FAQ: Tips, Tricks and Facts to Know About Your AirPods or AirPods Pro

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Apple AirPods are wildly popular wireless headphones. That means that there’s a good chance you already own them or are possibly thinking about buying them. But while they’re pretty simple to use, you may still have questions about certain aspects of the AirPods experience. Here are some frequently asked AirPods questions that you should know the answer to.

How Are AirPods Different Than Other Wireless Headphones?

AirPods are Bluetooth wireless headphones. But they’re actually a bit different than most options on the market — and may be a better choice for Apple users.

That’s because AirPods have proprietary Apple wireless tech inside of them, which offers nearly instant and seamless pairing. Once paired, users can also take advantage of options like hands-free Hey Siri and strong wireless performance.

What’s the Difference Between AirPods and AirPods Pro?

Apple currently has two versions of its popular wireless headphones available: AirPods and AirPods Pro.

AirPods are the cheaper of the two. They offer great sound quality and a fit that’s similar to old Apple EarPods.

AirPods Pro, on the other hand, feature interchangeable silicone ear tips, increased water resistance and Active Noise Cancelation.

Can I Charge AirPods with a High-Wattage Charger?

AirPods and AirPods Pro can be charged via Lighting cable or wirelessly (although you’ll need to have the Qi-compatible charging case for standard AirPods). That’s pretty simple, but some users may be wondering about more powerful or higher-wattage chargers.

Higher-wattage chargers can put a strain on your AirPods battery over time, so lower-wattage ones like Apple’s 5W charger are probably best. With that being said, you can use any charger — as long as it’s a well-made one from a reputable company.

How Do You Know If AirPods Have Water Damage?

AirPods and AirPods Pro have varying levels of water resistance. But that doesn’t mean they’re waterproof. In fact, a trip into a pool or through the washing machine will likely damage or completely ruin your AirPods.

And there isn’t really a way for you (or an Apple tech) to find out if your AirPods are water damaged since they don’t have a liquid indicator. Some potential signs of water damage could include distorted audio, glitchy performance or an AirPod that simply won’t turn on.

How Can I Make AirPods Louder?

AirPods and AirPods Pro offer great sound quality. But, for some users, their loudness may not be enough. That’s especially true for first- and second-generation AirPods, which don’t offer an enclosed fit. But there are ways you can pump up the volume.

  1. First, make sure your iPhone isn’t in low-power mode.
  2. You’ll also want to head to Settings > Music and play around with the Volume Limit and Sound Check setting.
  3. You can also try using the EQ setting in this same menu to boost the sound of AirPods using the Loudness option, although sometimes OFF may be the loudest setting.

Do You Need to Update AirPods?

AirPods don’t have a traditional operating system that needs to be updated, but they do have firmware. And the company actually releases firmware updates periodically that you should download.

As far as how, it’s not really intuitive. Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iOS device and keep them within its range. From there, the firmware should be updated automatically. You should check which version of the firmware you’re running by going to Settings > General > About with your AirPods connected to your iPhone.

How Long Will AirPods Batteries Last Before I Need to Replace Them?

AirPods have lithium-ion batteries which are finite. That means, over time, their battery life and battery performance will degrade just like any other electronic device. How long that degradation will take will vary, however.

It really depends on how often you charge your AirPods and how you use them. Battery life may begin to dip after a few months. And while the newer AirPods Pro isn’t old enough to determine battery aging, original AirPods are starting to show signs of battery decay after about two years.

Can I Swap AirPods Batteries?

Technically, no. While Apple doesn’t call AirPods disposable, there’s no way for the company (or any repair technician) to diagnose battery health or swap the battery without destroying the AirPods. That means, eventually, you’ll have to recycle them.

With that being said, there’s a certain code word that you can use at an Apple Store to get a replacement pair of AirPods at a discount. When taking your AirPods in, just use the phrase “battery service.”

How Can I Find Lost AirPods?

Because of their small size and slick form factor, AirPods are fairly prone to getting lost or misplaced. But, like with other Apple devices, you can actually use the Find My app to locate them and even play a sound if they’re nearby.

As long as your AirPods are connected to your Apple ID, you should be able to see them in the Find My app. AirPods don’t, however, offer their own cellular connection, so if they aren’t nearby you may only see a last known location.

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