Did you know iPhones and AirPods can be used to listen to other people’s conversations without them knowing? Such iPhone spying is really just a sneaky use of the Live Listen feature built into iOS.
According to “CultofMac.com,” here’s what you can do if you want to use your iPhone to spy on someone. And what to watch out for if you don’t want to fall victim to anyone using iPhone to spy on you.
First off, let’s make it clear that it’s a violation of federal and state laws. It is electronic eavesdropping, and that is a crime.
The “Live Listen” useful accessibility feature in iOS allows users to stream live audio from their iPhone’s microphone directly to their AirPods. It’s meant to help you to better hear the person you’re talking to.
For instance, if you’re having trouble hearing a conversation in a crowded space, you can place your iPhone between you and the person you’re talking with, pop in your AirPods, and turn on Live Listen. You should then be able to hear the other person more clearly.
You can also use it in cases where you get up and walk away, leaving your iPhone behind like a bug, it will continue to stream the audio around it to your AirPods, allowing you to hear what’s going on after you’ve left the area.
Your iPhone doesn’t have to be on, for this feature to work. To activate the Live Listen feature, go to Settings > Control Center on your iPhone. Then, check to see if Hearing is listed under Included Controls. If it isn’t, tap the green + iconnext to it.
