14 Things You Didn’t Know Your EarPods and AirPods Could Do
Updated: Dec. 16, 2022
These hacks will totally change how you see those EarPods and AirPods.
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Take a picture
When you have the camera app open, hitting either of the volume buttons on your Apple EarPods will snap a picture. Pro tip: Prop up your iPhone and leave your headphones out to get a wider-shot selfie. Check out these other tricks for taking a postcard-perfect picture on your phone.
Pause your music
You already knew the end buttons on your iPhone EarPods can turn your music volume up and down (right?), but that middle button has its uses, too. Press it once to pause your music; hit it again when you’re ready to listen again, and your song will start back up. Use this trick for these songs science says can help you sleep.
Skip songs
Want to skip a track on your playlist? No need to dig your iPhone out of your pocket to hit “next.” Just press the middle button on your EarPods, and your device will skip to the next song. Find out what your music taste says about your personality.
Start a song over
You’re completely zoned out and suddenly realize you’ve been missing your favorite song! Hit the middle button three times fast to start the track again from the beginning.
Play a previous song
Once you’ve gone back to the beginning of that song, quickly do another triple-click on your Apple EarPods to go to the track before. Then use them to listen to the movies with the best soundtracks.
Get to the right spot in a song
You’ve had this song in your head all day, but really just want to skip ahead to the bass drop. Press the middle button twice, but don’t let go of that second click. The music will fast-forward until you let go. To rewind, give it a triple-click, holding on the third.
Ask Siri
Got a burning question for Siri? Hold down the middle button and ask away. Your iPhone EarPods have a microphone designed to sit near your mouth, so she’ll be able to “hear” you. And the second generation of wireless AirPods came out in 2019, featuring voice recognition that’s always on. Find out why Siri is female.
Take a call
If your phone starts ringing while you’re listening to music, press the middle button to answer. Another call while you’re still on the phone? Clicking that same middle button will do the trick. The first caller will be on hold while you talk to the second. And if you lose them, here’s how to find your AirPods.
Switch between calls
Ready to get back on the phone with that first caller? Hit the center button once to switch back to your original call. Don’t miss these easy ways to lower cell phone data.
Ignore a call
No worries if you don’t feel like taking that call, like to avoid these common phone scams from unknown numbers. Hold the middle button down for a few seconds to ignore the call. You’ll know it worked when you hear two beeps. Do the same to send a second caller to voicemail when you’re already on the phone.
Use them as a hearing aid
If you sometimes have trouble hearing, your second-gen AirPods might be able to help. Apple added a new feature called Live Listen with iOS12, CNET reports. Place your phone near the person you want to hear. Your AirPods will then pick up the person’s voice. That said, your AirPods can also make you seem rude.
