5 Best Ways to Fix Spatial Audio Not Working on AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro

Quick Tips

• Spatial Audio on AirPods works only with compatible devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
• Ensure the app you’re using supports Spatial Audio and that head tracking is enabled on your iPhone.
• Updating the AirPods firmware or resetting them completely can also help resolve issues.

Try Basic Fixes

• Update the AirPods firmware: Put your AirPods inside the case while they’re connected to your phone. Now, connect a lightning cable to your AirPods to start charging them. Keep both the AirPods and the iPhone close to one another. The firmware update should take place automatically in the background.
• Reset your AirPods: Put your AirPods into the case and keep the lid open. Press and hold the button at the back of the AirPods case for 15 seconds. The LED on the front of the AirPods case will start blinking white. Release the button when this happens. Close the AirPods case and open it again, then pair it with your iPhone.

Fix 1: Enable the Spatial Audio From the Control Center

Spatial Audio is disabled by default, so when you pair your AirPods with your iPhone or Mac to play a song, you will have to enable the toggle manually to turn the feature on. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Access the Control Center on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Step 2: Long-press the volume toggle to bring up additional settings and tap the Spatial Audio icon at the bottom.

Step 3: Select either the Fixed or Head Tracked option to enable Spatial Audio.

Fix 2: Use an App That Supports Spatial Audio

If you wish to experience spatial audio, make sure to use a supported app. To check if an app supports spatial audio, open it and bring up the Control Center. Then, long-press the volume toggle. If the app supports spatial audio, you will see the spatial audio toggle is on. Otherwise, the icon will appear disabled.

Fix 3: Disable Mono Audio From Accessibility Settings

iPhones with Mono Audio activated tend to have a flat, narrow, and less dynamic sound. Whereas, Spatial Audio has been engineered to provide a 3D audio experience. Putting two and two together, if Mono Audio is enabled on your iPhone, Spatial Audio ain’t gonna work. So, your best bet is to disable mono audio.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and head to Accessibility > Audio/Visual.

Step 2: Turn off the Mono Audio toggle.

Fix 4: Enable Head Tracking on Your iPhone

With head tracking disabled, you may not be able to experience that surround sound effect. Here’s how to enable it.

Step 1: Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on your AirPods’ name that appears at the top.

Step 2: Scroll down and select the Accessibility option. Then, enable the Follow iPhone toggle.

Fix 5: Turn On Dolby Atmos for Apple Music

This step is applicable only to those individuals who have an Apple Music subscription. Activating Dolby Atmos on the Apple Music app is essential to experience an immersive three-dimensional Spatial Audio effect.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and scroll down to tap on Music.

Step 2: Select Dolby Atmos and select Always On.