12 things you didn’t know your iPhone earphones could do
If you’ve got an Apple iPhone or iPod then you’ll want to know about these nifty tricks. The “EarPods” (Apple’s fancy term for earbuds/earphones) that come with the latest versions of iPhones and iPods have an in-built remote control that give you access to a host of capabilities. Here’s how to access them:
Play or pause a song or video – Press the centre button once and press again to resume.
Skip to the next song or chapter in a podcast – Press the centre button twice quickly.
Fast-forward – Press the centre button twice quickly and hold.
Go to the previous song or chapter – Press the centre button three times quickly.
Rewind – Press the centre button three times quickly and hold.
Answer or end a call – Press the centre button once to answer. Press again to end the call.
Decline an incoming call – Hold down the centre button for about two seconds, then let go. When you let go, two low beeps confirm that you declined the call
Switch to an incoming or on-hold call and put the current call on hold – Press the centre button once. Press again to switch back to the first call.
Switch to an incoming or on-hold call and end the current call – Hold down the centre button for about two seconds, then let go. When you let go, two low beeps confirm that you ended the first call
Take a photo – Open the camera app and take a photograph by pressing either of the volume buttons.
Activate Siri – When connected to the internet, press and hold centre button. You can then speak instructions into the microphone on the headphones
Use VoiceOver (iPod Shuffle and iPod nano) – To use VoiceOver, press the centre button to hear the song title and artist name. Continue pressing until you hear a tone, and then release the button. VoiceOver announces the current playlist, and then all your playlists. Press the centre button when you hear the name of the playlist you want
Related links:
A guide to podcasts: What are they and where should I start?
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