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Apple AirPods: Answering Calls and Making Them

Last Updated May 1, 2021

The entire world knows about the Apple AirPods. These wireless earpieces from Apple have revolutionized how people listen to music. Now that there are no wires to detangle, convenience becomes the primary feature. AirPods as well as the AirPods Pro include state-of-the-art integrated touch controls. Each earpiece features beamforming microphones which let you answer incoming and make calls while you have the earphones on. You can also disconnect the call once you’re done.

For this article, we are going to give you a thorough guide on how to answer calls with AirPods alongside making calls and hanging up. You will be able to continue your conversation hands-free once you get the hang of it.

How to Make, Answer, and End Calls with Apple AirPods

When Apple uses the term “true wireless” to define their AirPods, they mean it. Just by touching the buds sitting in your ear, you can start and stop music, adjust the volume, and answer calls too.

However, how to answer calls with AirPods will differ from one version to another. As of this writing, four unique variants of the AirPods are available on the market, and all come with their special set of capabilities. Disclaimer: For all of these methods to work, you will need to pair the AirPods with a functioning iPhone.

Make a Call and Answer with AirPods Max

Place a call to a number: Say “Hey Siri,” and make sure Siri is activated. Now, say the name of the person you wish to make a call to: “Call Anna’s mobile.” Alternatively, press and old the Digital Crown. You should hear a chime; make the request after that.
Answer or disconnect a call: Press the Digital Crown.
Reject an incoming call and directly send it to voicemail: Double-press on Digital Crown.
Put first call on hold and answer a second one: To answer a new call while you’re already on one, press the Digital Crown. There are two routes you can take after this: 1. Press the Digital Crown to switch between calls, or, 2. Double-press the Digital Crown to disconnect the present call to revert to the one on hold.

Note: Volume can be adjusted while on call. Simply turn the Digital Crown.

Make and answer calls with Apple AirPods Pro

Make a call: Summon Siri with a “Hey Siri,” and say the usual “Call [NAME]’s mobile.”

Note: Either of the AirPods can be configured to call Siri when you press down on the Force Sensor. The Force is located at the upper edge of the stem. It’s easy to find when you have the AirPods in your ear.

Answer or disconnect a call: Press the Force Sensor. Either of the AirPods will work.
Reject an incoming call and directly send it to voicemail: Double-press on the Force Sensor.
Put first call on hold and answer a second one: To answer a new call while you’re already on one, press the Force Sensor. After this, you can do any of the following: 1. Press the Force Sensor to switch between the calls, or, 2. To disconnect the present call and switch to the held one, double-press on the Force Sensor.

Make and answer calls with 2nd Generation AirPods

Make a call: Summon Siri with a “Hey Siri,” and say the usual “Call [NAME]’s mobile.”

Note: Either of the AirPods can be configured to call Siri when with a double tap.

Answer or disconnect a call: Double-tap any of the AirPods.
Put first call on hold and answer a second one: To answer a new call while you’re already on one, double-tap on either of the AirPods. Repeat the process if you want to switch between calls.

Make and answer calls with 1st Generation AirPods

Make a call: Double-tap any one of the AirPods to call out to Siri, wait till you hear a chime and then make the request.
Answer or disconnect a call: Double-tap any of the AirPods.
Put first call on hold and answer a second one: To answer a new call while you’re already on one, double-tap on either of the AirPods. Repeat the process if you want to switch between calls.

Customizing Your Apple AirPods

The AirPods aren’t any generic piece of earphones that do the job just for the sake of it. No, they offer you the entire experience. That starts from incredible audio quality to personalization and tweaked settings. Here’s how you can set the microphone to one earpiece at a time or both. This only works if you have a 1st, 2nd generation AirPods or the AirPods Pro.

First, go to Settings and then Bluetooth. Find the “i” beside the AirPods options and select that. Tap Microphone and now you can choose an option.

Keeping it on Automatic would mean that either of the AirPods will function as a mic. Or, you can choose a specific one, like the left or right and only that will act as the microphone. Remember that when you choose Always Right or Always Left, your preferred AirPods becomes the mic even after you remove it from your ears or place it in the case.

