Have you ever shared a room with the kids, and needed to watch something while they were asleep? You just might need an iPad and two pairs of AirPods.
Taking entertainment to go for parents often means grabbing their phone and watching something there, but did you know the iPad can actually work with two Bluetooth pairs at once?
It’s one of those features that isn’t talked about very often, probably because it’s not used all that often. An iPad can be a little like a phone, and used by just one person. When shared, you’re probably using the speakers to play something out loud, like a movie or a trailer.
But what if you want to share what’s on an iPad without using the speakers?
Like if you’re in a crowded coffee shop or a hotel room, and you need to share what’s on screen with someone else. What then?
Two AirPods, one iPad
A little known feature of Apple phones and tablets is their ability to send audio to more than one device at a time wirelessly.
The feature only works with devices made by Apple and Beats, so owners of the AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and any recent pair made by Beats can try this, but you can’t mix and match with other brands.
For instance, if you have a pair of AirPods 3 and your partner has Bose QC Buds, Apple’s approach will only work with one at a time. However, if you’re both rocking Apple buds and cans, it’s quite easy to set up.
Simply make sure both earphones or headphones are paired to the device (iPhone or iPad), and then swipe down to get your power control menu. From there, with both devices switched on and paired (usually on your hear or in your ears), check each.
Both will be added to a group, and you’ll be able to stream sound directly to two pairs from either an iPhone or iPad.
Editor’s note: at the time this article was published, Pickr’s editor was on holiday for the first time in nearly a decade, using the very tip in this article!
