If you have AirPods and you want to take advantage of the function of background sounds To relax, increase your concentration, or simply enjoy a more pleasant sound environment, you've come to the right place. Although it may seem like a secondary feature, Apple has gradually improved and expanded this option in iOS, turning it into a true tool for well-being and productivity. In this article, I'll tell you everything you need to know to activate and customize background sounds on your AirPods, getting the most out of them whether you have AirPods Pro, standard AirPods, or even AirPods Max.
Many users are unaware of these options, which, in addition to helping mask background noise, can be combined with active noise cancellation for an incredibly immersive sound experience. We'll go over every method, feature, and setting available in iOS and how to get the most out of them, without installing third-party apps and using the Apple ecosystem's own tools. We'll teach you cHow to play background sounds on your AirPods.
What are background sounds on iOS and AirPods and what are they for?
The function of background sounds It is a utility built into the iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices that allows you to play various types of relaxing or ambient sounds directly from the operating system. They are designed to create a more comfortable listening environment, reduce distractions, camouflage annoying noises or promote concentration, rest and relaxation.
These sounds (like the white noise, rain, ocean or stream) act as a sound barrier that can help you relax before bed or block out the hustle and bustle of the office or public transportation. Apple has also designed these options to be accessible from within iOS's accessibility settings, thus avoiding the need to install third-party apps.
The great advantage The best part about this feature is that you can use it directly on your AirPods, combining it with noise cancellation, ambient sound, or even personalized spatial audio. This way, each user can tailor the experience to their own needs, whether it's relaxing, meditating, or simply working more focused.
Since we know you're an Airpods user, you might be interested in learning how to use them even better, so we're bringing you another guide before continuing: How to make calls with FaceTime and your AirPods.
How to enable background sounds on your iPhone for use with AirPods
Apple has been perfecting this feature since iOS 15. The steps to activate and customize it are very simple, but they're often hidden in system menus. Here's how to do it step by step:
- Open Settings from your iPhone or iPad and access the section Accessibility.
- Within Accessibility, look for the section Hearing. Here you will find the option Audio / Visual.
- When you enter you will see an option called background soundsFrom there you can turn the feature on or off.
- Select the type of sound you prefer: rain, ocean, stream, white noise, pink or brown noiseEach one is designed for different purposes, from concentration to relaxation.
- You can adjust the volume of these background sounds and decide whether they play while you're using other media or only when your device is unlocked.
This feature is designed to keep the sound playing even if you open other apps, maintaining the sound environment regardless of what you're doing on your iPhone. And the best part: work perfectly with your AirPods, both Pro and standard, and even with external speakers compatible via AirPlay.
Quick access from the Control Center
In updated iOS models, Apple allows you to add a shortcut from the Control center to quickly turn these background sounds on, off, or change them. Here's how:
- Go to Settings > Control Center and adds the control “Hearing” (the ear icon).
- Now, swipe up from the top right corner of the screen to open the Control Center and tap the ear icon.
- From there you can activate background sounds and choose the sound type without having to navigate through the settings every time.
If you don't find the option, just edit the Control Center and add the corresponding control. That way, your background sounds are just a tap away.
Personalizing the experience: Which sound should you choose and what is each one for?
Each user can choose from several types of sound effects. I'll explain what each one is best for, so you can adapt them to different times of day:
- Rain: Very useful for creating a calm atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or sleeping.
- Ocean: Ideal for relaxing and simulating a walk by the sea.
- Stream: Provides a natural and relaxing sound, excellent for reading or meditating.
- White noise: The favorite for focusing, minimizing distractions, and helping you sleep.
- Pink noise: Similar to white, but more balanced and smoother. Suitable for blocking out high-pitched noises.
- Brown noise: Deeper, very effective in masking low-pitched sounds and helping with hearing sensitivity (tinnitus, etc.).
All of these sounds are available in the native iOS settings and do not require additional downloads or registration.
How to Use Background Sounds with AirPods: Advanced Tips and Tricks
Integrating these sound effects with your AirPods increases their possibilities. Here are some tricks and settings to improve the experience:
- You can combine active noise cancellation of AirPods Pro or AirPods Max with background sounds to further isolate you from the outside world.
- El ambient sound mode It lets you hear what's going on around you, but you can customize it to amplify voices and filter out other noises.
- If you use iOS Shortcuts, you can create a shortcut that automatically activates a background sound every time you connect the AirPods.
- The volume of background sounds is fully adjustable, and you can choose whether to stop or continue playing when you lock your iPhone.
It tienes AirPods Pro 2Take advantage of the personalized hearing test option and improved ambient sound adjustment. This way, voices are heard more clearly and distracting noises fade into the background.
Step-by-step guide: How to enable and configure background sounds on AirPods
To recap, so you don't miss anything, here's the procedure from scratch:
- Make sure your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest version of iOS.
- Opens Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Background Sounds.
- Activate the option and select your preferred sound.
- Adjust the volume and decide whether you want it to play alongside other content or alone.
- Use the Control center to quickly turn sounds on or off.
- Put on your AirPods and enjoy the selected sound. You can adjust the mode (cancellation, ambient) to your preference.
- Optionally, set up a shortcut to automate the process every time your AirPods connect.
These steps also apply to the iPad. Sounds will continue to play even if you switch apps or lock the device, as long as you've set it up to do so.
Other AirPods tweaks that improve the experience
In addition to background sounds, AirPods offer many other interesting options and tricks:
- Custom Spatial Audio: Adapt the sound to the shape of your ears using Face ID, creating a uniquely immersive experience.
- Conversation recognition: AirPods Pro 2 detect when someone is talking to you and turn down noise cancellation so you can listen to the conversation without removing them.
- Touch controls: You can turn the volume up or down by sliding your finger across the earpiece, change modes, or pause music without touching your iPhone.
- Share audio: Connect two pairs of AirPods to the same device to listen to music or watch a movie together.
- Search Function: If you lose the AirPods, you can locate them and make them play a sound from Apple's Find My app.
These small details make AirPods a much more versatile tool than they appear at first glance. They allow you to adapt your audio experience to your daily routine, from work and study to leisure and relaxation.
Background sounds in everyday life: uses and benefits beyond relaxation
Far from being limited to relaxation or concentration, Background sounds can help you cope with everyday situations. For example: uterine
- Mask outside noise on public transport thanks to a combination of background sound and active noise cancellation.
- Mask tinnitus with white, pink, or brown noise (useful for those with hearing sensitivity).
- Camouflage annoying noises in the office or at home while you work, study, or read.
- Helping little ones sleep by using the sound of rain or a stream.
- Create an ideal environment for meditation or yoga without having to search for external applications.
Apple has developed and adapted these sounds to improve well-being and make it easier to disconnect from your daily routine without technical complications or unnecessary downloads.
