Adjusting the equalizer on Spotify for PC happens within the app’s playback settings menu. But if you want to know how to change eq airpods, the process is a bit different and depends on what device you are using. This guide will walk you through every method to tweak the sound on your AirPods, whether you are on an iPhone, Android, or a computer.
Many people think AirPods have a built-in equalizer, but they actually rely on your device’s settings. The good news is that you can still customize the sound profile to your liking. Let’s start with the most common setup: iPhone and iPad.
How To Change Eq Airpods On Iphone And Ipad
Apple’s iOS has a system-wide equalizer that works with all headphones, including AirPods. This is the simplest way to adjust the sound for music, podcasts, and videos. Follow these steps to get started.
Step 1: Open The Settings App
First, unlock your iPhone or iPad and find the Settings icon. It looks like a gray gear. Tap on it to open the main menu.
Step 2: Go To Music Settings
Scroll down the settings list until you see “Music.” Tap on it. This section controls all audio playback settings for the Music app.
Step 3: Find The Equalizer Option
Inside the Music settings, look for “EQ” under the Playback section. Tap on it. You will see a list of preset equalizer options.
Step 4: Choose A Preset
Select a preset that matches your music style. For example, “Bass Booster” adds low-end punch, while “Vocal Booster” makes voices clearer. The change applies instantly to your AirPods.
- Late Night: Compresses dynamic range for quieter listening
- Classical: Balances orchestral instruments
- Hip Hop: Emphasizes bass and treble
- Rock: Boosts mid-range frequencies
- Spoken Word: Enhances voice clarity
Remember, this EQ only works with the Apple Music app. For Spotify or other apps, you need a different method. We will cover that later.
How To Change Eq Airpods Using Spotify
If you use Spotify, the app has its own built-in equalizer. This overrides the system EQ, so you can set it specifically for your AirPods. Here is how to do it on mobile.
Open Spotify And Go To Settings
Launch the Spotify app on your iPhone or Android. Tap your profile picture in the top-left corner. Then tap “Settings and privacy.”
Find The Playback Section
Scroll down to the “Audio Quality” section. Look for “Equalizer.” On some devices, it is under “Playback.” Tap on it to open the EQ controls.
Adjust The Sliders Or Pick A Preset
You can either choose a preset like “Bass Booster” or “Treble Booster,” or manually drag the sliders. Each slider controls a frequency band. Move them up to boost, down to cut.
- Tap “Equalizer” to turn it on
- Select a preset from the list
- Or manually adjust the 10-band sliders
- Test with a song to hear the difference
Note: Spotify’s EQ is only available on mobile apps. The desktop version does not have a built-in equalizer. For PC, you need a third-party tool.
How To Change Eq Airpods On Android
Android devices offer more flexibility for EQ settings. Since AirPods are not natively optimized for Android, you may need a third-party app. Here are the best methods.
Method 1: Use System Equalizer
Many Android phones have a built-in equalizer in the settings. Go to Settings > Sound > Equalizer. If you see it, you can adjust the bands for all audio output.
Method 2: Use A Third-Party App
Apps like “Equalizer FX” or “Wavelet” give you detailed control. Download one from the Google Play Store. Connect your AirPods, then open the app and adjust the sliders.
- Wavelet: Offers auto-EQ for specific headphone models
- Equalizer FX: Simple interface with presets
- Viper4Android: Advanced, but requires root access
These apps let you save custom profiles. You can switch between them depending on what you are listening to.
How To Change Eq Airpods On Mac
If you use a Mac, you have a few options. The built-in Music app has an EQ, but it only works for that app. For system-wide EQ, you need third-party software.
Using The Music App EQ
Open the Music app on your Mac. Go to Window > Equalizer. A window will pop up with sliders. Adjust them or pick a preset. This affects only songs played in Music.
Using A Third-Party App
Apps like “eqMac” or “Boom 3D” provide system-wide EQ. Download one, install it, and set it up. These apps work with any audio source, including web browsers and video players.
- Download eqMac from the developer’s website
- Install and open the app
- Select your AirPods as the output device
- Adjust the 10-band equalizer
These tools give you much more control than the default options. You can even create custom presets for different genres.
How To Change Eq Airpods On Windows Pc
Windows does not have a built-in equalizer for Bluetooth headphones. But you can still adjust the sound with third-party software. Here are the best options.
Using Equalizer APO
Equalizer APO is a free, powerful tool. Download it from the official website. During installation, select your AirPods as the device to process. After install, edit the configuration file to set your EQ.
Using Peace Equalizer
Peace is a GUI for Equalizer APO. It makes the process easier. Install Equalizer APO first, then download Peace. Open Peace, select your AirPods, and adjust the sliders.
- Easy to use interface
- Supports multiple presets
- Works with all audio apps
These tools require a bit of setup, but they offer professional-level control. You can fine-tune every frequency band.
