Apple is famous for its extensive privacy settings. You can customize your Location Services for specific apps, prevent apps from tracking you, and even block apps from using Bluetooth. This won’t stop you from being able to use your headphones, but it will prevent the app from using your iPhone's Bluetooth in other ways that might affect your privacy. Read on to learn how to customize your iPhone Bluetooth settings and disable Bluetooth for specific apps.
Bluetooth
How to Add Bluetooth to Mac Menu Bar Icons
By Ashleigh Page
If you like to listen to music or Podcasts via wireless headphones while using your computer (like I do), you may want to add the Bluetooth icon to your Mac menu bar! This will allow you to connect Bluetooth headphones to a Mac or open Bluetooth settings without having to navigate through System Preferences. We'll show you how.
How to Use Your Xbox Controller for iPhone (2023)
By Brian Peters
New iPhones and iPads are quite capable of running games with the kind of graphics that would have required a computer or game console in the past, but many people find playing action games with touch screen controls to be difficult or unenjoyable. Fortunately, it's quick and easy to connect a video game controller with Bluetooth capability to your iPhone or iPad.
How to Connect AirPods to Another iPhone (2023)
By Tamlin Day
AirPods are designed to be a seamless experience, which is why Apple has made it so easy to connect AirPods to another iPhone. We'll go over how to connect AirPods to another iPhone or iPad, even an iPhone or iPad that doesn't belong to you. Let's get started learning how to use AirPods with multiple iPhones and iPads.
Can You Use AirPods on a Plane? (2023)
By Kenya Smith
If you just bought a pair of AirPods and are preparing for airplane travel, you have probably wondered if you can use these wireless earbuds on the plane. You may also have wondered if AirPods can be used in Airplane Mode when you're not able to make calls or text. Let's take a look at using AirPods on the plane.
How to Rename Bluetooth Device on iPhone (2023)
By Rhett Intriago
Whether you're bored with the default device name or own many devices and aren't sure which is which, we'll show you how to rename Bluetooth devices on your iPhone. The good news is that once you rename your Bluetooth device, the new device name will appear whenever you connect to other devices, such as your iPad or Mac. Let's cover how to change the Bluetooth device name on your iPhone.
How to Connect an Apple Magic Mouse to Mac (2023)
By Leanne Hays
If you have an Apple Magic Mouse, we'll show you how to connect your mouse to a Mac. We'll go over how to connect a Mac mouse to any Mac, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and desktop Macs.
Are you having a hard time telling the Bluetooth devices connected to your iPhone apart? If so, you're probably wondering, "can I rename a paired Bluetooth device?" Yes, you can! Here's how to change a Bluetooth device name on an iPhone or iPad.
5 Quick Ways to Fix iPhone Bluetooth Not Working in 2023
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
Bluetooth is the wireless technology behind cable-free speakers, headphones, keyboards, and other devices that make modern life so mobile. When you experience your Bluetooth not working, basic activities like listening to music or using CarPlay become inconvenient and frustrating. I’ll cover how to reset Bluetooth on iPhones with and without a Home button.
How to Pair Beats Earbuds & Headphones to iPhone (2023)
By Gressa Cedergren
Whether you've just purchased a new iPhone or are the proud new owner of Beats wireless headphones or earbuds, we'll show you how to connect your Beats to your iPhone. As a bonus, we've also included a list of common fixes if you've been struggling with your Beats not connecting to your iPhone.
How to Check Beats Battery on an iPhone in iOS 16
By Rachel Needell
If you're anything like me, you're listening to music all day, every day. And if so, you know making sure your headphones are fully charged is a top priority when it comes to being prepared for the day. Headphones like Beats are great because they have a ridiculously long battery life. That's why it's super convenient to be able to check your Beats battery life directly from your iPhone. While most Beats have a way to indicate their battery reserve via lights, that requires you to take your headphones off. I'll show you how to see Beats battery life on iPhone in four different ways.
Let’s say you’re listening to music using your Bluetooth speaker, and you get a call. When you answer that call, the audio will probably default to your iPhone. But what if you want the call to always default to your Bluetooth headphones, speaker, or earbuds? You can select which Bluetooth device your call audio defaults to in the Call Audio Routing settings in the iPhone Settings app. We've already covered Bluetooth pairing to your iPhone, and how to change which Bluetooth connection you're using to play audio from your iPhone or iPad. You can even connect an Xbox controller to your iPhone. Now, here’s how to set your speaker, headphones, or earbuds as the default audio on your iPhone.
How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Mac
By Jivan Hall
If this is your first time attempting to pair wireless headphones to your computer, you will likely be pretty happy with how seamless and reliable it is nowadays. Let's cover how to enable Bluetooth on Mac and pair your wireless headphones.
Smart Speaker Showdown: iPhone Life's Top 3 Recommendations of 2022
By Nicholas Naioti
In October of 2021, Apple unveiled the new HomePod mini, a thoughtful update on the cult favorite HomePod (which is now discontinued). But how does the HomePod mini stack up to the competition at the same price point? I’ll break down the advantages and drawbacks of the HomePod mini compared to the Google Nest Audio and the fourth-generation Amazon Echo.
How to Disconnect Bluetooth Headphones from iPhone
By Conner Carey
Do you own a Bluetooth speaker or a pair of headphones that you don't know how to disconnect from your iPhone? While you can disconnect your AirPods by simply putting them in the case, we'll also show you how to temporarily disconnect your Bluetooth devices in the Settings app.
How to Fix One AirPod Not Working
By Olena Kagui
Since AirPods are not attached like wired headphones, it is possible to end up with only one AirPod working. This article covers the quickest way to troubleshoot a single AirPod not working or charging. I'll also explain how to fix AirPod volume so that both pairs sound equally loud. Finally, I'll tell you if and how you can buy one AirPod only.
AirDrop: What It Is & How to Turn It On to Share Files & Photos on iPhone, iPad & Mac
By Conner Carey
What is AirDrop? Apple's AirDrop feature is a quick and easy way to share files, photos, videos, contacts, and more between Apple devices. You can AirDrop pictures and files from your iPad to your friend’s iPhone or from your iPhone to your Mac for an easy transfer. You can also AirDrop from iPhone to iPhone. As long as you have relatively recent devices running on an updated operating system, you’re probably already set up to use AirDrop. Let's go over what AirDrop is below, as well as how to turn AirDrop on, how AirDrop works, and how to use AirDrop whether you’re on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Once you know how to use AirDrop, you’ll never go back.
How to Connect AirPods to Peloton
By Elisabeth Garry
Did you know you can connect AirPods to Peloton? When you do, all the audio from your Peloton ride projects straight to your earbuds, so you can work out and anyone nearby can enjoy their own activities unbothered. Let's learn how to pair AirPods to Peloton.
How to Connect AirPods to Laptop
By Elisabeth Garry
Can you connect AirPods to PC? Yes, yes you can! In this article, we'll show you how to connect your AirPods to your laptop—specifically, your Windows laptop.
Buyer's Guide 2021: The Best Speakers for Your Space
By Nicholas Naioti
iPhone Life is supported by readers like you. When you buy products through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. All products are independently tested, rated, and reviewed by our team of editors. Learn more.
Looking for the best portable, Bluetooth speakers or some great, loud speakers to complete your home stereo setup? We've reviewed the best speakers of 2021 to help you find the right sound for your space.