The latest iPads have exceptional speakers, delivering impressive volume and high-quality audio.
But the speakers can’t compete with the headphones. Headphones provide better audio quality, bass, and noise-canceling. Headphones offer a more private and immersive listening experience.
In this article, I’ll cover how to connect wired headphones to an iPad without a headphone jack, how to connect Bluetooth headphones to an iPad, and how to connect two headphones to an iPad simultaneously.
How To Connect Wireless Bluetooth Headphones to iPad
To pair your Bluetooth headphones with your iPad for streaming music, videos, making video calls, and more, follow these steps:
- Ensure your Bluetooth headphones are turned on and in pairing mode.
- On your iPad, open Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Toggle Bluetooth on if it’s not already enabled.
- Your Bluetooth headphones should appear in the list of available devices under Other Devices.
- Tap on the name of your headphones to initiate pairing with your iPad.
- Once connected, you’ll see “Connected” next to your headphones.
How To Connect Two Bluetooth Headphones to iPad
If you want to watch a movie together or listen to music together on your iPad, it’s doable.
Apple has a feature: “Share Audio.” This feature allows you to connect two Bluetooth headphones to your iPad at the same time.
This feature is only compatible with iPadOS/ iOS 13.1 or later. This is how you enable it:
- Connect the first earbuds/headphones to your iPad.
- In the Control Center or within the music/streaming app, tap on ‘Share Audio.’
- Bring the second pair of AirPods or Beats headphones close to the iPad.
- The iPad will automatically detect the device and display its name on the screen. Tap ‘Share Audio’ to connect them.
- Once both devices are connected, you can control their audio settings collectively or individually. You can play, pause, or stop the audio using controls on the Lock Screen or in the Control Center.
‘Shareed Audio’ is only compatible with certain new iPad models and wireless headsets.
iPads That Are Compatible with Two Headphones
- The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd-generation) and later
- The iPad Pro 11-inch(All generations) + iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- The iPad Air (3rd-generation) and later
- The iPad mini (5th-generation) and later
- The iPad (5th-generation) and later
this feature works with all of Apple’s in-house earbuds and headphones. Compatible Apple headphones:
AirPods Max, AirPods Pro(gen 1, gen 2), AirPods(gen 1, 2, 3), Powerbeats, Solo Pro, Powerbeats Pro, Powerbeats 3 Wireless, Beats Solo 3 Wireless, Beats Studio 3 Wireless, Beats X, Beats Flex, and Beats Fit Pro.
How To Connect Wired Headphones To iPad
iPads no longer have headphone jacks. But what if you still have wired headphones with 3.5mm jack?
There’s still a way how you can connect them to an iPad. You will need to buy a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or Lightning port to 3.5mm adapter. Depending on which port does your iPad has. All the latest models now have USB-C ports, but the older generation iPads have Lightning ports.
The adapter enables you to use traditional wired headphones with a device that doesn’t have a dedicated headphone jack(AUX) but uses a USB Type C port or Lightning port for audio output.
These adapters are also known as:
- USB-C (male) and 3.5mm jack (female).
- Lightning port (male) and 3.5mm jack (female).
UGREEN USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter
- Works with all the iPads, among other devices with USB-C Ports(iPhones & other smartphones)
- The iPad can stream audio while charging at the same time.
- Send sound from your USB-C device to your headphones.
- Plug it in and start listening.
You can connect wired earbuds or headphones and still charge your device. Letting you enjoy music, gaming, calls, or videos while charging your iPad in the meantime.
Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
- Works with all the older iPads, among other devices with Lightning Ports
- Send sound from your Lightning port device to your headphones.
- Plug it in and start listening.
- Durable.
How To Connect Two Wired Headphones To iPad
Apple’s “Audio Share” feature is incredibly handy when you want to enjoy a movie or music with a friend or a loved one, but what if you have wired headphones? No worries, you can connect two wired headphones to iPad, but you will need an adapter with two headphone jacks.
USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter (3-in-1)
- Send sound from your USB-C port to two devices simultaneously while charging your iPad.
- Works with all the USB-C iPads, among other devices with USB-C Ports.
- Plug it in and start listening.
- Durable.
This adapter features a USB-C port for convenient iPad charging, along with two headphone jacks, allowing you to enjoy a movie on an airplane or a music playlist.
The sound quality depends primarily on your headphones rather than the method you use to connect your devices so you won’t lose audio quality.
