Make Your AirPods Sound Better With Custom EQ in iOS 27

Make Your AirPods Sound Better With Custom EQ in iOS 27

Want more bass in your music or clearer voices in your favorite podcasts? Apple's Custom EQ feature lets you adjust the sound of compatible AirPods, with your preferences saved directly to the headphones.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 5, 2026

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Give Your AirPods a Sound Makeover

Ever listen to your favorite song and wish it had a little more bass? Or struggle to hear the voices in a podcast because the music seems too loud?

Your AirPods may have a solution.

Apple's Custom EQ feature gives owners of compatible AirPods more control over how their music, podcasts and other audio sound.

Instead of relying exclusively on Apple's recommended audio settings, you can adjust bass, midrange and treble to suit your preferences.

Even better, your adjustments are stored on your AirPods, so they carry over when you connect to other paired devices.

Here's a Cool Tip: Customize your AirPods' sound with the built-in equalizer in iOS 27.

What Is Custom EQ?

Custom EQ is a feature that lets you adjust the balance of different sound frequencies on supported AirPods.

EQ stands for equalization. In simple terms, an equalizer changes how prominent certain frequencies sound when you listen to audio.

Apple's Custom EQ provides three adjustable controls:

Low (Bass): Adjusts deeper sounds, such as drums, bass guitars and low-frequency effects.

Mid (Midrange): Adjusts frequencies associated with vocals, dialogue and many musical instruments.

High (Treble): Adjusts higher-frequency sounds, including cymbals and some details in speech.

For example, you might increase the Low setting when listening to dance music or experiment with Mid to make a podcast host's voice more prominent.

The adjustments are a matter of personal preference. More bass or treble doesn't necessarily mean better sound.

What's New?

Apple introduced Custom EQ through AirPods firmware update 9A348.

The feature is available on AirPods 4 and later, AirPods Pro 2 and later, and AirPods Max 2 when used with compatible Apple devices and software.

Unlike an equalizer that's limited to a particular music app, Custom EQ settings are stored on the AirPods themselves.

That means your preferred settings can follow you when you switch between paired devices.

What You'll Gain

Personalized Sound: Adjust bass, midrange and treble to match your listening preferences.
Better Listening Control: Experiment with settings for music, podcasts, videos and other audio.
Consistent Preferences: Keep your Custom EQ settings when switching between paired devices.
Easy Adjustments: Return to Apple's Recommended setting whenever you want.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

You'll need compatible AirPods connected to an iPhone, iPad or Mac running supported software.

On iPhone or iPad

Put your AirPods in your ears and make sure they're connected to your device.
Open the Settings app.
Tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen.
Tap Audio & Routing.
Select Equalizer.
Tap Custom.
Drag the Low, Mid and High sliders up or down to adjust the sound.
Play a familiar song or podcast while experimenting with the controls.

Cool Tips:

Try making small adjustments and comparing the results.
You may discover that a subtle change produces a more pleasing sound than a dramatic one.

fig. 1 - Customize AirPods EQ

(Listen to Catch a Wave on Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music)

On a Mac

You can also customize the EQ from a compatible Mac.

Connect your AirPods and put them on.
Open System Settings.
Select your AirPods in the sidebar. You may need to scroll down.
Click Audio & Routing.
Select Equalizer.
Choose Custom.
Drag the Low, Mid and High sliders to adjust the sound.
Your changes are saved to the AirPods, not just the Mac.

How to Turn Off Custom EQ

Prefer Apple's original tuning?

Open the Equalizer settings and select Recommended instead of Custom.
You can switch between the two settings to compare the sound.

How to Check Your AirPods Firmware

Custom EQ was introduced in AirPods firmware version 9A348 for supported models.

To check your firmware on an iPhone or iPad:

Connect your AirPods.
Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the information button next to your AirPods.
Scroll to the About section and look for the firmware version.
Your AirPods may have a newer firmware version than 9A348.

Apple generally delivers firmware updates automatically while your AirPods are charging and within Bluetooth range of a compatible Apple device connected to Wi-Fi.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

More Control: Fine-tune the sound of supported AirPods to match your preferences.
Simple Settings: Three sliders make it easy to experiment without learning complicated audio terminology.
Works Across Paired Devices: Your preferences are stored on the AirPods.
Reversible: Return to Recommended whenever you want.
Versatile: Experiment with different settings for music, spoken audio and entertainment.

