I really enjoy using my AirPods Pro 2, but I’m not a fan of all the “smart” features Apple has included over time. If you prefer to keep your AirPods Pro experience simple, here are some features you might consider turning off.
As an interesting tidbit, you can read this in reverse to ensure that you’re making full use of each smart feature available on the AirPods Pro 2.
My AirPods Pro 2 Usage
I typically utilize my AirPods Pro as if it’s 2019. Apple has progressively added smart capabilities, but not every new feature resonates with me, no matter how sophisticated they may be.
I prefer my AirPods to automatically pause when removed, switch seamlessly between noise cancellation and transparency modes, and react to voice commands when I say ‘Siri.’ That’s really all I need.
One accessibility feature I like to activate is the option for noise cancellation when using a single AirPod. By default, the AirPods Pro do not allow noise cancellation with just one earbud in use, but I find this capability beneficial.
While using your AirPods, navigate to Settings > [Your AirPods] > Accessibility > and turn on Noise Cancellation with One AirPod.
This feature is particularly useful when I prefer noise cancellation yet only have one AirPod in, perhaps when I’m lying in bed. Having an AirPod in the ear against the pillow can occasionally be uncomfortable.
Features You Can Disable
Some or all of these modifications may be what you’re after… proceed with caution.
- Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety > toggle off Reduce Loud Audio
Continuing through Settings > [Your AirPods], starting from the top and opting out of Adaptive mode.
- PRESS AND HOLD AIRPODS: Left > Noise Control > select Transparency and Noise Cancellation; deselect Adaptive
- PRESS AND HOLD AIRPODS: Right > Noise Control > select Transparency and Noise Cancellation; deselect Adaptive
Additionally, there are two audio functions I prefer not to use:
- AUDIO: toggle off Personalized Audio
- AUDIO: toggle off Conversation Awareness
I also do not utilize Personalized Spatial Audio (or Spatial Audio in general).
As for some of the newer features:
- Head Gestures > Off
- Enable Charging Case Sounds > toggle off
Now that it’s clear I’m in the territory of being a grumpy old-timer who prefers things as they once were, I disable Optimized Battery Charging. However, I keep Find My Network enabled.
Lastly, I leave the updated default for Off Listening Mode disabled. Even though the old way was the other way around, I manually used to disable this feature. I’m either using noise cancellation or transparency mode. In my opinion, Off Listening Mode is valuable primarily for maximizing battery life, but I don’t experience any issues with AirPods Pro battery life myself.
How do you prefer to use your AirPods Pro 2? Feel free to share your preferences in the comments!
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