The EASY Steps to Share Audio on iPhone!

Introduction

Sharing audio on your iPhone with friends or family can enhance your listening experience. Apple’s Audio Sharing feature allows you to share audio from your iPhone to multiple AirPods or Beats headphones. This feature is incredibly useful during travel, in the gym, or while relaxing at home. Let’s explore how to set up and use Audio Sharing on your iPhone!

What You Need to Know

• Audio Sharing works with iPhone 8 or later running iOS 13 or later. The feature is also supported on some iPad models.
• You can share audio with AirPods (1st generation or later), AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Solo Pro.
• Bluetooth is required to connect the headphones to your iPhone or iPad.

Setting Up Audio Sharing on Your iPhone

It’s very easy to share the audio on your iPhone with two pairs of AirPods or Beats headphones. Follow these four steps and then sit back and enjoy!

Pair the First Set of Headphones

Start by connecting your own AirPods or Beats headphones to your iPhone in the usual way. If this is your first time connecting them, simply open the case near your unlocked iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions to pair. If they have been paired before you just have to put the AirPods in your ears and they should connect. You can verify they are connected by opening Settings and tapping Bluetooth. They show as connected on that screen.

Share Your Audio

Once your headphones are connected, begin playing audio from any app that supports audio. This could be music, podcasts, or streaming videos. With the audio playing, bring the second set of compatible headphones close to your iPhone. These need to also be AirPods or Beats headphones. Open the case or turn them on to enter pairing mode.

Your iPhone will prompt you with a temporary notification asking if you want to Share Audio. If you don’t see this notification, you can manually initiate sharing by going to the Control Center:

• Swipe down from the upper right corner of your screen to open the Control Center.
• Tap the AirPlay icon (which looks like a triangle with circles radiating upwards).
• You should see a list of devices; tap on Share Audio.

Connect the Second Set of Headphones

Once you tap on Share Audio, simply follow the instructions on your iPhone’s screen to connect the second pair of headphones.

Enjoy Listening Together

After both sets of headphones are connected, you both can enjoy the same audio simultaneously. You can control the volume for both sets of headphones separately from the lock screen or the Control Center of your iPhone.

Additional Tips for Using Audio Sharing

Each listener can control their own volume in Control Center or the lock screen. Adjusting the volume on one does not affect the volume on the other, which is perfect for personal preferences!

If you want to switch the audio to just one pair of headphones, you can do so from the AirPlay menu in the Control Center. Press and hold the Volume Control slider and it will show the volume control for each of the headphones.

You can also use this feature on compatible iPads. The steps are virtually the same.

Conclusion

Audio Sharing is a fantastic way to enjoy music, movies, and more with a friend or family member without disturbing those around you. It’s a simple, yet powerful tool that leverages the technological synergy between Apple’s devices and accessories.

By following the steps above, you can make your listening experiences more social and enjoyable. Whether you’re sharing a favorite song or catching up on a podcast together, Audio Sharing on the iPhone offers a new way to experience audio in tandem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I share audio with someone who has a different brand of Bluetooth headphones?

No, the Audio Sharing feature is specifically designed to work with Apple’s AirPods and selected Beats headphones. Other brands of Bluetooth headphones are not supported for this feature.

Will audio sharing affect battery life significantly?

Sharing audio can consume more battery than usual because it maintains multiple Bluetooth connections simultaneously. However, the impact should be manageable, especially if both devices are fully charged.

Can I share audio from any app?

You can share audio from most apps that produce sound, including music players, video streaming apps, and podcast platforms. However, the compatibility can vary depending on how the app manages audio outputs.

Is there a distance limit for how far apart the two sets of headphones can be?

The effective range for Audio Sharing is similar to regular Bluetooth connectivity, which is typically about 30 to 60 feet under clear conditions. Obstacles like walls can reduce this range.

How do I stop sharing audio?

To stop sharing audio, you can either disconnect the second set of headphones via the AirPlay menu in the Control Center or turn off Bluetooth. You can also simply turn off the second set of headphones.

Can I share audio with more than one device at a time?

Yes, iOS allows audio sharing with up to two pairs of supported headphones simultaneously. This means you can share audio with two other people at the same time.

What if the audio sharing feature isn’t working properly?

Ensure both devices are compatible and properly connected. Check that both sets of headphones are charged and functioning. Restarting the devices or toggling Bluetooth off and on can also help resolve connectivity issues.

Can I control the type of content shared? For example, can I share music but not phone calls?

Audio Sharing specifically relates to media audio and does not include phone calls. If you receive a call while sharing audio, the call audio will not be shared through the second pair of headphones.