How To Change Eq Airpods Using The Accessibility Settings
Apple also has audio accessibility features that affect AirPods. These are not a full EQ, but they can help with hearing specific sounds.
Headphone Accommodations
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations. Turn it on. You can choose “Balanced Tone,” “Vocal Range,” or “Brightness.” These settings apply to all audio.
Custom Audio Setup
Tap “Custom Audio Setup.” You will hear test tones and choose which sounds clearer. The system creates a personalized profile for your AirPods.
- Go to Accessibility settings
- Select Audio/Visual
- Tap Headphone Accommodations
- Choose a preset or run the custom setup
This is great for people with mild hearing loss. It makes voices and sounds more audible without boosting the whole volume.
How To Change Eq Airpods Pro And Max
AirPods Pro and AirPods Max have additional features like Adaptive EQ. This is automatic and cannot be manually adjusted. But you can still use the system EQ methods above.
Adaptive EQ Explained
Adaptive EQ adjusts the sound based on the fit of the ear tips. It uses internal microphones to measure the sound inside your ear. This happens in real-time.
Manual Adjustments
For AirPods Pro, you can also change the noise control settings. This affects how you perceive sound but is not an EQ. Use the Music app EQ or Spotify EQ for tone changes.
- AirPods Pro: Adaptive EQ + system EQ
- AirPods Max: Adaptive EQ + system EQ
- AirPods (1st/2nd/3rd gen): System EQ only
Remember, the Adaptive EQ is always on. You cannot turn it off. But you can layer a system EQ on top of it.
How To Change Eq Airpods With Third-Party Apps
There are many apps designed to give you more control. Here are some of the best for different platforms.
For Iphone And Ipad
Apps like “Equalizer+” or “Boom” offer system-wide EQ. They work with any audio app, not just Music. Download from the App Store.
For Android
“Wavelet” is a top choice. It has auto-EQ for many headphone models, including AirPods. It also has a graphic equalizer and bass booster.
For Mac
“Boom 3D” is popular. It adds 3D sound effects and a 31-band equalizer. It works with all audio sources.
- Search for the app in your device’s store
- Download and install it
- Connect your AirPods
- Adjust the EQ settings
- Save your custom preset
These apps often have free trials. Test them to see which one fits your needs.
Common Issues When Changing Eq On Airpods
Sometimes the EQ does not seem to work. Here are some common problems and solutions.
Eq Not Applying
Make sure the app you are using has the EQ turned on. Some apps have a master switch. Also, check if your AirPods are connected properly.
Sound Distortion
If you boost the bass too much, you may hear distortion. Lower the sliders or choose a different preset. AirPods have small drivers that can handle only so much.
Eq Resets After Disconnecting
Some apps lose the EQ settings when you disconnect. Save your preset in the app. On iPhone, the system EQ stays until you change it.
- Check connection stability
- Update your device software
- Restart the app or device
- Reset your AirPods if needed
Most issues are solved by a simple restart. If not, try a different app or method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Change The EQ On AirPods Without An App?
Yes, on iPhone you can use the built-in EQ in Settings > Music. On Android, you may need a third-party app. On PC, you need software like Equalizer APO.
Does The EQ Work For All Audio On AirPods?
Only if you use a system-wide EQ. The Music app EQ only works with Apple Music. Spotify’s EQ works only in the Spotify app. Third-party apps can affect all audio.
Why Does My AirPods Sound Different After Changing EQ?
You may have chosen a preset that does not suit your music. Try a different preset or adjust the sliders manually. Also, check if Headphone Accommodations is on.
Can I Save Custom EQ Presets For AirPods?
Yes, with third-party apps like Wavelet or eqMac. On iPhone, you can only use presets. On Android, apps let you save multiple custom profiles.
Does Adaptive EQ On AirPods Pro Affect Manual EQ?
Adaptive EQ works automatically and cannot be turned off. But you can still apply a system EQ on top. The two work together to shape the final sound.
Final Tips For The Best Sound
Start with a flat EQ and adjust slowly. Listen to a song you know well. Boost or cut one band at a time. This helps you understand what each frequency does.
For bass lovers, try the “Bass Booster” preset or boost the 60-250 Hz bands. For clearer vocals, boost the 1-4 kHz range. For more treble, boost the 8-12 kHz range.
Remember that AirPods have a limited frequency response. Do not expect them to sound like studio headphones. But a good EQ can make them sound much better.
Test different settings with different genres. What sounds good for rock may not work for classical. Save multiple presets if your app allows it.
Finally, keep your AirPods clean. Earwax and dirt can block the speakers and change the sound. Clean them regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
Now you know how to change eq airpods on any device. Whether you use an iPhone, Android, Mac, or PC, there is a method that works. Experiment with the settings and find your perfect sound profile.