What is Live Listen on iOS 15 and How to Use It?

What is Live Listen on iOS 15? Here is everything you need to know about this and enjoy a clear audio sound you never knew you could. 

When Apple released the iOS 15.4.1 update last September 2021, it caught the user’s interest like wildfire. Because after a long time, Apple introduced so many unique features, new looks, security patches, and bug-fixing features that people were more than ready to try it all.  

Out of all the iOS 15 versions, iOS 15.3 is the one with less number of complaints about errors and bugs. But one thing is common in all; a list of amazing features. 

One such feature which you will love in iOS 15 is Live Listen. But do you know what is Live Listen on iOS 15? If not, then we are here to guide you. Here is your complete guide to what is Live Listen on iOS 15, how you can use it, and what are some fixes if you are facing errors in Live Listen. So, let’s get started with our complete Live Listen iOS 15 guide. 

What is Live Listen on iOS 15?

Live Listen has been in various iOS updates since 2016, but initially, it was only available to work with MFi-certified hearing aid. Then in later updates, it started working with Airpods as well. But in the latest iOS 15 update, this accessibility feature took a whole new turn, and we know it can become your favorite part of iOS 15. 

Basically, Live Listen uses the microphone of your iPhone or iPad and sends the voice to the Apple Airpods you are wearing. 

This allows you to hear the music on Airpods and any white noise (background noise) to keep you in touch with your surroundings. 

Read More: What Is The Blue Arrow On iOS 15?

The best use of Live Listen is when you are in some noisy place and want to understand what another person is saying clearly. All you will need to do is place your iphone or iPad on the table, turn on the Live Listen, and hear everything clearly in your Airpods. 

This is even best for hearing music. Some users said they felt like they were in live concerts, and what’s better than that?

How to Set Up Live Listen On iOS 15?

So, now you know what is Live Listen on iOS 15 and what you can do with it. Let’s talk about how to set up Live Listen on your device. Setting up Live Listen on your device requires just a few simple taps on your iPhone, as we discussed below:

Step 1: Make sure your Airpods are connected to your iPhone and then open the Settings app. 

Step 2: Tap on the Control Center to open it. 

Step 3: Here, scroll down to the option of More Controls. 

Step 4: Look for the option of Hearing and tap on the green (+) button to include it in Controls. 

If you cannot find the Hearing option in the More Control, you can find it in the included control option. In that case, you just have to tap, hold, and drag the handles to rearrange them all. Just hold and drag the handle of the Hearing option to somewhere at the top of the Control Center. 

Now you can find the Live Listen feature in your Control Center in the Hearing option.

How To Turn On Live Listen On iOS 15?

After setting up the Live Listen on your device, now is the time to turn it on and use it. Here is how to turn on Live Listen on iOS 15:

Step 1: Swipe down from the right corner of your iPhone’s screen to open the control center. 

Step 2: First, tap on the ‘Air Play’ option. You can find the Airplay option at top of the screen in the right corner. 

Step 3: A list of devices will pop up on your screen. Select your Air pods name by tapping on it.

Step 4: Next, go back to the Control Center. 

Step 5: Here, you will see the ‘Hearing’ shortcut with a hearing air icon on it. The one you added while setting up the Live Listen. 

Step 6: Tap on the text ‘Live Listen’ to turn on this feature. 

How Live Listen is Different From Transparency Mode

Live Listen and Transparency Mode are two distinct functionalities that cater to two distinct user groups. Live Listen is a smartphone app that allows persons with minor hearing problems to utilize their iPhone’s microphone to gather ambient sound. You don’t have to listen to the music to use Live Listen. It’s possible to use it without fussing with the music settings.

Transparency Mode allows the sound from the outside surroundings to be picked up by the Pro’s microphone array. This is best if you want to keep tabs on what people are talking about in your surroundings. 

Which Headphones Are Compatible With Live Listen?

After understanding what is Live Listen on iOS 15, it is also important to know which devices can be paired up with Live Listen. There are no specific lists given by Apple that clearly mention which devices or headphones are compatible with Live Listen. Unfortunately, the standard Bluetooth connecting headphones are not compatible with Live Listen. 

But any Apple-supported headphones and some Beats devices can be paired up, i.e., 

• Aird Pods 
• Air Pods Pro 
• Air Pods Max
• Power Beats Pro
• Air Pods (2nd Gen)
• Beats Fit Pro

You can use Live Listen on iOS 15 with any of the aforementioned devices. 

Live Listen Not Working? Here Are Some Quick Fixes

It is pretty normal if you are unable to use Live Listen appropriately at the start. But even after some time, the Live Listen is not working; then it’s probably because of some system glitches. Below we have mentioned three common errors related to Live Listen and how you can fix them. 

Check Your Headphone Compatibility

As we mentioned above, not all headphones are compatible with the Live Listen iOS 15. Only Apple-supported headphones, Airpods, and Beat pro headphones are compatible with Live Listen. This means only these devices can be used to run the Live Listen feature. 

If the Live Listen is not working on your Airpods, then check the compatibility and make sure you are using a suitable device. Also, make sure you use the real Airpods and not the fake ones to avoid this error.

Try Reconnecting Your Bluetooth Headphone

If you are using a Bluetooth headset that is compatible with Live Listen, but it isn’t working, try removing it from the associated devices list, restarting your iPhone, and pairing it again will help fix the error. This should force Live Listen to work by allowing the system to identify your supported AirPods or PowerBeats Pro.

Make Sure Your Headphone Has Enough Battery

If your device is compatible and even after restarting your iPhone isn’t fixing the error, check your headphones’ battery. Low battery either continuously disconnects the Airpods from iPhone or can’t even pair it with the device. So, make sure your Airpods have enough battery to run the Live Listen for you.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people are asking on the forums regarding what live Listen on iOS 15 and how it works?

Bottom Line 

iOS 15 is full of unique features, and Live Listen is just one of these fantastic and unique features to help enhance your iPhone user experience. We hope this guide helps you properly understand what is Live Listen on iOS 15 and how it can help you by making surrounding sounds more apparent than ever.