I love my AirPods Pro 2, but I can’t say the same about every “intelligent” feature Apple has added over the years.If you want to roll with your AirPods Pro as straightforward as possible, these are the features to disable.Fun fact: you can read this in reverse to make sure you’re every smart AirPods Pro 2 feature.
How I use my AirPods Pro 2 Personally, I prefer to run my AirPods Pro like it’s 2019.Apple has steadily made AirPods Pro smarter over the years, but not all of the new features are for me, even if they’re impressive.I like my AirPods to pause when I take them out, toggle between noise cancellation and transparency mode, and respond to voice commands when I say ‘Siri.’ That’s about it.
There’s one accessibility feature I typically turn on.By default, AirPods Pro won’t offer noise cancellation when you’re using a single AirPod.I like to enable this capability.
While using your AirPods, go to Settings > [Your AirPods] > Accessibility > toggle on Noise Cancellation with One AirPod.This is useful when I prefer noise cancellation, but I’m only using one AirPod like if I’m laying in bed.An AirPod in the pillow-facing ear can be uncomfortable sometimes.
Smart features you can disable Some or all of these may be what you’re looking for… proceed at your own risk.Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety > toggle off Reduce Loud Audio Going down the list in Settings > [Your AirPods] from top to bottom… 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 Then there are two audio features I’m happier not using: AUDIO: toggle off Personalized Audio AUDIO: toggle off Conversation Awareness I also don’t use Personalized Spatial Audio (or Spatial Audio for that matter).
Then there are some of the newer features: Head Gestures > Off Enable Charging Case Sounds > toggle off Now that it’s been well established that I’m in territory, I disable Optimized Battery Charging.I do leave Find My Network enabled, though.Lastly, there’s the recently changed default to having Off Listening Mode disabled.
I actually leave this disabled despite the being the opposite way.That’s because this is a feature I used to disable manually.I’m either using noise cancellation or transparency mode.
I think Off Listening Mode is only useful if you’re trying to maximize battery, but AirPods Pro battery life isn’t something I struggle with myself.What’s your preferred way to run AirPods Pro 2? Share your preferences in the comments! Best AirPods Pro accessories oakxco Lanyard [available in various colors] Foam Masters Ultra-Premium Memory Foam Ear Tips KeyBudz Air Care 2.0 AirPods Cleaning Kit Multipurpose Magnetic Wireless Charger 15W You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop.
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