Switch AirPods between iPad and other devices

When your other iOS and iPadOS devices are signed in with the same Apple ID as your iPad, your AirPods seamlessly connect to whichever device you’re listening to. (On supported AirPods and Beats headphones; iOS 14, iPadOS 14, or later required; iOS 14.3, iPadOS 14.3, or later required for AirPods Max.)

For example, if you’re listening to your iPhone with AirPods but you want to listen to your iPad instead, start playing music, a podcast, or other audio on your iPad—your AirPods switch to iPad.

Switch AirPods back to your iPad

If your AirPods switch from your iPad to another device but you want them to stay connected to your iPad, tap (in the “Moved to” notice at the top of the iPad screen).

To stop AirPods from automatically switching between devices, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap next to the name of your AirPods, tap Connect to This iPad, then tap When Last Connected to This iPad.

Choose between AirPods and other playback devices for your iPad audio

Tap in Control Center, on the Lock Screen, or in the Now Playing controls for the app you’re listening to.
Select your AirPods or another device.

Helpful?

iPad User Guide

Switch AirPods between iPad and other devices

Switch AirPods back to your iPad

Choose between AirPods and other playback devices for your iPad audio