Compact, wireless and effortlessly chic, Apple’s AirPods have enhanced the way we experience audio, and pairing them with other gadgets can greatly elevate your listening experience.

In this article, we will take you through how to connect AirPods with Apple (iPads, iPhones, Macs and more) and non-Apple devices (Android and Windows).

Article Roadmap

• Pairing AirPods With Apple Devices
  • Using AirPods With an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch
  • Using AirPods With Mac
  • Using AirPods With Apple Watch
  • Using AirPods With Apple TV
  • Using AirPods With Apple Vision Pro
• Pairing AirPods With Non-Apple Devices
  • Using AirPods With Android Devices
  • Using AirPods With Windows Devices
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

Pairing AirPods With Apple Devices

AirPods (1st, 2nd or 3rd generation) can be paired with Apple devices for audio playback, phone calls and FaceTime calls. Once connected to an Apple device, like an iPhone, using your Apple ID, your AirPods will automatically link to other Apple devices with the same ID.

Using AirPods With an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

If you’re logged into iCloud, your AirPods are automatically paired with any of your compatible devices that are also signed into iCloud using the same Apple ID.

To use AirPods or AirPods Pro with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, follow these steps:

Step 1: Ensure your device has the most recent iOS or iPadOS version installed.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth and enable Bluetooth.

Step 3: With your AirPods inside the case, open the lid and hold it near your device.

Step 4: Select the name of your AirPods under Other Devices in your device’s Bluetooth section.
Step 5: Tap on Connect in the on-screen prompt.

Step 6: Press and hold the button on the back of your AirPods’ charging case for three to five seconds.

Step 7: Wait for AirPods to connect.

Step 8: On the on-screen prompt, click Continue.

Step 9: Your AirPods are now connected to your device.

To connect AirPods Max, remove them from the Smart Case and hold them near your external device within 60 seconds until the setup animation appears on your device’s screen. If the animation doesn’t show up, manually pair your AirPods Max with your device.

Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth, then choose your AirPods. Press and hold the noise control button on your AirPods Max for approximately five seconds until the light flashes white.

Follow the prompts on your screen to complete the pairing process.

Using AirPods With Mac

To connect AirPods and AirPods Pro with your Mac, follow these steps:

Step 1: Update to the latest macOS version.

Step 2: On Mac, navigate to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Bluetooth.

Step 3: Open the lid of your AirPods case, hold it near your Mac and press the button on its back for three to five seconds until it starts blinking.

Step 4: Select Connect next to its name on your Mac’s Bluetooth device list.

Step 5: Your Mac is now connected to your AirPods.

For AirPods Max, hold down the noise control button for roughly five seconds, or until the status light flashes white. From the list of devices, choose your AirPods, then click on Connect.

Switch Apple Devices Automatically

Automatic device switching is supported by your AirPods and AirPods Pro. This feature allows seamless transitions between your Mac running macOS Big Sur or later, iPhone with iOS 14 or later, and iPad with iPadOS 14 or later. For this functionality to work, all your devices must be signed in with the same Apple ID and use two-factor authentication.

For instance, if you’re listening to music on your Mac and receive a call on your iPhone, your AirPods will automatically switch from your Mac to the phone call on your iPhone.

Sometimes, a notification regarding your AirPods may appear on your Mac’s screen. Hovering over the notification will show a Connect button. Clicking Connect confirms whether you want your AirPods to switch to your Mac or remain connected to it.

To disable automatic switching for your Mac, wear your AirPods and open Bluetooth preferences on your Mac. Then, click the Options button next to your AirPods in the device list. Select Connect to This Mac, and opt for When Last Connected to This Mac. If you wish to re-enable this feature, simply choose Automatically.

Using AirPods With Apple Watch

You can use AirPods with your Apple Watch to take calls and listen to or stream music from Apple Music. When you pair AirPods with your iPhone, they’re automatically connected to your Apple Watch.

If that doesn’t happen, follow these steps:

Step 1: Update to the latest watchOS version.

Step 2: Open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth.

Step 3: Tap AirPods on the Bluetooth screen to connect.

Using AirPods With Apple TV

To connect AirPods and AirPods Pro with your Apple TV, follow these steps:

Step 1: Update to the latest tvOS version.

Step 2: Press the TV Control Center button on Siri Remote and select Settings.

Step 3: Choose Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth.

Step 4: Open the AirPods case and press the setup button for about five seconds, until the light flashes white.

