Share audio with AirPods or Beats headphones

With the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, you and a friend can both listen with AirPods or Beats wireless headphones to audio from your iPhone or iPad.

Here's what you need

You need a compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, and you both need compatible wireless headphones.¹

How to start sharing

Connect your AirPods or AirPods Pro, your AirPods Max, or your Beats headphones to your iOS or iPadOS device.
Tap the AirPlay button in Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, on the Lock Screen, or in the app that you're listening to.
Tap Share Audio.
If your friend has AirPods or AirPods Pro, hold them close to your device with the AirPods inside the case and open the lid. If your friend has AirPods Max, hold them close to your device. If your friend has Beats wireless headphones, put them in pairing mode and hold them close to your device.
When you see your friend's headphones appear on your screen, tap Share Audio.

ios15-iphone13-pro-control-center-audio-card-playing-airpods-max

How to control audio

You can change the volume and play, pause, and stop your audio with the controls that are on the Lock Screen or in Control Center on your iPhone or iPad. Drag the volume slider for either set of headphones, or drag the volume slider at the bottom to control the volume of both headphones.

You and your friend can also control the audio with the controls on your headphones. If you change the volume with headphone controls, only those headphones are affected.

iPhone Control Center Now Playing shared audio

How to stop sharing

To stop sharing, tap the AirPlay button in Control Center on your iPhone or iPad, on the Lock Screen, or in the app that you're listening to.

Tap the checkmark next to the headphones you want to stop sharing with. When you stop sharing audio, you also disconnect the second set of headphones.