Upgrade To Wireless Headphones/Earbuds
In case you are thinking about upgrading to Bluetooth earbuds/headphones I’ve some recommendations:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
2nd Gen  | AirPods Pro | 9.9 | Buy on Amazon |
3rd Gen  | Apple AirPods | 9.7 | Buy on Amazon |
Wireless  | Apple AirPods Max | 8.9 | Buy on Amazon |
Wireless  | Beats Studio Pro | 8.8 | Buy on Amazon |
 | Beats Studio Buds + | 8.6 | Buy on Amazon |
Note: if you want to use the ‘share audio’ feature on the iPad, where you can connect two Bluetooth headphones at the same time, you will need to buy either AirPods or Beats. Both of the headphones need to come from Apple or the feature won’t work.
What Should I Do If My Headphones Disconnect Frequently From my iPad?
If your headphones frequently disconnect from your iPad, try these steps to resolve the issue:
- Restart Both Devices: Turn off both your headphones and iPad, then turn them back on.
- Update Firmware: Ensure your headphones and iPad have the latest firmware or software updates installed.
- Check Bluetooth Range: Stay within the recommended Bluetooth range (usually around 30 feet or 10 meters) between your headphones and iPad.
- Remove Interference: Move away from other devices or Wi-Fi networks that may cause interference.
- Forget and Re-pair: In your iPad’s Bluetooth settings, forget the headphones and then re-pair them from scratch.
- Reset Network Settings: On your iPad, reset network settings to clear any Bluetooth-related issues.
FAQ’s
Can You Connect One Bluetooth Headphone and One Wired Headphone to an iPad?
You cannot listen to audio from two different sources. The audio will only play to one device at a time. You can switch between the devices, but you can play them simultaneously.
What’s the Connection Range?
The connection range depends on the Bluetooth headphones you’re using. In most cases, you can expect a range of around 30 feet
What if One of the Headphones Won’t Connect to iPad?
Ensure your headphones are compatible with the audio-sharing feature.
Confirm that both headphones are in pairing mode.
Make sure there are no other connected devices that could cause interference.
Why won’t my headphones pair with my iPad?
Your headphones may not pair with your iPad due to common issues such as Bluetooth not being enabled on your iPad, headphones not being in pairing mode, interference from other devices or Wi-Fi networks, compatibility issues between your headphones and iPad model, or outdated software or firmware on either device. Ensuring Bluetooth is turned on, putting your headphones in pairing mode, minimizing interference, checking compatibility, and updating software can typically resolve this issue.
How do I switch audio output between headphones and iPad speakers?
To switch audio output between headphones and iPad speakers, you have a few options. The easiest way is to swipe down from the top-right corner of the iPad screen to access Control Center. From there, tap on the audio playback controls, which typically display the name of the current output device. You can then select either your connected headphones or the iPad speakers to switch the audio output instantly. Additionally, many apps allow you to adjust audio output settings within their interface, providing another method to manage where audio is directed. For more control over default audio output settings across all apps, you can navigate to the Settings app, select “Sounds & Haptics,” and adjust the output preferences accordingly. These methods offer flexibility in managing audio output between headphones and iPad speakers based on your current needs and preferences.
Do all Bluetooth headphones work with iPads?
Yes, most Bluetooth headphones are compatible with iPads, as iPads generally support standard Bluetooth protocols for audio devices. However, it’s essential to check compatibility, especially with older iPad models or specific headphone brands, to ensure seamless pairing and functionality.
Are there apps that optimize headphone usage on iPads?
Yes, there are apps available on the App Store that can optimize headphone usage on iPads. These apps typically offer features such as equalizers to adjust audio settings, sound enhancement tools for better audio quality, and noise-canceling capabilities to improve the listening experience with headphones. Choosing the right app depends on your specific audio preferences and the capabilities of your headphones and iPad model.
I'm a writer and editor in iPads & Android Tablets, Windows Tablet section. I'm passionate about technology, especially about tablets. I'm on a mission to assist people in discovering their ideal tablets. In addition, I'm dedicated to producing helpful how-to guides and sharing top-notch tips and tricks. In my early carrier I founded and became and editor at worldoftablet and have been a guest author at many other tech blogs. In wolfoftablet I'm focusing on iPads, Tablets, Apple Pencil, Apps, Reviews, Buyers Guides and Tablet Accessories. In free time I like to play games on my PS5 or iOS.