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Boost iPhone Audio Features With This Simple Bluetooth Tip

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In iOS and iPadOS, Apple includes an option for users to specify the Bluetooth accessories they connect using pre-defined individual labels.

device type bluetooth
Labeling your Bluetooth accessories helps to identify connected devices and improve audio notifications. Apple says that classifying Bluetooth accessories like this can also ensure that real-time Headphone Audio Level measurements are accurate.

When using headphones with an iPhone, for example, you can check the audio level in decibels by viewing the Hearing control in Control Center. In the Health app, you can also review the history of your headphone listening habits.

Apple provides five categories with which to label your Bluetooth accessories: Car Stereo, Headphone, Hearing Aid, Speaker, and Other. Here's how to access them.

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Select Bluetooth.
  3. Tap the info button (the encircled 'i') next to a Bluetooth device in the list that you want to label.
    settings

  4. Tap Device Type.
  5. Select a label if the accessory is not already correctly identified.
    settings

Note that iOS recognizes AirPods and AirPods Max as headphones, so there isn't an option to change their Bluetooth label. (The same goes for Apple Watch.) However, you can still change the name of Apple earphones and headphones as they appear in Bluetooth device lists.

Top Rated Comments

DutchApplePie Avatar
16 months ago
It would be nice when playing music in a car through bluetooth if notification sounds would come from the phone instead of momentarily lowering the music volume.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ambientdaw Avatar
16 months ago
My experience with Bluetooth pairing with speakers from my iPhone and Mac is nothing short of miserable. Sometimes it works but it is 50/50 at best.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
16 months ago

What would you want to change them to?..
I would want Apple to document what the effect of each setting is, and letting me decide if I want my AirPods to work like e.g. a speaker. Instead it's "Tell us what you have (but for AirPods we already know), and we'll decide what is good for you."
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
16 months ago
Have set it up for some of my Bluetooth accessories. Will try enabling them for the rest of them and see.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
16 months ago
What we need is mic gain controls like we have on the Mac, why is this not available in iOS?! 🤦🏼
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thejadedmonkey Avatar
16 months ago
I've always wondered, is a stereo with a bluetooth input the same as a speaker, in Apple land? Or should I select "Other" for my stereo?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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