As mentioned earlier, the AirPods Max don’t come with this feature. Instead, it offers other exciting features like Automatic Head Detection.

How to Get Apple AirPods to Announce Caller ID

If you get a call on your iPhone and have your AirPods are connected, you would typically have to catch a glimpse of the iPhone or Apple Watch to know who’s calling. But did you know your AirPods can announce it for you? Here’s how to enable this feature:

Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
Select “Phone” on the list.
Under the “Calls” heading, press Announce Calls.
Select “Headphones Only.”

Conclusion

Now that you know how to answer calls with Apple AirPods, your user experience with the iPhone and AirPods should be even better. Enjoy hands-free, uninterrupted calls all the time.

You can also read: What to Do When Your AirPods Sound Muffled

What to Do When Your AirPods Sound Muffled

Last Updated April 30, 2021

For AirPods users around the world, we know how you struggle with questions like “Why do my AirPods sound muffled?” every day. We have the solution you have been looking for!

An industry leader in mobiles, laptops, and mobile accessories, Apple was amongst the first few mobile computing companies to release wireless earbuds. To ensure customers could taste the best quality music, they came up with AirPods.

But, like with any other device, there are conflicts here and there. Despite their regular conformance to top-notch audio quality standards, the AirPods will disappoint you occasionally. Mostly it’s not even a raging issue; something that occurred due to the user’s negligence (No offense!)

Today, we go through solutions to the problems. But make sure your AirPods are fully charged at first.

Fixing the Muffled Sound from AirPods: How to Fix

1. Clean the AirPods

As gross as this might sound, a lot of people don’t have the regular habit of cleaning their headphones or earpieces. Many times the muffled sound from your AirPods are due to the fact that they haven’t been cleaned properly. If you didn’t know this already, a shocking amount of dirt can accumulate in the edges of the as well as the mesh of the AirPods.

Make sure to give them a good cleaning; doesn’t matter if the gunk is from your ears. You should know that even if you keep your eyes squeaky clean, the AirPods are likely to attract little specks of dirt or dust.

Pocket lint can get stuck inside, stopping the AirPods from giving best output. Ideally, clean them once every 3 to 6 months. This will also ensure good quality of your AirPods.

Make sure that they are clean before you try any other solution. In majority of cases, this method will fix the problem.

2. Make Sure There’s a Stable Bluetooth Connection

A stable Bluetooth connection is a prerequisite of good, uninterrupted playback. If you’ve tried cleaning out your gadgets but it’s not done you any good, there’s a probable Bluetooth connection issue.

Regardless of audio quality, it’s important to include AirPods cleaning as a part of standard maintenance. Bluetooth doesn’t take a large chunk of your battery, so there goes the issue of your battery decreasing too much over time. But you will get interference from time to time, and that’s usually okay if it’s only for a short span of time.

There can be a plethora of reasons your Bluetooth connection is facing interference, so you have to go through them one by one. Firstly, consider disabling every Bluetooth device nearby.

If you’re at home, signal from other Bluetooth frequencies might be causing disruptions and building a barrier between you and quality playback. For moments when you’re crowded by 20 other connections running at the same time, try shutting them off and see if that works.

Then, time for the classic solution: restart the Bluetooth connection by turning it off and then on again. But make sure to remove the pair from your phone and then repair.

Keep in mind that in particular cases, Mac devices don’t boast the most reliable Bluetooth connection skills. Here, it’s best to turn off the computer, wait for a while, and turn it on once more.

Remove any corrupt files from your system, if any. Fortunately, any software problem won’t take more than hour to fix. To check if the Bluetooth is functioning okay, run a standard diagnostics test.

3. Reset Your AirPods

Resetting your AirPods is an extreme measure, so don’t do this unless there’s no other resort. With that said, it can resolve a vast array of problems of different magnitudes. Many users have reported that resetting their AirPods also fixed its issues concerned with battery performance.

To reset your AirPods, start by holding down on the Setup button for at least 15 seconds. The change is a flashing white LED to be spotted on the case. At first it will turn white, followed by a quick flashing. This tells you that all connections have been removed and you can now pair your AirPods with your devices anew.

