How to Easily Skip Songs with Any AirPods Model

Have you ever had the perfect playlist going during your workout or commute when suddenly a mood-killing song appears? We‘ve all been there. Wouldn‘t it be amazing to effortlessly skip tracks when needed, no matter which AirPods model you own? Well my friend, you‘re in luck.

As an Apple technology specialist, I‘ve helped many clients master the built-in controls across AirPods generations to instantly bypass unwanted songs. In this comprehensive guide designed just for you, we‘ll explore simple tapping, pressing, and touching mechanisms to skip forward or backward on any AirPods or AirPods Pro.

Why Skip Controls Are So Useful

Before diving into the how-to, let‘s discuss why having effortless access to track skipping can majorly improve your listening experience:

• Prevent disruptions from poor song choices in playlists
• Quickly move on from overplayed tunes
• Avoid wrecking the vibe of a great mix
• Save time not fiddling with phone to change songs
• Focus attention on more important tasks without music distraction

Trust me, once you know how to take control with easy track skipping, you‘ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Now the first step is identifying exactly which AirPods model you own so I can guide you to the right controls…

Comparing Generations: How to Spot Your AirPods Version

Over the years, Apple has released multiple AirPods versions featuring slight hardware and functionality differences. Before learning to skip tracks, you need to confirm which generation you have.

Check out this comparison table I created to highlight all the key variances:

Model	Identifying Features	Release Year
AirPods Gen 1	All white design, longer stem, tap controls, wired charging case option	Dec 2016
AirPods Gen 2	Optional wireless charging case, hands-free "Hey Siri" support added	Mar 2019
AirPods Gen 3	Contoured design, shorter stem, force sensor, MagSafe charging case	Oct 2021
AirPods Pro Gen 1	Active noise cancellation, silicone tips, force sensor controls, shorter stem	Oct 2019
AirPods Pro Gen 2	Touch controls, lanyard loop, speaker in charging case for Find My alerts	Sep 2022

Now let‘s confirm your specific model number so I can guide you to the personalized track skipping method…

How to Identify Your AirPods Model Number

Locating the tiny model number text is the best way to conclusively identify which exact AirPods version you own.

Here are step-by-step instructions to find it:

1. Place AirPods in case and connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth.
2. Launch the Settings app then tap "Bluetooth."
3. Under "My Devices," locate your AirPods.
4. Tap the i icon next to them.

5. Scroll down and look under "Model Number."

You should see a letter/number combination like A1523, A2031, or A2698.

Alternatively, you can flip over your AirPods themselves and find the tiny text printed on the bottom of each bud.

The first line shows the model number to match to versions.

Now that you‘ve identified your exact AirPods, let‘s explore how to skip tracks!

Skip Songs on 1st and 2nd Generation AirPods

If you have the original AirPods (model A1523 or A1722) or 2nd generation (model A2031 or A2032), you‘ll use the tried and true double tap method to skip ahead.

To skip to the next track:

1. Double tap near the top of the stem on either the right or left AirPod, touching gently with your fingertip.

A tone will confirm, and the current song skips forward to the next in your queue.

To go back a track:

Unfortunately, the tap controls cannot skip backward on gen 1/2 AirPods. However…

You can summon Siri by double-tapping then stating something like "Hey Siri, skip back". On 2nd generation, you don‘t need the double tap first. Just use hands-free "Hey Siri" to go back.

If you want to customize the double tap controls though, it‘s easy to reassign track skipping. Here‘s how:

1. Open your iPhone‘s Settings app and tap "Bluetooth."
2. Under "My Devices," tap your AirPods.
3. Tap "Left" or "Right" AirPod.
4. Choose "Next Track" to make double taps skip forward.

There you go! Now with a simple stem double tap, you can breeze past unwanted songs. Next let‘s look at…

How to Skip Tracks on 3rd Generation AirPods

AirPods 3rd generation (models A2565 or A2564) ditch the tapping of previous versions. Instead, music and call controls happen through built-in force sensors you press on each stem.

So to skip ahead by one track:

1. Double press the force sensor on either stem using your thumb.

You should hear a confirming chime. To go back rather than forward, triple press the left or right force sensor instead.

According to Apple Support, you can customize press controls too, like assigning track skipping to a long press rather than a double press if preferred.

Additionally, you can call out voice commands to Siri at any time for hands-free control. Just say "Hey Siri, next track" or "Hey Siri, skip back".

See, easy as can be to skip around tracks with your 3rd gen AirPods! Now onto the Pros…

How to Skip Songs with AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro versions work similarly as the 3rd generation with force sensor or touch controls.

If you have the 1st generation AirPods Pro (model A2084 or A2083), you‘ll use the force sensors:

To advance a track:

1. Double press the force sensor on either stem

You‘ll hear a confirming chime, and the track skips forward.

To go back a track:

1. Triple press the left or right force sensor

If you have the brand new 2nd generation AirPods Pro (models A2931, A2699, A2698), then music controls happen through the touch surfaces:

The method is the same as 1st generation:

• Double press touch control to skip forward
• Triple press to go back

And as always, you can use "Hey Siri" hands-free commands or press and hold to activate voice control any time.

See how easy swiftly jumping tracks can be with your AirPods Pro?

Now for quick reference, check out this…

AirPods Track Skipping Cheatsheet

Here‘s a handy table summarizing the basic controls to skip forward or back across all models:

AirPods Version	Skip Ahead One Track	Skip Back One Track
Gen 1 and Gen 2	Double tap stem	Use Siri voice command
Gen 3	Double press force sensor	Triple press force sensor
Pro Gen 1	Double press force sensor	Triple press force sensor
Pro Gen 2	Double press touch control	Triple press touch control

Print out this table to keep handy as a helpful skipping trick reference!

The key is knowing both the tap/press gestures for your model and having hands-free voice commands in your back pocket when needed.

Parting Words of AirPods Wisdom

Phew, okay my friend! We covered a ton of ground here together exploring how to effortlessly skip unwanted tracks on any AirPods with just intuitive tap, press, and touch controls.

Here are some key takeaways as a quick refresher:

• Identify Model Number – Understand which exact AirPods generation you own before learning controls
• Tap, Press, or Touch – Use the built-in stem controls with double press or double taps to skip forward
• Triple Press to Go Back – Gen 3 and Pro models allow reversing tracks with triple presses
• Try Siri Too – All AirPods work with "Hey Siri" to control tracks by voice

The most important next step is practicing these track skipping tricks until they become second nature when needed! I know with actions memorized, you‘ll avoid so many unwanted tunes.

Now break free from music interruption and savor that seamless listening experience. Here‘s to effortlessly hopping tracks on those amazing AirPods! Let me know if any other questions come up!