How to Connect 2 AirPods to One Phone – Before You Start
Have you ever wanted to share music with a friend during a long trip without using the loudspeaker? Traditionally, you could share a pair of earbuds and use one each, but this only delivers one sound channel. Besides, sharing earbuds is not recommended for hygiene reasons. The thought of using someone else’s earbuds, not knowing who has used them before, may cause hesitation.
Apple introduced the ‘Audio Sharing’ feature with iOS 13 in 2019, enabling users to share audio with two sets of AirPods or Beats headphones from one iPhone.
Now, you and your friend can stream music or watch a movie on one device using two sets of AirPods. Let’s explore how to connect two sets of AirPods to one phone.
What You Need for Audio Sharing in 2026
Before you start pairing, make sure your devices meet the requirements. Audio Sharing works with these Apple products:
– AirPods (all generations, including AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2)
– AirPods Max
– Beats Fit Pro, Beats Studio Buds, Beats Solo 4, Powerbeats Pro 2, and other recent Beats headphones
Your iPhone needs to be running iOS 13 or later. In 2026, most iPhones still receiving updates are well past this version, so you’re likely covered. The same feature works on iPad and iPod Touch (for models that still receive software support).
Both sets of headphones need to be nearby and charged. Audio Sharing relies on Bluetooth 5.0, so the iPhone 8 is the oldest model that supports it.
Connect The Second Set of AirPods to Your iPhone
Apple’s ‘Audio Sharing’ feature allows you to connect two pairs of AirPods to a single iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch, enabling smooth sharing of any type of audio to both sets of AirPods without lagging or stuttering.
For related tips, check out our full guide on how to connect AirPods to Chromebook.
1. Begin by opening the case of the second set of AirPods.
2. A pop-up notification will appear, indicating that these aren’t your AirPods, but you can still connect them to your iPhone. Tap on the ‘Connect’ button.
3. Hold the button on the back of the case to enter pairing mode.
4. The AirPods will connect to your iPhone, and their battery status will display on your screen. Tap on ‘Done.’
If the pop-up doesn’t appear, place the open AirPods case close to your iPhone (within a few inches) and wait a moment. The proximity detection can take a few seconds to kick in. You can also try closing and reopening the case lid.
Play Music on Two Pairs of AirPods
With the second pair of AirPods connected to your iPhone, you can control the audio from various AirPlay menus, including the Apple Music app, the ‘Now Playing’ widget in the ‘Control Center,’ and the lock screen.
To use the AirPlay menu in the Control Center:
1. Access the ‘Control Center’ by swiping down from the upper-right corner of your iPhone’s screen or the bottom area if you have an iPhone with a Home button.
2. Press and hold the ‘Now Playing’ widget to expand it.
3. Tap the ‘AirPlay’ button.
4. You’ll see all available audio output devices. If your AirPods are connected, they’ll be shown as the current output device. Tap the empty checkmark box next to the second pair of AirPods.
5. Both sets of AirPods will now be used as the audio output on your iPhone, and you can control the audio for both sets independently or together.
6. Adjust the volume for each set of AirPods using the slider under each.
One nice detail: each listener can set their own volume level independently. If your friend prefers louder audio, they can crank it up without affecting your volume. This makes Audio Sharing practical for situations where two people have different listening preferences.
There’s an alternative method to share audio from one iPhone to two sets of AirPods without the initial setup process.
Our article on how to connect AirPods to Windows 10 covers related ground and is worth a look.
This feature requires an iPhone 8 or later, running iOS 13 or higher, due to the Bluetooth 5.0 technology requirement for smooth audio sharing.
1. Ensure both iPhones are running iOS 13 or higher. Then, place your friend’s iPhone on top of yours.
2. A pop-up notification will appear on your iPhone, asking if you’d like to share audio with your friend’s AirPods.
3. Ensure your AirPods are connected, then open the ‘Control Center.’
4. Tap the AirPlay icon in the music controls.
5. Your friend should keep their AirPods in the charging case open and hold them close to your iPhone.
6. When their AirPods appear in the Control Center, tap ‘Share Audio.’
7. Once your friend places the AirPods in their ears, they will hear whatever is playing on your iPhone.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Audio Sharing usually works without a hitch, but here are a few things to try if you run into problems.
AirPods won’t show up: Make sure both sets of AirPods have charged batteries and are close to the iPhone. Reset the AirPods by placing them in the case, closing the lid for 30 seconds, then opening it again and holding the setup button until the light flashes white.
Audio cuts out or skips: Bluetooth range is typically around 30 feet. If you move too far from the iPhone, the connection might drop. Also, areas with a lot of wireless interference (like crowded airports or convention centers) can affect the signal. Try moving closer to the phone or away from sources of interference.
Volume out of sync: If one pair seems much louder or quieter than the other, check the individual volume sliders in the AirPlay menu. Also, make sure both sets of AirPods have clean speaker grilles. Earwax buildup can reduce volume on one side.
Feature not available: If you’re using an iPhone 7 or older, Audio Sharing won’t work because those models don’t support Bluetooth 5.0. The same applies to very old AirPods firmware. Update your AirPods firmware by connecting them to your iPhone and leaving them on the charger for a while.
Audio Sharing and Streaming Apps
Audio Sharing works with most apps that output audio on your iPhone. That includes Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, and podcast apps. Basically, if your iPhone can play the audio, both connected AirPods will hear it.
One thing to keep in mind: Audio Sharing works in stereo for both listeners. Each person gets the full left and right channels, which is a big upgrade over the old trick of splitting a single pair of earbuds.
If you’re watching a movie together, both listeners can also use Spatial Audio (on supported AirPods models) for a more immersive experience. Head tracking adjusts the sound based on each person’s head position independently.
Final Thought
Thanks to Apple’s Audio Sharing feature, sharing audio on your iPhone has never been easier. You and your friend can now enjoy the same music or movie together without sharing earbuds.
The feature works reliably across all current AirPods models and recent Beats products in 2026. Whether you’re on a road trip, killing time at an airport, or just hanging out at home, connecting two sets of AirPods to one iPhone takes about 30 seconds and works every time.
