7 Helpful Tips For Apple AirPods You Need To Know

When Apple rolled out iOS 12 not long ago, they added some new features that enhanced the world of AirPods. Earbuds will never be the same. These seven-plus tips are for AirPod lovers.

As I mentioned in my earlier post today, you can pair Apple AirPods with Non-Apple devices, like Android phones. That is a pretty cool thing, in my opinion, because Apple makes some amazing gear. I own or have owned numerous Apple devices and they work. So I was glad to test out this minor hack to connect them to my PC and Android phone (Samsung S7) - my daily phone.

Some recent Apple AirPod Tips and Ideas for a better in-ear experience

Live Listening is a way to use your AirPods as a hearing aid, or hearing booster. After you set it up, you can place your iPhone next to a person and hear the audio in your AirPods. This function was created specifically for MFi hearing aid devices (Made for iPhone), but it also works with AirPods.

How to turn on Live Listen on AirPods

• Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls.
• Scroll to “Hearing” and tap the green Plus button on the left.
• Next, go back to the home screen. Swipe to reveal Control Center, and tap the ear icon.
• In the menu that appears, tap Live Listen to turn it on.

Note: Some have said you can also use this feature as a mini spy microphone. Of course, you have to leave your iPhone in the area - that’s the microphone. Probably best for a friendly April Fool’s prank and nothing more.

For true hands-free iPhone use with AirPods, set up Announce Calls. If you have received a call when wearing your AirPods, you have probably already noticed that you have to pull your iPhone out of your pocket to see who is calling. With Announce Calls, your trusty phone will state the caller’s name, as long as you have them in your contacts (address book).

• Go to settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap Phone, then tap Announce Calls.
• Choose Headphones Only.

How To Keep Apple Airpods In Ear

AirPods are not made for every ear, so customize the fit -- sure you can do some totally DIY hacks with bandaids or other small waterproof tape ideas, but just go look at these two earbud covers and you may find just what you’re looking for:

1. EarBuddyz (also called ear hooks - will not fit in case)
2. DamonLight covers (still fit into the case)
3. Bonus idea: AirPod silicone protective case cover -- may seem a little redundant, but gives you just a little bit more bounce protection.

Easy view of your AirPod battery level. Gear Patrol has a killer post from last year that explains how to use a widget to add the AirPod battery level to your Today View section on the iPhone. Their post takes you step-by-step.

My son splurged on these nifty decals for his AirPods case (photo above) -- disguising them as a look-alike dental floss container. Not sure they would stop a thief, but they make you smile when you see the creative artwork. Apple AirPod Case Decals - Dental Floss, but others available from same artist as well as others on Etsy. (No affiliate link.)

Connect AirPods to your Apple TV. Even though this is an Apple product, it isn’t the standard iPhone/iPad type device so the AirPods don’t go looking for it. Simply start the bluetooth pairing process by pressing and holding the button the back of the case (case open with AirPods inside) and then open the Settings app on the TV, click remotes and devices, Bluetooth, and your AirPods should be on the list.

Better Bluetooth: Although technically the AirPods will connect with your Mac, many users say it is unreliable. Independent app maker, AirBuddy, has a well-respected app sold directly on Gumroad (not on the App Store). Suggested price $5. ToothFairy is a $2.99 download on the App Store that does the same thing.

If these 7+ tips don’t cover some of the things you might be looking for -- things like how to pair airpods, how to connect airpods to macbook, how to reset airpods, how to find airpods if you lose them (Find  Your Phone works), then head over to fellow Forbes contributor, Amit Chowdry’s post with 11 more tips (written in 2017, but still relevant and timely).

He covered these topics, with instructions:

• Understanding The Status Lights In The AirPods Charging Case
• Change The Name Of Your AirPods
• Switch Around The Double Tap Commands
• Turn Automatic Ear Detection On Or Off On iOS
• Save Battery Life By Wearing One AirPod
• Share Music And Phone Calls With A Friend
• Keep Your AirPods Firmware Up-To-Date

Stop by any of my social feeds or email me with your favorite Apple AirPod lifehacks or tips. I'd love to hear them. Click my name in the byline and it opens up various options.