Up to this day, the AirPods only had limited usability in terms of performing different functions using your iPhone. It was possible to activate Siri or Play and Pause media by double tapping the right or left AirPod but that was it. However, one of the goodies included in iOS 11 is the added functionality for AirPods. There are now much more varied and diversified controls for users for both the left and right AirPods. In this article, we are going to teach you how to change AirPods shortcuts and use them like a pro.

change airpods shortcuts

How to Customize Apple AirPods Shortcuts

Here, we will take a look at how to apply specific controls for each AirPod as well as to change AirPods shortcuts.

Double tap Shortcut Functions on AirPods

iOS 11 will allow users to set shortcuts via AirPods for each of these functions:

  • Siri
  • Play/Pause
  • Off
  • Next Track
  • Previous Track

How to Change AirPods Shortcuts for Double Tap

Step 1: To start, you need to ensure the AirPods are connected to your iPhone. This is important for the simple reason that if they aren’t the device will not detect them and the customization menu won’t appear. Once they successfully connected you will hear an affirmative chime.

edit airpods shortcuts

Step 2: After connection, go to Settings -> Bluetooth and tap the encircled ‘(i)’ next to AirPods.

Step 3: You will appear at a new menu and here you can choose what function you want the double tap operation to do for both your right and left AirPods individually. For instance, you can set the Right AirPod to activate Play/Pause and the Left AirPod for Siri. After you’re done tap ‘Back’ to return.

customize airpods shortcuts

Step 4: Once you have set the functions to how you want them just press ‘Back’ and you’re all done! Find a combination that feels most natural and suits your style of usage best.

Read Next: How to Clean your Apple AirPods

This could be the beginning of Apple investing more effort into making the AirPods more functional and useful for users. Hopefully we will be seeing hardware which will allow users to make even more gestures and provide more functionality.

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Stephan Popov
When iDevice users experience problems with the iOS software or unlocking, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My passion is providing answers to your problems. I help iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users by recommending fixes for common iOS bugs and tools that improves your experience. I conduct in-depth research for every topic i cover on this blog, to ensure that I cover everything Apple users need to troubleshoot their issues. When not writing for UnlockBoot, i enjoy swimming in my backyard pool. P.S. i prefers the Maldives for holidays. Connect with me on Facebook, Google Plus and Twitter.