Stop Apple Podcasts auto-play with headphones

How do I prevent podcasts from auto-playing/resuming when I put in headphones?


I’ll connect my headphones and the Apple podcasts app will not shut up and will connect even if the app is closed and paused. I sometimes connect my headphones for noise cancelling of my partner’s CPAP.


Can’t find a setting either. Let me keep something paused.

iPhone 12, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 27, 2025 5:14 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 28, 2025 1:25 AM

Did you check the settings for Automatic Ear Detection?

...

If you don’t want your AirPods or AirPods Pro to automatically play and stop the audio, you can turn off automatic ear detection.

...

copied from: Play audio on AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max - Apple Support


Change settings for AirPods or AirPods Pro - Apple Support

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 28, 2025 1:25 AM in response to dpeters911

Did you check the settings for Automatic Ear Detection?

...

If you don’t want your AirPods or AirPods Pro to automatically play and stop the audio, you can turn off automatic ear detection.

...

copied from: Play audio on AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max - Apple Support


Change settings for AirPods or AirPods Pro - Apple Support

Stop Apple Podcasts auto-play with headphones

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