Got a new pair of AirPods or AirPods Pro this Christmas? You are very welcome! You have just received your AirPods Pro or AirPods Pro. Here are some things you should know to make the most of them. AirPods are the best wireless earbuds because of their ease-of-use and convenience.
If you are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem or even have any other Apple product other than an iPhone, you will realize just how beautifully and easily the AirPods integrate into that ecosystem. So, without further ado, below are the top 10 things that you must do with your new AirPods or AirPods Pro.
Top Things to Do with Your New AirPods or AirPods Pro
1. Understand the Status Light
It is important that you know what the status light on the charging case of your AirPods or AirPods Pro mean. You can determine the state of your AirPods by the color that the light flashes.
No light: Your AirPods are dead and need to be charged.
Amber light with AirPods in case: AirPods are charging.
Amber light without AirPods in case: There’s less than a full recharge remaining in the AirPods case.
Green light without AirPods in case: there’s more than one full recharge remaining in AirPods case.
White flashing light: AirPods have been reset and are ready to connect.
Amber flashing light: AirPods have a pairing error and might need to be reset.
2. Pair AirPods with Android or Windows
Got the AirPods or AirPods Pro as a gift for Christmas but don’t own an iPhone? You don’t have to worry about it, as wireless headphones can be used with any Android phone. The AirPods can easily be paired with Android devices because they support Bluetooth. To pair the AirPods, simply press the button at the bottom of the charging case. Next, go to Bluetooth on your Android device and pair wireless headphones.
You can connect your AirPods with a Windows computer by following this tutorial. Although you will not be able to access certain iPhone features such as “Hey Siri” and other gestures, the AirPods can still connect to a Windows PC by following this guide.
3. Hey Siri
Easily one of the most useful features of the AirPods is the always-on “Hey Siri” support. To get Siri’s attention, you can say “Hey Siri”, then it will ask Siri to play music, call someone in your contacts, or ask for directions. You don’t even have to reach for your phone once.
4. Water-Resistance
Depending on whether you got the AirPods or the AirPods Pro this Christmas, you need to be careful in how you handle it. They do not have an IP certificate, which means they can’t withstand water or sweat. Although your AirPods may survive the wash cycle in the washer, it does not mean they are immune to liquids. You should also avoid using your AirPods when you exercise.
The IPX4 rating of the AirPods Pro means they can withstand splashes. They are suitable for use while exercising or in the rain. They will not survive if they are dropped in the pool.
5. Track Lost AirPods
Sooner or later, you are bound to misplace your AirPods. Wireless earbuds are easy to misplace, which is what makes them so convenient. This guide will help you locate your AirPods and the charging case if you find yourself in an awkward situation.
6. Tips and Tricks
There are a lot of other new features that your new AirPods or AirPods Pro pack. You can get the best out of your AirPods depending on the model.
- AirPods Tips and Tricks
- AirPods Pro Tips and Tricks
7. Customize the Gestures
The AirPods come with a double-tap gesture that can be used to trigger Siri, play/pause music, etc. You can modify the gestures for certain actions. This guide will help you customize your AirPods’ double tap gestures.
On the AirPods Pro you can also customize Force Sensor actions.
8. Ear Tip Fit Test
If you got the AirPods Pro, you can take the Ear Tip Fit test to find out which silicone ear tips fit your ears the best. This test involves listening to a song for approximately five seconds. It will help determine the right ear tip size. This test will help you determine which ear size is best for each ear. You do not need to have the exact same ear tips for both ears.
You can find the Ear Tip Fit test option under Settings -> Bluetooth and tapping the ‘i’ button next to your AirPods Pro.
9. Get Siri to Announce Messages
You can get Siri to automatically announce all new messages while you are wearing your AirPods or AirPods Pro. You won’t have to go back and check your iPhone each time you get a message. You can also use Hey Siri detection to send messages to Siri.
10. Spatial Audio
If you have the AirPods Pro, you need to experience Spatial Audio to know just how magical the AirPods Pro can sound. Spatial Audio uses dynamic head tracking by Apple to create a surround sound experience. The sound surrounds the user, and the voices come from the front. Spatial Audio is magical once you have experienced it. Apple TV+ currently supports Spatial Audio. You can enable Spatial Audio from your AirPods Pro or AirPods Pro. To do this, go to Settings -> Bluetooth and tap on the AirPods Pro name to activate the Spatial Audio toggle.
How are you liking your new AirPods or AirPods Pro? How are you liking the new AirPods or AirPods Pro? Leave a comment to share your first impressions with us.