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If you can’t find an Off option for your AirPods, first connect them to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and open their settings. On AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3, you may need to enable Off Listening Mode before Off appears in the Listening Mode selector. If the switch is missing, check Audio & Routing on the AirPods settings page.
Enable Off on AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3
Apple requires an additional setting for these models: turn on Off Listening Mode before selecting Off as the current mode. Follow the steps on the device connected to your AirPods.
On iPhone or iPad
- Connect your AirPods, then open Settings.
- Tap the name of your AirPods near the top of Settings.
- Find Off Listening Mode. If it is not visible, open Audio & Routing and look there.
- Turn on Off Listening Mode.
- Return to the Listening Mode selector and choose Off.
On Mac
- Connect your AirPods, then open System Settings.
- Select your AirPods in the sidebar.
- Enable Off Listening Mode. If the control is not visible, check Audio & Routing.
- Choose Off in the Listening Mode selector.
Apple lists iOS 18.1 or later, iPadOS 18.1 or later, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later as compatible host software for Off Listening Mode on AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3. See Apple’s instructions for Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes.
Why the setting may not appear on your AirPods
The Off Listening Mode prerequisite described above is specific to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3. Listening modes and available controls differ among AirPods families, so the same switch should not be expected on every model. Check the controls for your specific model and make sure the connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac is running compatible software. Apple’s guide to switching listening modes covers AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
#1 Best Overall
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
What changes when you select Off
On AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3, selecting Off disables Hearing Protection features. If you want those features active, leave Listening Mode set to a supported mode instead. Apple’s AirPods settings guide provides model-specific information about changing AirPods controls.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
- Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you
- Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears
- Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit
Rank #4
- Automatically on, automatically connected
- Easy setup for all your Apple devices
- Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
- Double-tap to play or skip forward
- New Apple H1 headphone chip delivers faster wireless connection to your devices
Rank #3
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation help reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
Rank #2
- 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.*
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