Cons:

Limited Compatibility: Older AirPods models do not support the feature.
Basic Equalizer: Three controls provide less precision than advanced equalizers.
Additional Setup: You need a compatible Apple device to configure the settings.
Subjective Results: Changing the EQ may not improve every recording, and excessive adjustments can make audio sound unnatural.

Who Should Skip This?

If you're already happy with how your AirPods sound, you don't need to change anything.

You may also prefer to leave Custom EQ disabled if you regularly listen to music and want to preserve Apple's recommended sound balance.

Owners of unsupported AirPods models can explore Apple's separate Headphone Accommodations feature, which provides other audio personalization options on compatible devices.

Troubleshooting and Limitations

1. The Equalizer Setting Is Missing

Problem: You can't find Equalizer in your AirPods settings.
Why it happens: Your AirPods model, firmware or connected device software may not support Custom EQ.
Fix: Confirm that you have a supported AirPods model and check for software and firmware updates.

2. Your AirPods Aren't Listed in Settings

Problem: Your AirPods don't appear near the top of the Settings screen.
Why it happens: They may not be connected to your device.
Fix: Put on your AirPods, connect them through Bluetooth and reopen Settings.

3. Your Music Sounds Unnatural

Problem: The bass sounds overwhelming or the treble is too sharp.
Why it happens: Your adjustments may be too aggressive for the recording.
Fix: Reduce the adjustments or select Recommended to restore Apple's tuning.

4. Your Audio Sounds Different Across Apps

Problem: Music sounds different from podcasts or other audio.
Why it happens: Recordings vary, and some apps may apply their own audio processing or equalization.
Fix: Compare the same recording with and without Custom EQ. Check for additional audio settings in the app you're using.

5. You Can't Change EQ Settings on Windows or Android

Problem: You want to adjust Custom EQ from a Windows PC or Android phone.
Why it happens: Apple's documented configuration process uses compatible iPhones, iPads and Macs.
Fix: Configure Custom EQ using a supported Apple device. The settings are stored on the AirPods and carry over to other paired devices.

Privacy and Data Notes

Custom EQ is an audio personalization feature that stores your settings on compatible AirPods.
Those settings carry over to other paired devices.
This also means someone else using your AirPods may hear your customized sound profile.

Feature Access

Custom EQ supports:

AirPods 4 and later
AirPods Pro 2 and later
AirPods Max 2

Apple introduced the feature in firmware update 9A348.
The equalizer is configured through compatible iPhones, iPads and Macs.
You don't need a separate paid subscription to use Custom EQ, but you do need compatible hardware and software.

Score

Criterion | Score (0–10) | Justification

Value |  8
Useful personalization that makes it easier to tailor AirPods audio to individual preferences.

Usability |  8
Three intuitive controls make adjustments simple, although the setting takes a few steps to find.

Wow Factor |  7
Saving EQ preferences directly to the AirPods is convenient, even if the underlying audio controls are relatively basic.

Total: 23/30 |  👍 Good
Custom EQ is a worthwhile improvement for AirPods owners who want more control over their listening experience.

Unlike audio settings limited to a specific app, Custom EQ preferences stay with your compatible AirPods.

Key Takeaways

Custom EQ gives compatible AirPods owners an easy way to personalize bass, midrange and treble.

Start with small adjustments, compare the results and remember that you can always return to Apple's Recommended setting.

Cool Tip Snapshot

Feature Name: Custom EQ for AirPods
Platforms: iPhone, iPad and Mac for configuration
Quick Benefit: Customize bass, midrange and treble
Best For: Music lovers, podcast listeners and frequent AirPods users
Access Type: Included with compatible AirPods and software
Difficulty: Easy

Learn More

Apple's official AirPods User Guide explains how to configure Custom EQ, adjust the three frequency controls and restore the Recommended setting.

Customize EQ on AirPods

You can also review Apple's AirPods firmware release notes to learn more about supported models and firmware updates.

About firmware updates for AirPods

Try It Yourself

Put on your AirPods, play a favorite song or podcast and experiment with Custom EQ. Do you prefer more bass, clearer voices or Apple's Recommended setting?

Share your experience in the comments, subscribe to the free One Cool Tip newsletter and share this article with family, friends and coworkers.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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Thursday, November 5, 2026