How to set different ringer volumes for AirPods and iPhone speakers?

I like to keep the phone's ringer volume -- the one that plays through the phone's speakers -- at a high level.


Unfortunately, this means that when I am using AirPods, the call ringer and text notification are deafeningly loud.

So loud that I jump (from surprise) when they ring.


Is there a way to decouple these settings?

Specifically, I would like to keep the phone-speaker ringer very loud, but have the ringer volume when played through AirPods be quieter.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: AirPod-specific Ringer Volume?

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Posted on Dec 4, 2025 9:23 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 6, 2025 6:06 AM

Turn OFF “Play Sound on Connected Headphones” (BEST FIX)

This setting controls whether iPhone sends alert sounds to AirPods at all.

Go to:

Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Headphone Safety → Play Sound on Connected Headphones → OFF

When this is OFF:

  • AirPods will NOT play the loud ring or alert sounds
  • Alerts will still play through the phone speakers
  • Your AirPods volume for music stays unchanged
  • You still hear Siri announcing calls if that is enabled

This solves the problem for most users.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 6, 2025 6:06 AM in response to Damcgee

Turn OFF “Play Sound on Connected Headphones” (BEST FIX)

This setting controls whether iPhone sends alert sounds to AirPods at all.

Go to:

Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Headphone Safety → Play Sound on Connected Headphones → OFF

When this is OFF:

  • AirPods will NOT play the loud ring or alert sounds
  • Alerts will still play through the phone speakers
  • Your AirPods volume for music stays unchanged
  • You still hear Siri announcing calls if that is enabled

This solves the problem for most users.

How to set different ringer volumes for AirPods and iPhone speakers?

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