Automatic Head Detection is a standout feature of Apple AirPods Max, effortlessly pausing and resuming music based on whether theyre worn. If you prefer more control or have fit concerns, toggle this feature via device settings. On iPhone or Mac, navigate to Settings > Your AirPods Max > Automatic Head Detection to enable or disable as needed. Note: This feature is exclusive to Apple devices, not compatible with Android or PC.

Automatic Head Detection is one of the simplest yet coolest features on the Apple AirPods Max. When this feature is enabled, your AirPods Max can automatically detect when they are or arent being worn. When you slip them on, theyll start music playback automatically, and when you take them off, the playback stops. Its pretty handy, saving you the need to fish around for a pause button when someone is trying to talk to you and preserving your place in a song should your AirPods Max accidentally fall off .

All that said, perhaps youd prefer to have more manual control over how your AirPods Max work, or maybe you have a small head thats prone to headphone slippage. Whatever the reason, worry not. If youd prefer to be the arbiter of your musics timing, you can quickly and easily toggle this feature on and off through the settings on your connected device.

Toggling Automatic Head Detection

Firstly, you cant toggle Automatic Head Detection on the AirPods Max themselves. The digital crown dial can only adjust the AirPods volume, while the Noise Control button swaps between transparency and noise-canceling modes. To toggle Automatic Head Detection, your AirPods Max must be synced up to an external device like an iPhone or a Mac . Your AirPods Max must also be powered on and in active use to access its settings.

Follow these steps to toggle Automatic Head Detection on a connected iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

  1. On your devices main screen, open the Settings app.

  2. If your AirPods Max are connected, their name should appear at the top of the app.

  3. Tap your AirPods Maxs name to open their settings.

  4. Find the Automatic Head Detection option.

  5. Tap the option to enable or disable it.

To toggle Automatic Head Detection on a connected Mac, follow these steps.

  1. Click the Apple logo on your Macs main screen to open the main menu.

  2. Click System Settings.

  3. If your AirPods Max are connected, their name should appear on the sidebar.

  4. Click your AirPods Maxs name to open their settings.

  5. Find the Automatic Head Detection option.

  6. Click the option to enable or disable it.

Remember, you can only use the AirPods Maxs advanced features, including Automatic Head Detection, if connected to an Apple device. This wont work with an Android or PC.