Get more out of your AirPods Pro 2 with these handy features

The AirPods Pro 2 were finally announced to the world in September 2022 and have a number of useful features, some of which you may not know yet. OMT editor Sabine lists which features you should really try out.

Some of these features also work on the first-generation AirPods Pro (and in some cases on the non-Pro models as well). Apple offers a lot of useful features that make the audio experience on your iPhone, iPad, Mac or other device even better. Ready for the handy features? Here they come.

This way you get more out of your AirPods

#1 Use noise canceling with one earpiece

With the AirPods Pro (2) it is possible to set noise reduction when you only wear one earpiece. You will of course still hear more of the environment than if you wear both ears, but in some cases it can be a godsend. This is how you set it up:

Open the settings on your iPhone or iPad and navigate to Accessibility. Select AirPods and make sure Noise cancellation for one AirPod is enabled. You can find this setting under the heading Noise control.

#2 Live microphone

You can use your iPhone as a live microphone and listen to the sound live through your AirPods. It sounds like a neat way to stalk someone, but you have to be within wireless range. The function is useful if you want to keep an eye on a pet or child, or if you don’t want to miss anything from your TV program while you are in another room.

To enable the Live Listen feature, go to your iPhone’s Control Center and tap the ear icon labeled Speaker. Make sure your AirPods are connected to your device and press Listen live. Then you hear everything that the microphone of your smartphone picks up.

#3 Battery Widget AirPods

An easy way to know how much anytime, anywhere juice left in your AirPods is to add the wireless earbuds to your iPhone’s battery widget. Long-press anywhere between your apps on the home screen until the apps start to wiggle.

Then tap the plus sign in the top left corner and select the widget Batteries. Choose a widget size of your choice and place it anywhere on your home screen. Now you know the battery status of your AirPods anytime, anywhere.

#4 Background noises

Do you have trouble concentrating or do you like to fall asleep with white noise? Your AirPods can help you with that. Go to the Control Center on your iPhone and select the Loudspeaker (icon with ear). Switch Background noises in. Select a sound of your choice, such as Ocean, Rain or Running water.

An audio fragment is then played in your earphones, so that you can better focus on your tasks or sit back and relax. You can also turn off the background sounds with a tap on the button.

#5 Conversation Boost

When you wear your AirPods Pro (2), it is sometimes difficult to understand people, despite the handy transparency mode. Fortunately, Apple has come up with something for that. Go to your iPhone’s settings and press Accessibility.

Then select Audiovisual and tap Custom Headphones. Scroll down and tap Transparency mode. Make sure this function is enabled and put the slider behind Call amplification at. That’s it!