Skip to main content

How to turn on Voice Isolation with Apple AirPods

A pair of Apple AirPods Pro in an open case with a swimming pool in the background.
Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

Apple’s AirPods remain one of the best pairs of wireless earbuds you can buy, always sitting at the forefront of delivering exceptional audio experiences, catering to music enthusiasts, professionals, and everyone in between. Apple now offers Voice Isolation on select AirPods, including the AirPods Pro 2 and new AirPods 4. This tool significantly enhances call clarity by minimizing background noise and focusing on your voice.

Below, we explore enabling and using Voice Isolation with your Apple AirPods to make your conversation as straightforward as possible.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Your AirPods-connected iPhone or iPad with iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 installed

  • AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4

What is Voice Isolation?

Voice Isolation is a technology designed to improve call quality by using machine learning to filter out background noise. Whether you’re in a noisy coffee shop, amid heavy traffic, or at a windy park, Voice Isolation makes sure that your voice comes through clearly, while reducing ambient noises.

The feature has long been available on select iPhone, iPad, and Mac models. More recently, Apple began offering the service for calls with supported AirPods involved.

Which AirPods support Voice Isolation?

Before diving into the settings, ensure your AirPods support this feature. As of the latest updates, Voice Isolation is supported on:

  • AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
  • AirPods (4th generation)

Additionally, ensure your iPhone or iPad is updated to the latest iOS or iPadOS to access this feature.

How to use Voice Isolation

To use Voice Isolation, you must activate it during calls or video conferences, and you must be using your AirPods. It works with compatible apps, including Phone, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom.

Step 1: During a call, access the Control Center on your iPhone or iPad by swiping down from the upper-right corner of the screen.

Step 2: In the Control Center, find the volume slider, then long-press it to reveal additional audio settings.

Step 3: Select Voice Isolation from the choices available. This will activate the feature for the duration of your call.

Voice Isolation steps on an iPhone 16 Pro Max with iOS 18.
Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

Voice Isolation tips and tricks

To maximize the performance of Voice Isolation:

  • Stay Updated: Always ensure your devices and AirPods firmware are up to date to maintain compatibility and access the latest features.
  • Charge Your AirPods: Make sure your AirPods are fully charged to prevent any interruptions during calls.
  • Positioning: To ensure optimal results, ensure that the AirPods are positioned correctly in your ears.

Voice Isolation with Apple AirPods can revolutionize the way we handle calls in noisy environments by focusing solely on your voice and minimizing all other background noise. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can enhance your auditory experience during calls, ensuring clearer, more professional communication. Whether for personal chats or professional meetings, Voice Isolation is a valuable feature for anyone looking to improve call quality in loud spaces.

Bryan M. Wolfe
Former Mobile and A/V Freelancer
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 4 ANC: which should you buy?
Apple AirPods 4.

AirPods are one of the most iconic Apple products, and they have consistently topped our best earbuds lists since their invention. The company's ability to iterate on the product is equally impressive, as they push the bounds of how feature-rich an earbud the size of your pinky finger can get. If you've been looking for a new pair of wireless earbuds and are new to AirPods, you might be wondering where to start.

The AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 (w/ANC) may be different in their fit -- one is a closed in-ear fit while the other is a semi-open style -- but with the latest version of the AirPods 4 now offering ANC as well as the latest Apple H2 audio chip, the choice might not be as clear as it once was. After all, in our hands-on reviews, we felt that both performed exceptionally well. With numerous similarities across features and hardware, as well as a substantial price difference, we've put together a handy guide to help decide which model might be better for you depending on your lifestyle, budget, and use patterns.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 4 ANC: specs

Read more
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: Battle of the flagship eabuds
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WP-1000XM5.

Wireless earbuds continue to improve each year. Two of the top options available right now are the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5. In our reviews of both models, we gave them each a 4.5-star rating. They both offer great sound and ANC features, comfortable fit, and an excellent user experience, so you really can't go wrong with either choice. However, is there a better option between them? Let's explore and find out.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Sony WF-1000XM5: specs

Apple AirPods Pro 2
Sony WF-1000XM5

Read more
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Too close to call
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.

True wireless earbuds continue to improve every year. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are two of the best options on the market. Both were released toward the end of 2023, and though we might see updates to be released sometime this year, earbud enthusiasts looking for a premium pair will still be considering these top models in the meantime and beyond. We've spent several hours reviewing each set of these earbuds and here's how we think they stack up.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: specs

Apple AirPods Pro 2
Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Read more