Audio Sharing in iOS 13 enables two users to enjoy the music from a single device, and that too via Bluetooth. On your iPhone and iPad running iOS 13, you can share audio files including songs, podcasts, audio novels, movies, and videos. The feature works like an earphone splitter we used to work in the days of 3.5mm jack. You can remove the hassle of wires and splitter by knowing how audio sharing works on your iPhone and iPad in iOS 13.

How to Share Audio in iOS 13 on iPhone and iPad

The feature basically uses Bluetooth and simultaneously casts the audio playing in your earphones/headphones on to your friends’ earphones. Earlier you could pair multiple Bluetooth devices with your iPhone but could only be connected to one at a time. iOS 13 has upped the ante with Audio Sharing, now you can pair two earphones at the same time and play the audio in both headsets as well.

While another feature of pairing two AirPods with one device allows you to share audio, the Audio Sharing works a bit differently. The latter will enable you to share audio in iOS 13 without pairing an additional device; i.e., you don’t necessarily have to pair secondary Airpods or any other compatible Bluetooth headphones. It will temporarily pair the second earphones and forget them once the option is not in use.

Note: The feature does not support any third-party app as of now, nor does it allow you to share calls.

Quick Access:

• iOS 13 Devices That Support Audio Sharing
• How to Start Audio Sharing in iOS 13
• How to Control the Volume When Sharing
• How to Stop Audio Sharing in iOS 13

iOS 13 Devices and Bluetooth Earphones That Support Audio Sharing

As mentioned above, Audio Sharing is an iOS 13 feature; thus, devices that are compatible with the latest iOS and iPadOS fall under the umbrella. Though not all devices, here is a concise list of devices that support Audio Sharing as per Apple support.

• iPhone Models – iPhone 8 and later
• iPod touch 7th generation
• iPad Pro – 12.9 (2nd generation and later), 11, 10.5 inch
• iPad – 5th generation and later
• iPad Air  – 3rd generation
• iPad mini – 5th generation

As for earpieces, any wireless headphones or earbuds that are powered by the H1 or W1 chip offer support to Audio Sharing. Here’s a list of Audio Sharing supportive Bluetooth devices as per Apple support:

• AirPods – 1st generation or later
• Powerbeats Pro
• Powerbeats3
• Beats Solo3 Wireless
• Beats Studio3 Wireless
• BeatsX

How to Start Audio Sharing in iOS 13

Whether you are using an Airpods or any other headphones or the secondary Airpods are in their case or not, you can share audio from your iPhone or iPad with a compatible pair of headphones or earbuds. The Audio Sharing offers multiple options for sharing, including smart voice controllers. Let’s see how all this works:

Audio Sharing for Airpods That are In Case

The checkpoints before you start sharing audio:

• Your earphones/headphones should be connected to your device.
• The secondary Airpods should be inside their case and connected to their paired devices.

Step #1. Put your earphones/headphones in your ear and bring the secondary Airpods with open charging case near to your iPhone or iPad.

Step #2. After a few seconds, a pop-up will prompt Temporarily Share Audio. Tap on the option and follow the on-screen instruction. If this auto option does not occur, you can activate the option manually.

Step #3. Access the AirPlay icon  from the Control Centre.

Step #4. Tap on your AirPod’s name and select Share Audio.

Step #5. Bring the second set of AirPods next to your device with open case, tap on Share Audio.

Step #6. Hold the Power Button on the case for a few seconds.

Once done, temporary pairing is successful and you can now share audio on those secondary Airpods.

Audio Sharing for Airpods That Are Being Used

If the other AirPods are out of their case and are being used, then you need to follow these instructions:-

• Make sure that your earphone is connected to the primary device (the one playing music)
• The second Airpods should be connected to their respective iOS device and in the ear

Step #1. Wear your AirPods.

Step #2. Now you have you access the AirPlay icon , this can be done in three ways.

• Open the Now Playing controls in any music app you are using and tap on AirPlay icon.
• You can also access this feature from the Control Center as well, in the music section tap on the Airplay icon.
• If you are or were listening to music, the lock screen will display the Now Playing controls, tap on AirPlay icon.

Step #3. Tap on Share Audio, just below the name of your earphone or headphone.

Step #4. Bring your device, closer to the other iOS device. After a few seconds, a pop-up will prompt, tap on Share Audio again.

Step#5. The other device will now be prompted to join, tap on Join.

Audio Sharing for Other Compatible Bluetooth Headphones/Earphones

• Your earphones or headphones should be connected to your iPhone
• The other headphones should be connected to your friend’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Step #1. Briefly press the power button on the other earphones/headphones, Apple suggests press for less than 1 second.

Step #2. Wear your earphones/headphones and move your iPhone nearer to the other earphones/headphones.

Step #3. A popup will prompt Temporarily Share Audio, tap on it, and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you face any issue in connecting secondary earphones or headphones, check out Settings → Bluetooth. Here, to connect the earphones, tap its name under My Devices.

How to Control the Volume When Sharing

The most crucial aspect of any audio file is the audio output. You already have a great earphones/headphones, all you have to do is adjust the volume as per your liking for a wonderful audio sharing. The primary device can adjust the volume, play, pause, and stop your audio with the controls on Control Center or Lock Screen or Now Playing controls. Here’s how:-

Step #1. Tap on the AirPlay icon either in the Control Center or Now Playing controls or the lock screen.

Step #2. You can manage the volume in three different ways.

• Mutually – Tap on the voice controller on the bottom of the dialogue box and move it up and down to adjust the volume of both earphones.
• Yours – Tap on the voice controller next to your earphones and move it up and down to adjust the volume without affecting the other earphone’s volume.
• Other earphones – Tap on the voice controller next to the other earphones and move it up and down to adjust the volume without affecting your volume setting.

As for the other device, the volume of their earphones can be managed via Lock screen or in Control Center. The volume of both the earphones can also be individually controlled via the audio controls on each earphone.

How to Stop Audio Sharing in iOS 13

Step #1. Tap on the AirPlay icon either in the Control Center or Now Playing controls or the lock screen.

Step #2. Tap on the checkmark next to the earphones that you want to stop sharing with.

As and when you stop sharing audio, the second set of earphones will get disconnected automatically.

Let the Music Play!!!

iOS 13 brings an array of fresh, innovative, and smart features on the table from enabling Dark Mode to a reformed Reminders app. One such great feature is dubbed as Audio Sharing. What’s great about it is that while sharing, the audio output is not compromised, which was often the case in most earphone splitters. Apple is a brilliant company when it comes to incorporating features, and looking at all the options above, this feature seems to be well thought of.