The pairing process isn’t some over-the-top, so don’t be afraid to reset them. It’s simply establishing a Bluetooth connection with another regular device. Once completed, check to see if the sound is suitable or not.

4. Check for Updates on Your iOS Device

Apple releases updated for iOS devices and AirPods in regular intervals, so it’s suggested that you keep a close eye on the update wing. Remember, it’s essential to make sure that apart from the firmware, the operating system on your device has to stay updated. If not ensure, there is likely to be a negative impact on the sound quality. Just check for updates casually from time to time.

After you’ve tried everything and nothing is helping you out despite your best efforts, we have a small bad news coming your way. The muffled sound may be due to a hardware issue, and that has to fixed by a professional. Don’t take your AirPods to a nearby local store to save a few coins. It’s an expensive gadget; only bring it to an official Apple Store.

You’ll be able to claim a replacement if the gadgets are still covered under warranty. If they are actually damaged, you can get them fixed right away by paying the company a small fee. It’s best to get it fixed by an expert instead of attempting it yourself. Worst case scenario you won’t even have a pair of AirPods to stress over.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been thinking “Why do my AirPods sound muffled?” there are quite a few viable answers for that. Thankfully, you don’t have to jump straight to “They’re broken” or “They’re unfixable!” Running through the aforementioned troubleshooting steps can save you time (and sometimes money).

You may also like to read: What To Do When The AirPods Mic is Not Working ?

How Much Do AirPods Cost

Last Updated April 28, 2021

Every day, new wireless earbuds from a number of manufacturers are released, but few are as common as Apple AirPods. Apple’s in-ear headphones are free of pesky wires and offer Bluetooth communication for fast compatibility with a range of smartphones, as well as charging cases to keep them charged on the go.

Product Description

Some models focus more on audio quality, while others prioritize convenience, design, and ease of use. Apple’s wireless earbuds have excellent all-around performance, distinctive styling, and a variety of versatile control choices, making them a favorite choice among consumers.

This is particularly valid if you want to use them with an Apple computer. While AirPod operates with almost every Bluetooth audio system, you can lose certain functionality, such as Siri and adjustable double-tap controls, if you use them with anything that isn’t an Apple product.

Product Pricing

There are three distinct AirPods models available, each within a different price range. The AirPods and AirPods Pro are the two main variants of the AirPod series. The regular AirPods with charging case are now $128.98 (originally $159.00), and there’s also a $149.99 (originally $199.00) version that includes a wireless charging case. The mainstay AirPods Pro version, on the other hand, costs $249.99, but you can get some main extra features, such as noise cancellation, for that higher price.

AirPods

View on Amazon

If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of all-around wireless earbuds, the latest edition of Apple’s standard AirPods is a good option. The AirPod have a simple white design and a basic fit. These plastic earbuds fit most ears easily, and the stem-like shape prevents them from slipping out. The overall design isn’t for all, but the design performs well.

The AirPods are operated by Apple’s H1 chip which works in tandem with motion accelerometers and optical sensors to detect when they’re in your ears. When you take them out of the box, they automatically attach to your iPhone through Bluetooth, making them a breeze to use with iOS devices. The AirPods can be controlled with your voice using Siri, and the earbuds also have touch sensitive buttons. The charging case will provide up to 24 hours of extra capacity, and the power consumption is rated at up to five hours of playing time on a single charge.

The regular AirPods, on the other hand, lack any sort of active noise cancellation. If you like AirPods that are best suited for loud conditions; you’ll have to pay a little extra for the Pro edition.

The AirPods (originally $159.00) are now available for $128.98 with a regular charging case. For $149.99 (originally $199.00), you can get a version with a wireless charging case that fits with Qi-compatible charging mats. If you buy the AirPods from Apple’s website, you can also get custom engraving for either event.

AirPods Pro

View on Amazon

Apple’s flagship AirPods Pro deliver a few main performance improvements that might make them worth the additional money for customers willing to pay a little more — particularly if you’re using them in loud places.

