Welcome to the AirFly Pro user manual. This comprehensive guide helps you master its functions and capabilities, providing detailed, step-by-step instructions. Learn to pair and connect AirPods or wireless headphones to any headphone jack, enhancing your audio experience with Twelve South.
What is the AirFly Pro?
The AirFly Pro, a flagship product from Twelve South, is an advanced 2-in-1 Bluetooth audio transmitter and receiver, expertly engineered to bridge the gap between your wireless headphones and a vast array of audio sources. Essentially, it allows you to connect your Bluetooth headphones, including popular options like Apple AirPods, to devices that inherently lack Bluetooth capabilities. This is particularly useful for accessing audio from in-flight entertainment systems on airplanes, cardio machines at the gym, or even older gaming consoles. It effectively liberates you from the inconvenience of wired connections, offering seamless, untethered audio in diverse environments. Furthermore, the AirFly Pro features a highly versatile receive (RX) mode. In this mode, it functions as an audio receiver, enabling you to wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone to any system with a 3.5mm input, such as a car stereo. For instance, stream Waze navigation directions from your iPhone to a rental car’s audio system, avoiding full phone syncing. This dual functionality underscores the AirFly Pro’s utility, making it an indispensable accessory for travelers and daily users seeking enhanced audio connectivity across numerous devices and scenarios.
Purpose of the User Guide
The primary purpose of this AirFly Pro user guide is to serve as your comprehensive resource for understanding and maximizing the capabilities of your device. It is meticulously crafted to empower every user, from initial setup to advanced functionality, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience. This manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions designed to help you master all the features your AirFly Pro offers. You will discover how to seamlessly pair and connect your AirPods or any other wireless headphones to various audio sources that typically lack Bluetooth connectivity, such as in-flight entertainment systems or older car stereos. Beyond simple pairing, the guide delves into understanding the distinct operational modes—Transmit (TX) and Receive (RX)—explaining how to switch between them effectively and utilize each for its intended purpose. Moreover, it addresses common queries and potential troubleshooting scenarios, offering practical solutions to ensure uninterrupted enjoyment of your audio. By following the detailed instructions within these pages, you will unlock the full potential of your AirFly Pro, transforming your audio experience whether you are traveling, working out, or simply enjoying media. This guide is your essential companion for navigating all aspects of your AirFly Pro.
Getting Started with Your AirFly Pro
Embark on your AirFly Pro journey with this essential section. It guides you through the initial setup, from unboxing your device to understanding its core functionalities. Prepare to seamlessly connect your wireless headphones and elevate your audio experience with Twelve South’s innovative accessory.
Unboxing and Initial Setup
Upon receiving your Twelve South AirFly Pro, the initial experience begins with unboxing. Carefully open the package to reveal your new audio transmitter/receiver, along with its accompanying accessories. Typically, you will find the AirFly Pro unit itself, a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, and a travel pouch for convenience. Before proceeding with any advanced functionalities like pairing or mode selection, it’s crucial to ensure your device is adequately charged. Connect the AirFly Pro to a power source using the provided charging cable. A small indicator light will usually signify its charging status, turning off or changing color once fully charged. This preparatory step ensures uninterrupted usage during your first interaction and subsequent adventures, whether you’re connecting to in-flight entertainment or streaming audio to a car stereo. Familiarize yourself with the physical buttons and ports on the device – typically a power/pairing button and the 3.5mm audio jack; This foundational understanding is key to navigating the subsequent steps outlined in this manual for a smooth and enjoyable user experience. The design emphasizes portability and ease of use from the very first moment.
Understanding AirFly Pro Modes (TX/RX)
The AirFly Pro boasts remarkable versatility, operating in two primary modes: Transmitter (TX) and Receiver (RX). Grasping the distinction between these functions is crucial for maximizing your device’s utility. In Transmitter (TX) mode, the AirFly Pro’s role is to send audio wirelessly. It connects to non-Bluetooth audio sources, such as in-flight entertainment systems, gym equipment, or portable gaming consoles, via its 3.5mm audio jack. Once connected, it transmits the audio signal to your Bluetooth headphones or AirPods, essentially adding Bluetooth capabilities to devices that lack them. This allows you to enjoy private listening without tangled wires.
Conversely, in Receiver (RX) mode, the AirFly Pro’s function flips. Here, it receives audio wirelessly from your Bluetooth-enabled devices, like your smartphone or tablet. It then outputs this audio through its 3.5mm jack to a wired audio system, such as a car stereo, home speaker setup, or traditional wired headphones. For instance, as noted online, you can use AirFly Pro in RX mode to stream Waze directions from your iPhone to a rental car’s stereo, avoiding the need to sync your entire phone. A dedicated physical switch on the AirFly Pro allows for straightforward toggling between these two powerful modes, adapting to diverse audio needs.
Pairing Your Wireless Headphones
This section guides you through connecting your wireless headphones to the AirFly Pro. Whether you have AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones, these instructions will ensure a smooth and successful pairing process for enjoying your audio wirelessly.
