Blocks out external noise using advanced microphones and algorithms.
- Transparency Mode: Allows you to hear surrounding sounds while still enjoying your audio.
- Off Mode: Disables both ANC and Transparency Mode for a more natural listening experience.
To switch between these modes:
- Press and hold the force sensor on either AirPod until you hear a chime.
- Alternatively, go to Settings → Bluetooth → AirPods Pro → Noise Control and select your preferred mode.
B. Activating Siri with AirPods Pro
Siri can be activated hands-free or using the force sensor:
- “Hey Siri” → Just say the phrase to wake Siri.
- Press and hold the force sensor until Siri is activated.
With Siri, you can:
- Adjust volume (“Turn up the volume”)
- Control playback (“Skip this song”)
- Make calls (“Call John”)
- Check battery life (“How much battery do my AirPods have?”)
3. Customizing AirPods Pro Controls
Apple allows users to customize controls through iOS settings, tailoring AirPods Pro gestures to individual preferences.
A. Changing Press-and-Hold Settings
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to Bluetooth and tap the (i) icon next to your AirPods Pro.
- Under “Press and Hold AirPods”, you can assign different functions:
- Switch between Noise Control Modes
- Enable Siri
B. Customizing Double-Tap and Swipe Gestures
While most gestures are fixed, certain functions can be adjusted in Accessibility Settings:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → AirPods.
- Adjust the press speed and hold duration to better suit your preferences.
- Enable noise cancellation with one AirPod, if needed.
4. Using AirPods Pro for Calls
Handling calls with AirPods Pro is seamless and intuitive:
| Gesture | Function |
|---|---|
| Single press | Answer or end a call |
| Double press | Decline an incoming call |
| Press and hold | Switch between calls or activate Siri |
For FaceTime calls, AirPods Pro also support Spatial Audio, creating an immersive surround-sound effect.
5. Automatic Ear Detection and Audio Sharing
A. Automatic Ear Detection
The AirPods Pro feature Automatic Ear Detection, which pauses playback when you remove an AirPod and resumes when you put it back in.
To enable or disable this feature:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to AirPods Pro → Toggle “Automatic Ear Detection”.
B. Audio Sharing
AirPods Pro allow users to share audio with another pair of AirPods. To do this:
- Play audio on your iPhone or iPad.
- Bring the second pair of AirPods close to your device.
- A prompt will appear to “Share Audio”.
- Tap to confirm, and both users can listen simultaneously.
This is great for watching movies or listening to music with a friend.
6. AirPods Pro Battery and Charging Controls
Managing battery life is crucial for long-lasting usage. Here are some battery-related controls:
A. Checking Battery Life
You can check your AirPods Pro battery using:
- The Battery Widget on your iPhone
- Asking Siri: “What’s my AirPods battery?”
- Opening the AirPods case near your iPhone (battery percentage will pop up)
B. Charging the AirPods Pro
- Use the MagSafe, Lightning, or USB-C case for charging.
- Check the LED indicator:
- Green = Fully charged
- Amber = Charging
- Flashing white = Ready to pair
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your AirPods Pro are not responding, here are some solutions:
A. AirPods Not Connecting?
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your device.
- Put AirPods back in the case, wait a few seconds, then retry.
- Reset AirPods Pro:
- Forget device from Bluetooth settings.
- Press and hold the setup button on the case until it flashes white.
- Reconnect to your iPhone.
B. One AirPod Not Working?
- Check if the battery levels are uneven.
- Clean the speaker mesh to remove any debris.
- Reset the AirPods if needed.
C. Volume Not Adjusting Properly?
- Ensure swipe gestures are enabled for AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
- Check volume settings on iPhone or Apple Watch.
Final Thoughts
Mastering AirPods Pro controls can enhance your experience, making it easier to manage audio playback, calls, noise cancellation, and Siri commands. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile, knowing these controls will help you get the most out of your AirPods Pro.
With gesture-based interactions, noise control modes, customizable settings, and advanced features, Apple’s AirPods Pro continue to be among the best true wireless earbuds on the market.
