While I truly enjoy my AirPods Pro 2, I’m not a fan of every “smart” feature Apple has introduced over the years. If you prefer using your AirPods Pro in the simplest way possible, here are some features you might want to disable.
Interesting tidbit: you can read this in reverse order to ensure you’re utilizing all the smart features available with AirPods Pro 2.
My Approach to Using AirPods Pro 2
Personally, I like to operate my AirPods Pro as if it were 2019. Apple has incrementally enhanced AirPods Pro, but I find that not every new feature appeals to me, even if they are quite impressive.
My preferences include pausing audio when I remove them, switching between noise cancellation and transparency mode, and responding to voice commands via ‘Siri’. That’s pretty much it.
There is one accessibility feature I usually enable. By default, AirPods Pro don’t allow noise cancellation when using only one AirPod. I prefer to turn this option on.
To enable this, navigate to Settings > [Your AirPods] > Accessibility > and toggle on Noise Cancellation with One AirPod.
This feature comes in handy when I want noise cancellation but only have one AirPod in, such as when I’m lying in bed—sometimes, having an AirPod against the pillow can be uncomfortable.
Features You Can Turn Off
You may want to disable some or all of these features… proceed with caution.
- Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety > toggle off Reduce Loud Audio
Moving through the settings in order, starting with opting out of Adaptive mode:
- PRESS AND HOLD AIRPODS: Left > Noise Control > check Transparency and Noise Cancellation; uncheck Adaptive
- PRESS AND HOLD AIRPODS: Right > Noise Control > check Transparency and Noise Cancellation; uncheck Adaptive
There are also two audio features that I prefer to keep disabled:
- AUDIO: toggle off Personalized Audio
- AUDIO: toggle off Conversation Awareness
I don’t use Personalized Spatial Audio either (nor Spatial Audio in general).
Then, there are some of the more recent features:
- Head Gestures > Off
- Enable Charging Case Sounds > toggle off
It’s clear I’m in the grumpy old man who enjoys things the traditional way camp. I also turn off Optimized Battery Charging, but I keep Find My Network activated.
Lastly, there’s the recent change where Off Listening Mode defaults to being disabled. I actually keep this off despite the traditional setting being the opposite. I generally use either noise cancellation or transparency mode. I find Off Listening Mode useful primarily if you want to extend battery life, but personally, battery life on AirPods Pro hasn’t been a concern for me.
How do you prefer to use your AirPods Pro 2? Feel free to share your preferences in the comments!
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