Connecting AirPods to AirFly Pro
Connecting your Apple AirPods to the AirFly Pro is a straightforward process, designed to provide seamless wireless audio from any device with a 3.5mm headphone jack. To begin, ensure your AirFly Pro is adequately charged. Then, power on your AirFly Pro by pressing and holding the main button until the LED light flashes amber and white, indicating it is actively searching for devices in pairing mode. Next, prepare your AirPods for pairing. If they are in their charging case, simply open the lid, and then press and hold the small circular button on the back of the case until the status light inside the case flashes white. This action puts your AirPods into their own discoverable pairing mode. Place your AirPods in close proximity to the AirFly Pro. They will automatically detect each other and initiate the connection process. Once successfully paired, the LED on your AirFly Pro will turn solid white for a few seconds before turning off, signifying a successful connection. The status light on your AirPods case will also typically turn green. You can now plug your AirFly Pro into the desired audio source, such as an airplane’s in-flight entertainment system, a gym treadmill, or a portable gaming device, and enjoy your audio privately through your AirPods. This process allows you to bridge the gap between traditional audio jacks and modern wireless convenience, significantly enhancing your listening experience without wires. Always ensure both devices are sufficiently charged for uninterrupted use.
Pairing a Single Set of Headphones
To pair a single set of wireless headphones with your AirFly Pro, begin by ensuring the AirFly Pro is fully charged. Power on the AirFly Pro by pressing and holding the main button for a few seconds until the LED light begins to flash amber and white. This indicates that the device is in pairing mode and actively searching for a connection. Next, put your wireless headphones into their own pairing or discovery mode. The specific method for this varies by headphone brand, but it typically involves pressing and holding a dedicated power or pairing button until an indicator light on the headphones flashes in a specific pattern, often blue or white, signifying they are ready to connect. Once both devices are in pairing mode and placed in close proximity, they will automatically attempt to establish a connection. The AirFly Pro’s LED will turn solid white for a brief moment before extinguishing, confirming a successful pairing. You can then connect the AirFly Pro to any device with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, such as a portable gaming console, a gym machine, or a tablet, and enjoy the audio wirelessly through your headphones. This straightforward process makes it incredibly simple to transform wired audio sources into wireless experiences.
Pairing a Second Set of Headphones
The AirFly Pro allows you to share audio by connecting a second set of wireless headphones. First, ensure your initial pair of headphones is successfully connected to the AirFly Pro and audio is playing. Once that connection is stable, you’ll need to re-enter pairing mode for the second set. This is typically done by quickly pressing the main button twice. The AirFly Pro’s LED indicator will then flash amber and white, signaling it is ready to search for another device. Immediately after, place your second set of wireless headphones into their pairing or discovery mode. Refer to your headphones’ specific instructions for this step, which usually involves holding a power or pairing button until an indicator light flashes. Keep both devices close. The AirFly Pro will scan for the new headphones and, upon successful connection, its LED will illuminate solid white briefly before turning off. Both sets of headphones should now be receiving audio simultaneously from the AirFly Pro, enabling shared enjoyment of movies or music during travel or quiet listening at home. This dual-pairing capability is truly ideal for shared entertainment experiences anywhere.
Key AirFly Pro Features and Uses
The AirFly Pro offers versatile audio solutions, connecting your wireless headphones to various sources. Enjoy in-flight entertainment, stream audio to car stereos, and even utilize it for Waze directions, enhancing your travel and daily experiences with its innovative capabilities and convenience.
Connecting to In-Flight Entertainment
Connecting to in-flight entertainment becomes effortlessly modern with your AirFly Pro, transforming traditional wired systems into a seamless wireless experience. Gone are the days of fumbling with airplane-provided, often uncomfortable, headphones or untangling your own wired set amidst cramped seating. Your AirFly Pro by Twelve South empowers you to utilize your personal Bluetooth headphones, including popular choices like AirPods, for all your airborne viewing and listening pleasure.
To connect, simply plug your AirFly Pro into the standard 3.5mm headphone jack found on the armrest or seatback of most airplanes. Once plugged in, ensure your AirFly Pro is switched on and ready to transmit. Then, pair your preferred wireless headphones – whether it’s a single set for personal enjoyment or a second set to share the audio with a travel companion – directly to the AirFly Pro. This intuitive setup allows you to immerse yourself in movies, TV shows, or music offered by the airline’s entertainment system with superior comfort and sound quality, all while enjoying the freedom of wireless audio. It’s a simple yet revolutionary way to elevate your travel comfort and make long flights significantly more enjoyable, providing a truly personalized audio environment above the clouds.
Streaming Audio to a Car Stereo
The AirFly Pro extends its remarkable versatility, enabling you to effortlessly stream audio from your devices directly to any car stereo. This feature proves invaluable in older vehicles lacking integrated Bluetooth connectivity, or when driving a rental car and preferring not to sync your iPhone with an unfamiliar system. Rather than being limited by cumbersome wired connections or outdated car technology, your AirFly Pro elegantly bridges this gap, allowing you to enjoy all your preferred audio content, from music to podcasts, wirelessly and with ease, transforming any car into a modern audio hub.
