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To change where audio plays on an iPhone 12, start playback, open Control Center, the Lock Screen, or the app’s Now Playing screen, tap the Playback Destination button, then choose an available device. You can select the iPhone to return playback to the phone.

Change the audio destination

  1. Start playing audio in an app, such as Music or Podcasts.

  2. Open Control Center or the Lock Screen. You can also use the app’s Now Playing screen.

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  3. Tap the Playback Destination button, often shown with an AirPlay-style icon.

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  4. Choose iPhone or an available accessory from the destination list. Playback moves to the selected device.

The choices shown depend on which destinations are available to the phone; not every route appears in every app.

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Choose the right kind of destination

Bluetooth headphones or speakers

Select a Bluetooth accessory when it is available to the iPhone. If the accessory moves out of Bluetooth range, Apple says Bluetooth playback returns to the iPhone.

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AirPlay devices

AirPlay options can include HomePod, Apple TV 4K, AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs, and compatible speakers. The device must be available for it to appear as a destination.

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Play through the iPhone

Choose iPhone in the destination picker to move playback back to the phone. You do not need to turn Bluetooth off just to select a different output.

If the device you want is missing

  • For Bluetooth, check that the accessory is connected and within range.

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  • For an AirPlay 2 device that does not appear, check that it and the iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network.

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  • Reconnect an accessory if its connection was interrupted. Routes can also change automatically when an audio device is connected or removed, such as when headphones are plugged in or a USB audio interface is unplugged.

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Why audio routes can differ

Apple’s technical documentation identifies several audio routes, including the built-in speaker and receiver, Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Bluetooth A2DP, USB audio, HDMI, headphones, and AirPlay. Which one is relevant depends on the connected hardware and the kind of audio being played; the list is not a promise that every destination will be available in every app or situation.

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.