The present disclosure relates to communication methods and apparatuses. In one example method, a non-access point multi-link device (non-AP MLD) receives a first frame from a first access point (AP) when performing a listening operation on a first link. The non-AP MLD switches some or all of spatial streams/antennas on each link of the non-AP MLD to the first link to perform a frame exchange with the first AP. When determining that any preset condition in a preset condition set is met, the non-AP MLD switches some spatial streams/antennas on the first link back to each link or another link to perform the listening operation.