As is typical for Apple, using the AirPods is relatively simple. Simply open the case, pair the in-ears with the iPhone, plug the headphones into your ear and you're done. However, you can also set a few options on the AirPods to adapt the operation of the in-ears to your preferences. We explain which settings can be made.

Set AirPods

The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) with wireless charging case. Image: © YouTube / Apple World 2019

The normal AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) are operated by tapping on the side of the in-ears. The Siri voice assistant is usually started with a double tap – but you can change this function if you wish. You have to do this:

1. Connect AirPods to iPhone
2. "Settings> Bluetooth> tap the i-symbol next to AirPods> change the function of double tap> select left or right"
3. Instead of Siri, you can now also set the following functions for double-tapping: play, pause or end audio content / jump to the next track / jump to the previous track
4. Different functions can be assigned to the left and right headphones

In addition to double-tapping, you can also change the following options in the AirPods settings:

• Activate or deactivate automatic ear detection
• Set the microphone to Always Left, Always Right, or Automatic
• Disconnect AirPods from iPhone

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Set AirPods Pro

The AirPods have a pressure sensor integrated in the stem. Picture:

Similar to the normal AirPods (1st and 2nd generation), you can also change various settings on the AirPods Pro with noise canceling. The in-ears are not operated by tapping, instead you have to press the stem of the headphones.

1. Connect AirPods Pro to iPhone
2. "Settings> Bluetooth> tap the i-symbol next to AirPods Pro> press and hold AirPods> left or right"
3. By default, the noise control and the change between "Noise Suppression" and "Transparency" are set here
4. You can also add the "Off" mode with a blue tick or set Siri instead of the noise control. Additional options such as volume control on normal AirPods are not available with AirPods Pro. Here you either have to use Siri or change the volume via iPhone or Apple Watch.
5. You can pause audio content on the AirPods Pro by briefly pressing the handle. This setting cannot be changed.

In addition to holding down, you can also change the following options in the AirPods Pro settings:

• Change noise control
• Fit test for ear tips
• Activate or deactivate automatic ear detection
• Connect to iPhone automatically
• Enable or disable 3D audio
• Set the microphone to Always Left, Always Right, or Automatic
• Activate or deactivate optimized charging of the battery
• Disconnect AirPods Pro from iPhone

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Bonus: rename headphones

If you don't like the generic name "AirPods (Pro) from xxx", you can change it like with many Bluetooth devices. For this, the AirPods (Pro) must be connected to the iPhone (an open case is sufficient). Then go to "Bluetooth" in the Settings app and tap the i symbol next to the AirPods. Now tap on the "Name" field and then enter a new name for your AirPods. Then tap "Done".