The AirPods Pro have the same H1 chip as the regular one, as well as Siri voice control and a quick setup procedure. The AirPods Pro also has active noise cancellation features with inward and outward-facing microphones, in addition to those features. This feature aims to reduce background noise so you can concentrate on your songs. You can also use the clarity mode to make it easy to hear what’s going on around you anytime you need to.

The earbuds’ physical specification has also been updated from the original, with shortened stems, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, and silicone tips (three sizes included) for an improved fit and seal. The earbuds’ drivers have also been updated, and there’s an optimized EQ mode for audio clarity that’s tailored to your ears’ shape.

Both AirPods Pro orders come with a wireless charging case as well. The earbuds’ battery life is estimated at five hours when active noise cancellation is turned off and 4.5 hours when active noise cancellation is turned on. The charging case will also have an additional 24 hours of battery life.

The AirPods Pro is now available for $249.99 on Amazon. When shopping from the Apple store, you can get a custom engraving on the shell, much like the regular AirPods edition.

What Happens If You Lose Them?

After the AirPods were introduced, the running joke has been that Apple will be laughing on the way towards the bank cos of the high maintenance costs if you missed a single AirPod.

If you only need a single replacement AirPod, it will set you back $69. You’ll just have to pay $69.00 for a new charging cable and case. I’m happy Apple is selling AirPods separately. It’s easy for one AirPod to fall out while the other stays in place, unlike wireless earbuds with a connecting cord that rests on the back of your neck.

The cost of a new package of AirPods (including the charger) is $159. Purchasing the three components individually would set you back $207. Individually, removing a single AirPod would be a cost-effective option.

And if you lose two over the successful lifetime, buying two substitutes is always (just) better than buying a new kit. However, as you multiply the losses by the millions of people who are expected to purchase a pair of AirPods, the additional gross income from single AirPods and repair cases over new units adds up.

They then offer a more cost-effective option, such as Amazon’s Echo Dot. Apple, on the other hand, has flipped the script on this type of product creation, as shown by the introduction of the AirPods Pro.

Concluding Remarks

Apple has changed the way it announces its Pro products, in addition to increasing the amount of products it offers. Apple, Google, and other tech giants have traditionally launched the full-featured app that consumers seek first. Take Amazon’s Echo smart speaker, for example.

The business begins with a simple product that has some but not all of the functionality that customers want, and then follows up with a feature-rich alternative that customers have been clamoring for all along.

You may also like to read: How To Connect Apple AirPods To Android Devices?

What To Do When The AirPods Mic is Not Working ?

Last Updated April 26, 2021

AirPods are amazing. The quality of sound is unlike any other. So playing music and talking to others feels pretty good. Now imagine you’re in an important work call and suddenly, your AirPods mic stops working. You can’t throw in your pitch anymore. What a nuisance!

Like every other wireless product, AirPods are not without their flaws. Wireless technology can be fickle. Especially since the number of signals increases exponentially. This is why we’re here to help you narrow down the symptoms of your problem and find the solutions for it!

Why Your AirPods Mic is Not Working

There could be a multitude of reasons why your AirPods mic suddenly stops working. Wireless technology is unpredictable. Luckily, most of these problems can be easily solved. Take a look at some of the potential reasons why your microphone stopped working.

1. It’s not sufficiently charged.

The most common reason for which the AirPods microphone doesn’t work is low battery. This is a quick fix. All you need to do is put the AirPods back in the case and place it on charge.

2. It accumulated dust.

Yep, you read it right. Too many dust particles can interfere with the microphone. This way, your voice wouldn’t be registered properly. It typically happens when you drop one of your AirPods or leave them out in the open regularly.

3. There’s a connectivity issue.

Sometimes, the problem is a simple pairing issue. Maybe your device isn’t picking up the AirPods signal. Or maybe it’s still connected with the previous device you used. Either way, just disconnect and reconnect.

4. The AirPods are damaged.

This is perhaps the worst case scenario. The microphone will obviously not work if the AirPods are damaged beyond repair. You might need to consider repairing or replacing them.

Things to Do When Your AirPods Mic Is Not Working

Now that you know about the four potential symptoms, let’s look at the solutions. These fixes should sort out your problems quickly!

