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To switch AirPods Max to a particular Apple device, select them in that device’s audio output controls. Automatic switching can move audio between supported devices signed in to the same Apple Account, but manual selection is the more predictable option when you want to choose the destination yourself.
Switch AirPods Max manually
Wear the headphones near the device you want to use, then choose AirPods Max as its audio destination.
iPhone or iPad
- Open Now Playing, the Lock Screen playback controls, or Control Centre.
- Tap the AirPlay or audio destination control.
- Choose AirPods Max.
Mac
- Open Control Centre in the menu bar.
- Choose Bluetooth, then select AirPods Max. If they are not listed, open Control Centre > Sound and check for them there.
Apple Watch
- Press the side button to open Control Centre.
- Tap Playback Destination, then choose AirPods Max.
Apple TV
- Press and hold the TV/Control Centre button on the Siri Remote.
- Open the General Settings tab, choose Audio Controls, and select AirPods Max.
Apple Vision Pro
- Open Control Centre and its additional controls.
- Tap Now Playing, then select AirPods Max.
How automatic switching works
Apple supports automatic switching for all AirPods Max models among iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. The devices must be updated to current operating systems and signed in to the same Apple Account with two-factor authentication enabled. Apple describes examples such as audio moving from Mac playback to an iPhone podcast, or a call routing to AirPods when answered on Apple Watch; behavior can vary by app and playback event. Apple’s switching guidance gives the current requirements and examples.
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Automatic switching is convenient when you move between devices, while manually selecting AirPods Max gives you direct control over the destination.
#1 Best Overall
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
Turn off automatic switching
If you prefer not to have audio move automatically, Apple lets you disable the feature on supported playback devices. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information button next to AirPods Max, and change the connection setting there. See Apple’s instructions for switching AirPods for the relevant device controls.
If AirPods Max do not appear on your Mac
- Put on AirPods Max, then open Control Centre > Sound and select them.
- If they are missing, open System Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Hold the listening mode button on AirPods Max until the status light flashes white.
- Under Nearby Devices, select AirPods Max. Apple’s AirPods Max connection guide describes this pairing fallback.
Account setup requirement
AirPods Max can be associated with one Apple Account for features such as automatic switching and Find My. After setup with an iPhone or iPad, Apple says they are set up automatically with supported devices signed in to iCloud using that same account. Apple’s AirPods Max setup information covers account association.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Rank #4
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
Rank #3
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
Rank #2
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE—Powered by the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 delivers improved high-fidelity audio with deep bass, expansive mids, and crisp highs for an unparalleled listening experience.
- TUNE OUT THE NOISE—Up to 1.5x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, fully immersing you in every sound.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU—Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. Conversation Awareness lowers the volume of what’s playing to make it easy to talk to those around you.* And Transparency lets outside sounds in so you can interact with your surroundings.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound tuned to your unique ear shape and dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max 2 delivers an immersive listening experience that surrounds you with theater-like sound.
- COMMUNICATE ACROSS LANGUAGES—Simply press and hold the listening mode button to activate Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence,* which automatically translates the language someone is speaking into your preferred language.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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