Quick Answer
No, AirPods Max cannot actively connect to two devices at the same time. However, they do support Automatic Device Switching, allowing them to seamlessly switch between Apple devices linked to the same Apple ID. For simultaneous audio playback on two devices, you'll need to manually switch or use an alternative method.
How AirPods Max Handle Multi-Device Connectivity
AirPods Max are designed to work seamlessly within Apple’s ecosystem, but they do not support simultaneous connections to two devices at once. Instead, they use Automatic Device Switching to transition between devices linked to the same Apple ID. Here’s how it works and what you need to know about manually switching devices and the limitations of a single active connection.
Automatic Device Switching: Works with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch
One of the most convenient features of AirPods Max is Automatic Device Switching, which allows them to seamlessly transition between your Apple devices based on usage. This feature works with:
- iPhone (iOS 14 and later)
- iPad (iPadOS 14 and later)
- Mac (macOS Big Sur and later)
- Apple Watch (watchOS 7 and later)
How It Works
If you're listening to music on your Mac but receive a call on your iPhone, AirPods Max will automatically switch to the iPhone so you can answer the call. After the call, they can return to playing music on your Mac without needing manual intervention.
How to Enable or Disable Automatic Switching:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to Bluetooth and tap the (i) next to AirPods Max.
- Select Connect to This iPhone/iPad and choose:
- Automatically (to enable automatic switching)
- When Last Connected to This iPhone/iPad (to prevent unwanted switching)
For Mac:
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Click Options next to AirPods Max.
- Under Connect to This Mac, select your preferred setting.
Manual Switching: How to Switch Between Devices in Bluetooth Settings
If you want to use AirPods Max with a non-Apple device or manually switch between Apple devices without automatic switching, you can do so via Bluetooth settings.
How to Manually Switch AirPods Max to Another Device:
- On the current device, open Bluetooth settings and disconnect the AirPods Max.
- On the new device, go to Bluetooth settings and select AirPods Max from the list of available devices.
Alternatively, for Apple devices linked to the same Apple ID:
- Open Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Tap the AirPlay icon and select AirPods Max from the list.
Manual switching is useful when connecting to a PC, gaming console, or other non-Apple devices where Automatic Switching is not available.
Limitations of Single Active Connection
While AirPods Max can be linked to multiple devices via iCloud, only one device can actively play audio at a time. Some key limitations include:
- No True Dual-Device Audio: Unlike some Bluetooth headsets that allow simultaneous connections to two devices, AirPods Max will always prioritize a single audio source.
- Interruptions from Automatic Switching: If you're watching a video on your Mac and receive a notification on your iPhone, AirPods Max may switch unexpectedly, disrupting playback.
- No Multipoint Bluetooth Support: Unlike some high-end wireless headphones, AirPods Max do not offer Bluetooth multipoint pairing for simultaneous connections.
How to Optimize Automatic Switching
- Automatic Switching only works if all your devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch) are signed into the same iCloud account.
- Check this by going to Settings > [Your Name] on each Apple device.
2. Keep Bluetooth & Handoff Enabled
- Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for all your Apple devices.
- Handoff: Go to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff and ensure Handoff is enabled.
3. Update to the Latest Software
- Automatic Switching is constantly improved in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates.
- Check for updates: Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone/iPad, or System Settings > Software Update on Mac.
4. Prioritize the Most-Used Device
- If you primarily use your AirPods Max with a Mac or iPhone, keep that device active before putting on your AirPods Max.
- The most recently active device usually gets priority in switching.
Tips to Prevent Unwanted Switching
Automatic Switching can sometimes interrupt your listening experience if another device unexpectedly takes over. Here’s how to prevent unnecessary switching:
1. Disable Automatic Switching for Certain Devices
If your AirPods Max keep switching to a device you don’t want, disable Automatic Switching for that device:
On iPhone or iPad:
-
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the (i) icon next to AirPods Max.
- Under Connect to This iPhone/iPad, select "When Last Connected to This iPhone" instead of "Automatically."
On Mac:
-
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth, find AirPods Max, and click Options.
- Under Connect to This Mac, choose "When Last Connected to This Mac."
2. Manually Select AirPods Max When Needed
- If switching is inconsistent, you can always manually select AirPods Max from Control Center > AirPlay > AirPods Max on your device.
- On Mac, click the Volume icon in the menu bar and choose AirPods Max.
3. Prevent Interference from Other Apple Devices
- If multiple Apple devices are nearby, turn off Bluetooth or put unused devices in Airplane Mode to prevent them from interfering.
- This is especially useful in a multi-device workspace.