To initiate audio streaming, simply plug your AirFly Pro securely into the car’s standard auxiliary (AUX) input jack. It’s crucial to ensure the AirFly Pro is set to Transmit (TX) mode for this function. Once physically connected and in the correct mode, pair your smartphone or other portable audio source directly to the AirFly Pro. This straightforward setup facilitates transmission of music, podcasts, audiobooks, or any other sound from your device through the car’s speakers. It’s an exceptionally quick and convenient solution for road trips, daily commutes, or any scenario where you wish to enhance your in-car audio experience without complex installations or compromises, ensuring your journey is always accompanied by your perfect soundtrack.
Using AirFly Pro for Waze Directions
The AirFly Pro presents an exceptionally practical application for modern travelers: effortlessly streaming navigation directions from apps like Waze directly to a car’s stereo system. This functionality is especially advantageous when driving a rental car. Often, users prefer not to fully sync their personal iPhone with an unfamiliar rental car’s infotainment system, thereby safeguarding privacy and avoiding the hassle of deleting personal data upon return. With AirFly Pro, you can bypass this process entirely, ensuring your device’s connection remains secure and independent while still benefiting from integrated audio.
Instead of relying on your phone’s often-inadequate internal speaker for directions, which can be easily drowned out by road noise or in-car conversations, the AirFly Pro wirelessly transmits Waze’s voice prompts through the car’s superior sound system. To set this up, simply plug your AirFly Pro into the car’s auxiliary (AUX) input jack, making sure it is toggled to Transmit (TX) mode. Next, pair your iPhone with the AirFly Pro. Once paired, all audio from your iPhone, including clear and timely Waze directions, will be routed wirelessly to the car’s speakers, providing a safer, more audible, and far less distracting navigation experience during your journey.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Encountering issues with your AirFly Pro? This section addresses common pairing problems and frequently asked questions. Learn how to resolve connectivity challenges and understand key operational aspects for a smooth, uninterrupted audio experience with your device.
Common Pairing Issues
If you’re experiencing difficulty pairing your wireless headphones or AirPods with your AirFly Pro, several steps can help. First, ensure your AirFly Pro is actively in pairing mode; its indicator light should be blinking rapidly, signaling readiness. If not flashing, press and hold the main button until it enters this state. Simultaneously, confirm your headphones are also in their appropriate pairing mode—consult their manual if necessary, as methods vary by brand. Maintain close proximity between both devices during pairing to minimize signal interference from other electronics or barriers. A simple restart of both your AirFly Pro and headphones often resolves minor connectivity glitches, clearing errors. For AirPods, place them in their charging case, open the lid, then press and hold the case’s back button until the status light flashes white. Should issues persist, a factory reset of your AirFly Pro can clear stubborn software conflicts or old connection data. Regularly check for and install firmware updates, which often include crucial bug fixes for improved pairing and overall performance. Finally, temporarily disable other nearby Bluetooth devices to eliminate potential interference, ensuring a smoother connection process.
Switching to Receive Mode (RX)
To utilize your AirFly Pro for receiving audio, you must switch it into Receive Mode, often denoted as RX. This mode transforms your AirFly Pro into a Bluetooth receiver, allowing it to accept audio wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The physical toggle switch on the side of the AirFly Pro typically controls this functionality. Slide the switch from the TX (Transmit) position to the RX position; Once in RX mode, the AirFly Pro’s indicator light will change, often blinking differently to signify its new operational status. After activating RX mode, connect the AirFly Pro’s 3.5mm audio cable to the auxiliary input of your desired audio system, such as a car stereo, home speaker, or older boombox. Then, on your smartphone or audio source, search for and select “AirFly Pro” in your Bluetooth settings to establish a connection. This setup is particularly useful for streaming music, podcasts, or, as highlighted, directions from apps like Waze directly to a rental car’s stereo without needing to fully sync your phone. It offers a convenient way to upgrade non-Bluetooth audio systems, providing modern wireless streaming capabilities instantly and effortlessly, ensuring your content plays through superior speakers.
About Twelve South and AirFly Accessories
Twelve South is a distinguished brand specializing in premium accessories designed to enhance the Apple user experience. Their mission is to create innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate with Apple products, offering both superior functionality and elegant design. The AirFly Pro exemplifies Twelve South’s dedication to resolving common user connectivity challenges, particularly those involving wireless audio. This device is a cornerstone of their accessory lineup, enabling users to effortlessly bridge wired audio sources with modern Bluetooth headphones, including popular AirPods.
Twelve South’s commitment extends beyond the AirFly Pro, encompassing a wide array of accessories crafted to complement and expand the utility of various Apple devices. It is important to differentiate Twelve South’s focus on consumer electronics from any mentions of other “Airfly” companies involved in model building. Twelve South consistently delivers top-tier accessories that enrich daily interactions with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Their official channels frequently feature tutorials showcasing how products like the AirFly series simplify life by facilitating connections for diverse scenarios, including in-flight entertainment, car audio systems, and more. This unwavering dedication ensures users truly maximize their Apple devices with thoughtfully engineered enhancements.