Little known tricks to use the remote on your ear buds to control your iPhone

Aug 3, 2014 21:51 GMT  ·  By
Sure you can listen to your favorite music, but did you know you could take a picture using your headphones' remote?
 
Apple built in some special functions in that headset. It doesn't matter if you have the latest EarPods or an older model. If they have a remote on the wire, you are good to go. A combination of presses on those buttons will help you leave your iPhone in your pocket and still control some of the functions in different apps. 
 
It is good to know that not all functions are working with all iPhone models. On the other hand, some of the below tips will work just as well on an iPod touch, iPad, or even your Mac. 
 
1. Play or pause a song or video
 
If you are playing a song or podcast on your built-in apps and most third-party apps, pressing the center button once will pause the audio. Press it again and the payback will resume. That works with video as well and it doesn't even have to be the Videos app. You can use the same trick in YouTube or in the browser. 
2. Skip the song or chapter
 
Do you want to go to the next song or are you just listening to an audiobook and you want to go to the next chapter? Pressing the center button twice quickly will get you there right away. 
 
3. Fast Forward
 
Now this is where it gets interesting. If you just press the center button twice you will get to the next song, but try and hold the second press for a while and you will see how you can fast forward. 
4. Go to the previous song or chapter
 
The trick at Number 2 works in reverse. If you click the center button three times, you will be able to go back. 
 
5. Rewind
 
The same is available as at number 3. Press the center button three times and then hold it and you will rewind that song or audio book.
6. Answer or end a call
 
You already know that if your iPhone rings when you listen to music, the audio stops and you are taken to the phone call. What if you have your phone in your pocket and you just want to take that call? Press the center button once to answer. Press it again at the end and you will hang up. 
 
7. Decline an incoming call
 
Yes. That is possible. When someone calls you, just press the center button for about two seconds and then let go. You will hear two low beeps to confirm that you have declined the call. 
8. Switch to an incoming call or on hold call and put the current call on hold
 
We're getting into the more advanced stuff, but the trick is just as easy as the other ones. You just need to press the center button once. When you press it again you will switch back to the first call. 
 
9. Switch to an incoming or on-hold call and end the current call
 
The easy way to do this is just to press the button on the screen, but if you are busy or driving and you don't want to fiddle with your touch screen, all you have to do is hold down the center button for approximately two seconds and then let go. You will hear two low beeps that confirm the call was ended. 
 
10. Use Siri with the EarPods
 
Do you just want to ask Siri for the time, have her read your latest email or iMessage, or maybe dictate a new message? You can do that just by pressing and holding the center button. After Siri has answered your question, you can ask her again by pressing and holding the same button each time you want to talk.