Step 5: Under Other Devices, select AirPods.

To connect AirPods Max, hold down the noise control button for approximately five seconds, or until the light flashes white. Under Other Devices, choose your AirPods.

Using AirPods With Apple Vision Pro

If you’ve previously paired your AirPods with another Apple device and are signed in to the same Apple ID on that device and Apple Vision Pro, your Apple Vision Pro will automatically connect to your AirPods.

Once you place your AirPods in your ears, a notification in Vision Pro confirms the connection. If your AirPods are currently playing audio from another device, such as your iPhone, and you put on your Apple Vision Pro, you’ll receive a prompt asking if you want to connect your AirPods to Apple Vision Pro.

To manually switch to your AirPods, follow these steps:

• Look up and tap the Control Center expand menu button near the top of your view to open Control Center.
• Tap the Control Center button to reveal more options.
• Tap the Now Playing button.
• In the Now Playing window, select your AirPods.

If you have new AirPods that haven’t been paired with any Apple device yet, you can pair them with Apple Vision Pro using Bluetooth settings:

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
• Place both AirPods in the charging case and open the lid.
• Press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case until the status light flashes white.
• When the AirPods appear under Other Devices, select them.

Pairing AirPods With Non-Apple Devices

Though AirPods are made for Apple devices, you can use them with non-Apple devices too. Just make sure your device has Bluetooth capabilities.

Keep in mind that you may not be able to access all of the features of AirPods with your non-Apple device, like using Siri, seeing the battery life or controlling music playback with your voice. Also, the sound quality may not be as good as it would be if you were using AirPods with an Apple device.

Here are some non-Apple devices that are compatible with AirPods:

• Android phones and tablets
• Windows laptops and desktops
• Chromebooks
• Smart TVs
• Some gaming consoles

Here are some of the main features that may not be available on non-Apple devices:

• Siri
• Voice control for music playback
• Automatic ear detection
• Spatial audio

If you want to use your AirPods with a non-Apple device, make sure your device is updated to the latest software version. The AirPods features you can access might be limited, depending on the type of Bluetooth device you’re pairing.

Using AirPods With an Android Device

To connect your AirPods and AirPods Pro with an Android device, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the Bluetooth settings and ensure Bluetooth is enabled. Navigate to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth.

Step 2: With your AirPods in the charging case, open the lid.

Step 3: Press and hold the setup button on the case’s back until the status light flashes white.

Step 4: Select AirPods from the list of available Bluetooth devices.

To pair with AirPods Max, press and hold the noise control button for three to five seconds or until the status light on the bottom of the right earphone begins flashing white. Look for AirPods Max in the list of available devices on your smartphone. If it doesn’t appear, tap on “More” and select “Refresh.” Locate AirPods Max in the list and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process.

Using AirPods With Windows Devices

Step 1: Open your AirPods case and hold it near your computer with the AirPods inside.

Step 2: Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the white light flashes. This gets your AirPods ready to pair.

Step 3: Click on the Windows logo at the bottom left corner of your screen.

Step 4: Look for the gear-shaped icon and click on it.

Step 5: If you’re on Windows 11, click on Bluetooth & Devices from the left. For Windows 10 users, click on Devices, then Bluetooth & Devices.

Step 6: For Windows 10, click on Add Bluetooth or other Device. If you’re on Windows 11, hit the blue “Add Device” button.

Step 7: You’ll see a few options, pick Bluetooth.

Step 8: After a moment, a list of Bluetooth devices will show up. Click on your AirPods.

Step 9: Once it says Your Device is Ready to Go, click Done.

FAQs

Why won’t my AirPods connect?

Ensure your external device is updated to the latest software version. While pairing, place both AirPods into the charging case and make sure they’re not discharged. You must also check if Bluetooth is enabled on your device, and if your AirPods are designated as your audio device.

Can you pair dead AirPods?

AirPods can establish a connection with your device even if their case has no charge, provided they have some battery power.

Why won’t my AirPods connect after reset?

Confirm that your device’s Bluetooth is enabled and Airplane mode is off. Additionally, verify if your AirPods appear in your device’s Bluetooth settings. If not, attempt resetting your AirPods again.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, the lowdown on connecting your AirPods with various Apple and non-Apple devices. It’s not rocket science — just a couple of taps, and your AirPods are all set to stream your audio. Enjoy the wireless experience!