If you use multiple Apple devices and use your AirPods between them, you’ve probably noticed how they’ll automatically switch between devices depending on which one is currently playing media. For some devices, you might not want the switch to happen automatically. Find out how to stop AirPods from connecting to other phones.
Why You’ll Love This Tip:
- Prevent other devices from “stealing” your AirPods audio.
- Keep your AirPods connected to one device at a time.
Stop AirPods from Switching Devices
System Requirements
This tip was performed on an iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 18.4. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.
By default, your AirPods will automatically switch between your iPhone, Mac, or iPad based on which one starts playing sound, whether it’s music, a movie, or even a timer going off. This can be annoying for me when I’m watching a YouTube video on my Mac, and a timer goes off on my iPhone. My iPhone will “steal” my AirPods and stop the YouTube video on my Mac to start playing the timer alert sound. Here’s how to stop AirPods from connecting to other devices:
- Open the Settings app with your AirPods connected to your iPhone, and select your AirPods.
![iphone settings app with a red box around airpods]()
- Scroll down to Connect to This iPhone.
![iphone airpods settings with a red box around connect to this iphone]()
- Select When Last Connected to This iPhone.
![iphone connect to this iphone settings with a red box around When Last Connected to This iPhone]()
Note
This only affects the device where you change the setting. For example, changing this setting on your iPhone will prevent the AirPods from automatically connecting to your iPhone. If you don’t want your AirPods to connect to your Mac, you’ll need to adjust this setting on your Mac. The steps are the same on Mac, via System Settings, as they are on iPhone.
If your AirPods keep switching devices, now you can prevent it from happening automatically. Next, find out how to connect someone else's AirPods to your phone.
