How to Pause Music on AirPods When You Fall Asleep

In this guide, we will show you how you can pause media on your AirPods automatically when falling asleep.

Do you often fall asleep with your headphones playing an audiobook or music? If yes, then we have the perfect feature for you.

In iOS 26 or later, Apple has the Pause Media When Falling Asleep toggle, which automatically pauses whatever is playing on your device when it detects you have fallen asleep.

Pause AirPods music or audiobook when falling asleep

This feature is available on the latest AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4. If you have one of these AirPods models and want to turn on this feature, then follow these steps.

1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone by opening its charging case’s lid or wearing them in your ears.
2. Now open the Settings app and tap on the AirPods name from the top. You can also go to Bluetooth and tap on the I button next to the AirPods name.
3. Once you are on the AirPods settings page, scroll down and find the Pause Media When Falling Asleep toggle. 
4. It is off by default. Turn it on.

As soon as you do this, this feature will activate, and the next time you fall asleep while wearing your AirPods, the audiobook or music will automatically get paused.

That’s it, this is how you can take advantage of the brand new iOS 26 feature for AirPods.