How to Skip Audio with Your AirPods + Quick Fixes

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Easily pause, skip, and adjust your volume with your Apple AirPods

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: April 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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Using AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

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Using AirPods (1st and 2nd Generation)

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Using AirPods Max

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Changing Skip Settings

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Troubleshooting

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Video

Your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max allow you to quickly control your audio without needing to use your iPhone, iPad, or other device. Most generations by default will let you skip songs by double-tapping the AirPods. If not, you can adjust this function in your Bluetooth settings. This wikiHow will show you how to skip songs using your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro.

Double-Tap to Skip Songs on AirPods

To skip songs on AirPods Pro, double-tap the Force Sensor to skip a song. On AirPods 1st or 2nd generation, double-tap either AirPod to skip a song. To change your settings, wear your AirPods and go to "Settings" → "Bluetooth" → "AirPods". Tap "left" or "right", then select the action.

Section 1 of 5:

Using AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

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1
Wear your AirPods Pro. There will be a built-in Force Sensor in the stem of the AirPods.^{[1]
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- Make sure your AirPods are connected to your device and fully charged.
- This method will also work on AirPods (3rd generation).
You can use a music streaming service such as Apple Music, Spotify, or even YouTube.

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3
Double-press the Touch control. This is found in the stem of the AirPods. You can use the left or right sensor.
- Your AirPods Pro will skip to the next song.
- To skip back, triple-touch the Touch control.
- To pause audio, press the Touch control once. To resume playback, press again.
- To adjust the volume, place your thumb on the stem of the AirPod. Swipe your index finger up on the Touch control to raise the volume or down to lower the volume.
4
Press and hold the Touch control to use Siri. You can use Siri to control your music. You must have Siri set up and active to use this method.^{[2]
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- Say, "Hey Siri, skip this song." Siri will skip the track.
- You can also ask Siri to pause, repeat, and turn up the volume.

Section 2 of 5:

Using AirPods (1st and 2nd Generation)

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1
Wear your AirPods. There will be a built-in Force Sensor in the stem of the AirPods.
- Make sure your AirPods are paired to your device and fully charged.
You can use a music streaming service such as Apple Music, Spotify, or even YouTube.
3
Double-tap the AirPod. You can use the left or right AirPod.
- Your AirPods will skip to the next song.
- If the song doesn't skip, you may need to change your skip settings.

Section 3 of 5:

Using AirPods Max

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Make sure your AirPods Max headset is paired to your device and fully charged.^{[3]
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Research source}
You can use a music streaming service such as Apple Music, Spotify, or even YouTube.
3
Double-click the Digital Crown. This is the circular button at the top of the left ear.
- Your AirPods Max will skip to the next song.
- To skip back, press the Digital Crown three times.
- To pause your audio, press the Digital Crown once. To resume playback, press again.
- If the song doesn't skip, you may need to change your skip settings.

Section 4 of 5:

Changing Skip Settings

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1
Wear your AirPods or AirPods Pro. Your AirPods must be active to change its settings.^{[4]
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Research source}
- If your AirPods won't skip songs by double-pressing the Force Sensor, you'll need to change your skip settings.
2
Open the Settings
app. This is the grey cog icon.
- Make sure your AirPods are paired to your device and fully charged.
This can be found underneath Wi-Fi.
Your AirPods should be listened underneath My Devices.
5
Tap Left or Right. Select the AirPod you want to change.
- This will be underneath Double-Tap on Airpod.
- A new page will open.
- If your AirPods are not connected, you won't see the options to change your settings.
6
Tap Next Track. A blue check mark will appear next to the option.
- You can also select Siri, Play/Pause, Previous Track, or Off.
- Your AirPods will be ready to skip using double-tap.

Section 5 of 5:

Troubleshooting

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Whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, make sure it's updated to the latest available version. These often provide common bug fixes.
2
Fully charge your AirPods. This could fix connection issues and provide firmware updates for your AirPods.
- AirPods update automatically when they're charging and in Bluetooth range of your device (connected to Wi-Fi).^{[5]
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3
Disconnect your AirPods and sync them again. Do the following:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Tap i next to your AirPods.
- Tap Forget This Device.
- Pair your AirPods again.
4
Factory reset your AirPods. Once you do this, you'll need to pair them to your device again.
- AirPods and AirPods Pro: Place the AirPods in the case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds. Open the lid, and then press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. The light will flash amber, and then white.
- AirPods Max: Press and hold the Digital Crown on the right headphone and the noise control button at the same time. The light will flash amber, and then white.