A Simple Reconnection

Honestly, the simplest way is often the most effective one. Try putting your AirPods back in the case and re-establish the connection. If your mic was working just fine a while back, it’s probably not a major technical or hardware issue. This is why repairing helps the problem get sorted. Just follow these steps.

Step 1: Turn off Bluetooth.

Step 2: Place your AirPods in the case for a few seconds.

Step 3: Turn on Bluetooth and pair again.

This should do the trick! Or you can repair it from scratch.

Step 1: Remove the AirPods from the list of paired devices.

Step 2: Put it back in the case and close the cover.

Step 3: Press the button on the case for a few seconds and wait for it to light up.

Step 4: Pair your device with the AirPods again.

A Little Cleansing

When we say “clean” the microphone, we don’t mean strong scrubs. All you need is a dry, soft cotton swab. That, or a brush with soft bristles. This will help you clear out any dust. It’s best to clean the speaker mesh occasionally too.

Whatever you do, just be easy on the device! It should work in a jiffy. Where is the microphone located? AirPods actually come with two noise-canceling microphones. It’s that thin silver lining at the bottom of the earbud shaft.

A Surge of Charge

Remember how we mentioned it could be a battery issue? It most likely is. Especially if the mic was working fine just a moment ago. Put it back in the case and let it charge. If you think the battery runs out quickly, you can turn on autodetection. This will prevent the battery from draining while not in use.

Look into the Firmware

AirPods won’t work on outdated firmware. Here’s how you can check whether the AirPods are compatible with the device.

Step 1: Go to Settings and click on general.

Step 2: Press the About button and find your AirPods.

Step 3: Look up the current Firmware version.

Step 4: Update the firmware if it’s out of date.

Wondering how to do that?

Step 1: Leave your AirPods in the case near your cellular device (make sure it’s connected to the internet)!

Step 2: Come back after half an hour to see the job done.

Technology is wonderful, isn’t it?

Revamp your Cellular Device

Whether you’re using Android or Apple, restarting your device should fix your mic. AirPods mic stops working for numerous reasons. You often can’t pinpoint them. So if the previous steps don’t do the trick, just simply press your power button to get started.

Consult the Expert

When all else fails, you should reach out to an Apple Care center. You won’t be able to solve a hardware issue on your own. Their consultation should help you come up with a possible solution.

Remove Interferences

If you’re facing audio issues then there’s probably a lot of interference. Bluetooth devices require a strong, unwavering connection to function properly. If the people you’re speaking to are listening to a lot of static, you need to move into a different room. Static can be caused by the presence of multiple devices. It’s an easy fix!

Repair or Replace

When all else fails, it’s time to say goodbye to your beloved AirPods. Microphones play a huge role in headsets. So when your AirPods mic stops working, there’s little use for the device. Especially if you primarily use it for communication. Either your AirPods are defective or they were damaged. A repair or replacement is due!

Final Thoughts

If your AirPods microphone stops working, it’s simply unfortunate. If the worst-case comes, you should consider replacing them. We know how important it is to keep up your daily communication. This is why we listed all the potential solutions to this problem. At least one of them should resolve your issue!

You can also read: How To Connect Apple AirPods To Android Devices

How To Connect Apple AirPods To Android Devices

Last Updated April 23, 2021

AirPods are designed for Apple devices, yes, but it works just as well on Android ones. If you’re tech junkies like us, you wouldn’t want to miss the bandwagon! Read this article to see how you can take advantage of Apple AirPods on your reliable Samsung Galaxy. Or any Android device for the matter. Here’s our article on how to connect Apple AirPods to Android devices

Of course, there are some singular Apple pairing features you miss out on. That’s okay though. You get to enjoy some of the AirPods’ best features despite not using iPhones or MacBooks. These wireless earbuds are just functional as other headsets on Android devices.

How Well Does AirPods Work on Android Devices?

Exclusive Android users tend to gravitate towards Galaxy Buds, Beats, or Sony headsets. It’s understandable. We’re here to give you another wireless option which is equally good, if not better. If you use a mix of Android and Apple devices, then we suggest you invest in AirPods.

