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.
Add the Live Listen toggle to iOS Control Center and use it to improve your hearing in noisy environments or listen to conversations in the next room.
Step 1: Add Live Listen to Control Center
- Open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap 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, and tap to add it to 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 Control Center and tap the Live Listen icon to activate the feature. You’ll now 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 in your ears via AirPods.
- 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 Control Center. Or tap Live Listen Live Activity in iPhone 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 (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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