Can You Have Two Pairs of Bluetooth Headphones Connected to the Same iPhone at Once?

As of August 2023, it is not possible to have two pairs of Bluetooth headphones connected to an iPhone simultaneously for audio playback. However, thanks to the Audio Sharing feature introduced in iOS 13 and later, users can share audio with another pair of AirPods or compatible Beats headphones. This guide explores how to use this feature and discusses the limitations and solutions for multimedia playback on your iPhone.

Understanding Audio Sharing on iOS 13

Audio Sharing is a handy feature that allows you to share audio between two devices, such as a pair of headphones and AirPods. Here's how to use it:

Connect your first pair of headphones to your iPhone. Bring the second pair of headphones close to your iPhone. When prompted, tap This way both pairs of headphones can listen to the same audio source at the same time.

It is important to note that this feature is limited to specific devices, so both pairs of headphones need to be compatible with the iPhone’s Bluetooth technology.

limitations and Workarounds for Mobile Phones

Most mobile phones running on Android or iOS software do not allow two connections from Bluetooth settings at the same time for the purpose of calls or music. This can be frustrating, but there are workarounds:

Connect to one device via Bluetooth settings. Use any application for connecting to the second device. For instance, you can use Bluetooth to exchange small files between devices.

Applications like these can help you handle the second connection without affecting the performance of the first one. The key is to manage the connections separately to ensure seamless performance.

Connecting Multiple Devices Simultaneously

It's common to connect various devices to your iPhone via Bluetooth. For example, you can connect a smartwatch and headphones. Ensure that the devices are discoverable so that your smartphone can recognize and connect to them. These devices will be shown in the Bluetooth settings menu when Bluetooth is turned on. Once a device is selected, click on it, and 'Connected' will appear. This process can be repeated for multiple devices at the same time.

For instance, newer versions of Bluetooth do allow for this capability. However, with older paired earbuds, they will connect to just one device, and that device will then connect to the other one. This sequential connection process can be a bit limiting, but it offers a solution for mobile users who wish to connect multiple audio devices.

Connecting Multiple Bluetooth Headphones to an iPhone

While you cannot have two pairs of Bluetooth headphones playing audio simultaneously, you can connect more than one. However, only one pair can play audio at a time. Bluetooth operates as a wireless communication protocol, significantly different from WiFi, which can handle multiple connections more flexibly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for connecting multiple Bluetooth devices to your iPhone:

Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone. Turn on the first pair of Bluetooth headphones and wait for them to be recognized on your iPhone. Turn on the second pair of Bluetooth headphones and wait for them to be recognized. Connect to the first pair of headphones through the Bluetooth settings. Now, you can switch between the two pairs of headphones without disconnecting the first one. Use any audio source to switch devices manually.

By managing the connections manually, you can enjoy audio from both pairs of headphones at different times. This approach ensures that your Bluetooth headphones can work together without requiring simultaneous audio playback.