Learn how to use Apple’s Live Listen feature to turn an iPhone into a remote microphone that sends sound to the AirPods so you can hear conversations nearby.
Live Listen works with all AirPods models, compatible Beats earphones such as Powerbeats Pro and Beats Fit Pro, and MFi-certified hearing aids.
Follow our instructional steps below to add a Live Listen toggle to the Control Center on your iPhone and iPad and use the fetuer to improve your hearing in noisy environments or listen to the conversation happening in the next room.
Step 1: Add Live Listen to the Control Center
- Open the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad and hit the plus button (+) at the top, followed by Add a Control.
- Use the search field at the top of the widget gallery to find Live Listen or choose it in the “Hearing Accessibility” section, then tap to add it to the Control Center. If your device uses an older iOS version, go to Settings > Control Center and tap the green plus button next to the Hearing icon.
Step 2: Use Live Listen
- Connect and wear your AirPods, compatible Beats earphones, or an MFI-certified hearing aid.
- Open the Control Center and tap the Live Listen icon to immediately activate the feature. You will hear everything the device’s built-in microphones pick up. The closer your iPhone or iPad is to the person, the better you’ll hear them.
- You can also touch and hold the Live Listen icon to read the transcription or rewind the audio by ten seconds.
Turn off Live Listen
To turn Live Listen off, tap its toggle in the Control Center or hit a Live Listen live activity in the iPhone’s Dynamic Island or the Lock Screen and choose Stop.
If Live Listen is having issues with your AirPods, check that the earbuds are charged and actually connected to your iPhone. Also, turn Bluetooth off and back on, then try reconnecting your AirPods.
Live Listen is one-way only
The Live Listen feature was designed to let you capture remote conversations within Bluetooth range of 33 feet, or 10 meters. Live Listen is not bidirectional, meaning the feature doesn’t record your voice and surroundings via the AirPods, nor does it play the audio stream through the iPhone’s built-in speaker.
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