The best AirPods 2 tips and tricks

By

This won’t fool anybody.
This won’t fool anybody.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

AirPods 2 have arrived. Faster, longer-lasting, and with extra Hey Siri action, they’re a solid upgrade to the  (deservedly well-loved) originals.

The new AirPods work — for the most part — just like the old ones, with a few extra Siri options. And that means that all the best AirPod tricks, like eavesdropping with Live Listen, and customizing your double-taps, all still work. Check out our roundup of the best tips and tricks for AirPods 2.

How to set up and use your brand new AirPods

Setup for AirPods 2 is ridiculously easy. You just open the box, hold them near your iPhone, and you’re pretty much done. But there’s a lot of extra customization if you want it.

AirPods how-to: Learn to charge, connect and customize Apple’s AirPods

Our original overview of getting the most from your new AirPods.

AirPods 2 vs. AirPods 1: Are new features worthy of upgrade?

Second-gen AirPods offer the option of Apple's own wireless charging case.
Second-gen AirPods offer the option of Apple’s own wireless charging case.
Photo: Apple

 

If you got your new AirPods today, then you already made this decision. But if you’re wondering whether to upgrade, here are a few things to think about first.

How to use iOS 12’s Live Listen feature with AirPods

A real favorite, this one. You can transmit your iPhone’s mic direct to your AirPods, even in another room. It’s great for people with impaired hearing, but also for listening in on on private conversations.

How to clean your gross, waxy AirPods

Believe it or not, these didn't look so bad from a distance -- check the main photo to see what I mean airpods
Believe it or not, these didn’t look so bad from a distance.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

AirPods crust up with earwax and whatever bacteria we have living in our earholes. Happily, cleaning and disinfecting is not only easy, but satisfying. Find out how to do it properly.

How to pair your AirPods with your Kindle Oasis

kindle AirPods
A new Kindle software update adds AirPod-friendly Bluetooth.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Under all the slick Apple additions, AirPods are Bluetooth headphones. That means you can use them with other devices, like the Amazon Kindle.

How to customize left and right AirPod double-tap shortcuts

This is the essential how-to for AirPods. Play/pause your music, skip podcast ads, and invoke Siri manually if you don’t like having him/her always listening to you.

 

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