How to Disable Automatic Head Detection on AirPods Max - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

How to Disable Automatic Head Detection on AirPods Max

by

Apple's AirPods Max over-ear headphones include a feature called Automatic Head Detection that allows the audio routed from a connected device to seamlessly switch to ‌AirPods‌ Max the moment you put the headphone cups on your ears.

apple airpods max listening experience
This also means AirPods Max‌ can automatically pause the audio track when you remove the headphones, and resume playback when you put them back on again, ensuring you won't miss a thing.

The feature is enabled by default, but if you want to you can manually disable it once you've connected the ‌AirPods Max‌ to an iPhone or iPad. Just note that once you do, you'll have to manually play/pause audio routing to the ‌AirPods‌ Max whenever you take them off or put them on.

  1. Make sure the AirPods Max headphones are connected to your iOS device.
  2. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or ‌iPad‌.
  3. Tap Bluetooth.
  4. Tap the Info (i) button next to the name of your AirPods Max headphones.
  5. Toggle off the switch next to Automatic Head Detection.

You can also reverse the direction of the volume controls on AirPods Max if you keep turning the Digital Crown in the wrong direction.

Related Roundup: AirPods Max 2
Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now)
Related Forum: AirPods

Popular Stories

AirPods Max 2 Design

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Max 2

Tuesday May 5, 2026 11:16 am PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Max 2. The firmware is version 8E258, up from the prior 8E251 firmware that was released just ahead of when the AirPods Max 2 launched. It's not clear what's included in the firmware update, but Apple provides limited details in its AirPods firmware support document. Most updates focus on bug fixes and improvements. The AirPods Max 2 have...
iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Related Apple News: 2024 Ipad Mini Vs 2026 Ipad Air | Technology | Wwdc 2024 Announcements | Mac | Aqara W200 Thermostat