How to Turn On Custom EQ for Your AirPods in iOS 27

Apple has finally added a built-in Custom EQ for compatible AirPods in iOS 27. Until now, AirPods users had to rely on Adaptive EQ, Apple Music presets, or Accessibility settings to change the sound. With iOS 27, you can adjust bass, mids, and treble directly from your AirPods settings, and the changes apply across your listening experience instead of being limited to one app.



If you like stronger bass, clearer vocals, or brighter highs, this new feature gives you much more control without installing third-party apps.



Table of contentsCheck if Your AirPods Support Custom EQUpdate Your AirPods to the Latest FirmwareTurn On Custom EQ for AirPods in iOS 27What Each EQ Control DoesHow to Reset the EQWhat to Do if Custom EQ Is MissingFAQsSummaryConclusion



Check if Your AirPods Support Custom EQ



Before you begin, make sure your devices meet these requirements.




iPhone running iOS 27



Compatible AirPods with the latest firmware



Your AirPods connected to your iPhone




Apple currently offers Custom EQ on supported H2-powered AirPods models, including AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4. Support for other models depends on Apple's firmware updates.



Update Your AirPods to the Latest Firmware



If you do not see the Equalizer option, your AirPods may need a firmware update.




Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.



Place the AirPods inside their charging case.



Connect the charging case to power.



Keep the case close to your iPhone.



Wait around 20 to 30 minutes while the firmware installs automatically in the background.




Turn On Custom EQ for AirPods in iOS 27



Once your AirPods are updated, you can enable the new equalizer.




Open the Settings app on your iPhone.



Tap your AirPods at the top of the Settings screen.



Open Audio and Routing.



Tap Equalizer.



Select Custom.



Adjust the Low, Mid, and High frequency controls to create your preferred sound profile.




The changes take effect immediately, so you can play music while adjusting the controls and hear the difference in real time.



What Each EQ Control Does



The three-band equalizer is simple but effective.




Low: Increases or reduces bass for deeper beats.



Mid: Changes the clarity of vocals and most instruments.



High: Adjusts treble for brighter details like cymbals and acoustic instruments.




How to Reset the EQ



If you are not happy with your adjustments, you can quickly return to Apple's default tuning.




Open Settings.



Tap your AirPods.



Go to Audio and Routing.



Open Equalizer.



Select Recommended.




This restores Apple's default sound profile.



What to Do if Custom EQ Is Missing



If you cannot find the Equalizer option, try these fixes.




Confirm your iPhone is running iOS 27.



Update your AirPods to the latest firmware.



Reconnect your AirPods.



Restart your iPhone.



Check that your AirPods model supports the feature.




FAQs



Does Custom EQ work in every app?Yes. Apple designed the new AirPods Custom EQ to affect audio played through your AirPods across supported content, instead of being limited to Apple Music.



Can I adjust bass only?Yes. You can increase or decrease the Low frequency control without changing the Mid or High settings.



Will this replace Adaptive EQ?No. Adaptive EQ still works behind the scenes where supported, while the new Custom EQ lets you personalize the overall sound profile.



Can I save multiple EQ presets?At launch, Apple does not provide preset profiles that you can save and switch between.



Summary




Update your iPhone to iOS 27.



Update your AirPods firmware.



Open Settings and tap your AirPods.



Go to Audio and Routing.



Open Equalizer.



Select Custom.



Adjust the Low, Mid, and High controls until the sound matches your preference.




Conclusion



Custom EQ is one of the most useful audio upgrades in iOS 27. It finally gives AirPods users direct control over bass, mids, and treble without relying on third-party apps or hidden accessibility settings. Once enabled, you can fine-tune your listening experience in just a few taps and hear the changes instantly while your music plays.