To use AirPods Custom EQ, connect a supported pair, open its settings on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and choose Audio & Routing > Equalizer > Custom. Adjust the Low, Mid, and High sliders while listening; select Recommended to turn Custom EQ off.
Which AirPods have Custom EQ?
Apple lists Custom EQ for AirPods 4 or later, AirPods Pro 2 or later, and AirPods Max 2. It is not documented as available on every AirPods generation. If Custom is missing, first check that your model is in one of these supported groups and that the AirPods are connected. Apple Support’s supported-model guidance identifies these generations.
How do I use the custom EQ on AirPods?
Wear the supported AirPods and connect them to the device you are using. The setting is associated with the selected AirPods.
On iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings while the AirPods are connected.
- Tap the name of your AirPods at the top of Settings.
- Go to Audio & Routing > Equalizer > Custom.
- Drag Low, Mid, and High up or down, listening to the result as you adjust.
On Mac
- Open System Settings with the AirPods connected.
- Select your AirPods in the sidebar.
- Go to Audio & Routing > Equalizer > Custom.
- Adjust the Low, Mid, and High sliders to taste.
What do the Low, Mid, and High sliders change?
Custom EQ lets you personalize the AirPods’ sound signature across three bands: Low, Mid, and High. Apple does not specify numeric frequency ranges or decibel values for the sliders, or settings that are best for particular music styles. Make small adjustments and listen rather than relying on a universal recipe.
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To stop using your custom adjustment, return to the Equalizer menu and choose Recommended.
Does the EQ setting carry over to other devices?
Yes. Apple says Custom EQ settings are stored on the AirPods and carry over to other paired devices. You do not need to recreate the adjustment separately on each paired device.
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Is Custom EQ the same as Headphone Accommodations?
No. Custom EQ is the three-slider Low/Mid/High control. Headphone Accommodations is an accessibility feature for hearing-related adjustments, including sound tuning and amplification; it also lets you choose whether adjustments apply to calls and media. On supported AirPods Pro, it includes controls for Transparency mode. Find it in Accessibility settings, not in the Custom EQ menu. See Apple’s Headphone Accommodations guide.
Quick Recap
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- Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music
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- 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.*
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