There are a few trade-offs for sure, but it’s worth it. AirPods outperform many brands that specialize in headsets. They’re a snug fit with little risk of falling off. The portable charging case is a huge plus too. Charging the case isn’t a big deal either. You just need the cable.

However, if you’re nitpicky with audio quality, it’s best if you don’t get AirPods. While it offers superb performance, there are differences while using it on Android. Android handles Bluetooth devices differently so that might affect the sound quality adversely.

Let’s see how you can pair AirPods with Android devices now.

How To Connect Apple AirPods To Android Devices

Pairing your device with AirPods takes a few seconds. Keep the AirPods inside the case while getting started. Follow these steps to get it sorted.

Step 1:

Look for the white button behind the AirPods case. Hold onto that button until the LED on the case blinks white. Now you’re ready to pair the headset with your device.

Step 2:

Find the Bluetooth icon on your Android device. Activate it. Then hold onto it to find the nearby Bluetooth devices. You’ll find your AirPods listed here. Mind you, you have to do this while your AirPods are still pulsing the white LED!

Step 3:

Click on the name of your AirPods to get started! Now you’ve established the pairing. Enjoy your music and podcasts! Your Android device will always reconnect with the AirPods automatically. That is if Bluetooth is activated.

Unable to Connect Your Device?

Not all connections are seamlessly established. A few Android devices are unable to find the Apple headset. There are explanations for that though.

Already Paired with Another Device

Your AirPods could be connected to another device. So check all your other devices before getting started. Disconnect any established connections and try again. It’s not that much of a hassle either. Just click on the Bluetooth icon to keep the device temporarily disconnected.

Ran Out of Charge

Another common reason for this is that the battery is depleted. You need to charge the AirPods case. Again, it’s sorted through a few simple steps. Connect the case with a Lightning cable and let it charge. Come back after a few hours to reestablish the connection.

The Device Itself is Acting Wonky

It’s not always the AirPods at fault. Your Android device could be having a bad day too. Disable the Bluetooth function and enable it after a few minutes. Still doesn’t work? Restart your device. Still doesn’t work? Try it on another phone. If it works then, you might need to get your device checked!

Poor Connection Strength

The connection’s strength could be poor too. So it could simply be a matter of distance. Make sure your Android is within 10 meters of the AirPods. Try not to have too many interferences in between either. After all, it’s still a wireless device. The fewer obstructions, the better.

Still not working? That’s okay. We have one last contingency for you.

Factory Reset Your AirPods

If all else fails, this should do the trick. However, you need to remember that your AirPods will be disconnected from all devices. Put the earbuds inside. Hold onto the button on the back until it blinks red. Wait until it flashes white. Once it does, the factory reset is complete. Pairing your device shouldn’t be a problem now.

What Makes AirPods so Good?

These wireless earphones by Apple seem to have gotten popular overnight. They’re a comfortable fit and come in a nifty (and chic) charging case. The battery life is pretty good too. Most importantly, the sound quality is sublime. What’s not to like? Let’s see what makes it a real game-changer.

Keep Your Hands Free

Wired headphones or earbuds are great. The cables can be a right pain though. This is why AirPods are such a popular substitute. They’re portable and wireless. There’s so much technology in such a tiny device. The audio quality is excellent and it fits your ears so snugly.

Excellent Battery Life

Alright, this is something worth raving about. You know the compact case it comes in? It acts as a charger too. So they’re charging while they’re inside the case. So the playback hours can last over a day! If you’re an aficionado of music, this device is for you. You need to charge it every two or three days for regular use.

Because Social Media Said So

Kidding! Yes, social media undoubtedly added to the hype but AirPods are good. You can disconnect calls if you put the AirPods in the case afterward. Apple seems to have tweaked the Bluetooth feature to reinforce the connection. There’s a distinct edge over others.

Conclusion

We hope we managed to sort out all your queries. How To Connect Apple AirPods To Android Devices is a piece of cake. It takes very little effort. AirPods have so much to offer and they’re a lot better than most generic headsets. Invest in something worth your time and money!

You can also read: When Your Microphone Stops Working On Windows 10: Steps To Take