Control AirPods by tapping
The AirPods do not have their own remote control, because they are completely wireless. Still, you can use some features by simply tapping an AirPod twice. You have all kinds of choices, for example for Siri or choosing the next song. In this tip we explain step by step how to set up and use AirPods by tapping them. But tapping on AirPods doesn’t work on all models. We’ll show you how it’s done.
- Suitable models
- Set taps
- Use tap
Tapping AirPods: These are suitable models
The feature allows you to easily control the music via your AirPods. Tapping an AirPod to summon Siri, skip to the next song, or pause music only works on the long-stem AirPods models. These are these versions:
- AirPods (first generation, 2016)
- AirPods (second generation, 2019)
If you have the AirPods Pro or third generation AirPods from 2021, controlling music on the AirPods works slightly differently, namely by pressing the stems. This contains a pressure sensor.
Tap Set Up AirPods
Tapping on the earphones works thanks to the built-in sensors that detect touch and movement.
By default, you activate Siri by briefly tapping an AirPod twice while wearing it. This can be done on both the right and left. If you prefer not to use Siri, you can set the tapping so that you directly control the music. You can also choose a different setting for each ear.
iPhone and iPad
How to set up tapping on the AirPods on the iPhone and iPad works as follows:
- Open the Settings app on an iPhone or iPad connected to the AirPods.
- Go to Bluetooth and tap the blue i behind the AirPods. If you use iOS 16 or newer, you can also tap directly on the AirPods from Settings.
- Under the heading Double tap on AirPods you can adjust all kinds of settings for each individual AirPod. You can choose from Siri, Play/Pause, Next Track, Previous Track or Off.
So you decide what happens when you tap an AirPod twice in quick succession. In addition to this setting, you can adjust more settings for the AirPods in this screen. For example, you can disable automatic ear detection and set which AirPod’s microphone is used by default: always left, always right or automatic. Furthermore, you can disconnect the connection if you wish.
Does tapping not work even though you have set the settings correctly? Then check whether access to Siri from the Lock screen is enabled. You can check this via Settings > Face ID/Touch ID and passcode. Under the heading Access when locked, you must enable the switch for Siri.
Mac
You can also set it up on the Mac. You do this as follows:
- Make sure your AirPods are connected to your Mac.
- Go to System Preferences/System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Click on Options behind your AirPods.
- Choose the desired setting for your left and right AirPod.
What is good to know is that the setting is saved per device and not per set of AirPods. This means that you can save different settings on the Mac than on iOS.
Using Tap on AirPods: Where exactly should you tap?
You use this function by tapping an AirPod twice in quick succession while it is in your ear. The spot where you have to tap is quite large, but it doesn’t work everywhere. Tapping the stick is pointless, because the AirPod does not respond to it. The image below shows what you can tap on (green) and what you cannot tap on (red).
Looking for more AirPods tips? Then check out our tips overview for AirPods, in which we have listed the very best and most practical tips for your AirPods.
