The basic pairing process works the same way across all devices
AirPods Pro pair through Bluetooth, which means your device needs to see them and you need to confirm the connection once. The first time you open the case near an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch), a pairing screen appears automatically — you tap "Connect" and you're done. After that first pairing, your AirPods Pro remember that device and connect whenever you open the case nearby.
If you're pairing with a non-Apple device or a second Apple device, the process is slightly different but still straightforward. You'll need to put the AirPods Pro into pairing mode manually and then find them in your device's Bluetooth settings.
Key Takeaways
- Apple devices show an automatic pairing screen the first time you open your AirPods Pro case nearby, but non-Apple devices require you to manually enter Bluetooth settings.
- To put AirPods Pro into pairing mode, press and hold the button on the back of the case until the light flashes white.
- Once paired to one device, your AirPods Pro can switch between your Apple devices automatically when you use them, but switching to Android or Windows requires manual selection in Bluetooth settings.
- If pairing fails, reset your AirPods Pro by holding the back button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then try pairing again.
Pairing with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac for the first time
Open your AirPods Pro case and hold it near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Within a few seconds, a setup screen appears on your device showing an image of the AirPods Pro and a "Connect" button. Tap or click "Connect," then tap "Done." Your device now has your AirPods Pro's information saved.
During this first pairing, your device also asks whether you want to use AirPods Pro with Siri and whether to send audio analytics to Apple. You can change these settings later in Settings > Bluetooth (iPhone/iPad) or System Settings > Bluetooth (Mac).
Pairing with Android, Windows, or other Bluetooth devices
Non-Apple devices don't show the automatic pairing screen, so you need to manually put your AirPods Pro into pairing mode. Open the case and press and hold the small button on the back of the case for about 3 seconds. The light on the front of the case will flash white, which means pairing mode is active.
On your Android phone or Windows computer, open Bluetooth settings and look for "AirPods Pro" in the list of available devices. Tap or click the name to pair. Once connected, your AirPods Pro will reconnect to that device automatically when you open the case nearby, just as they do with Apple devices.
Switching between multiple devices you already own
If you've paired your AirPods Pro with multiple Apple devices (like an iPhone and a Mac), they can switch between those devices automatically. When you're using your iPhone and audio plays, your AirPods Pro stay connected to your iPhone. If you then start playing audio on your Mac, your AirPods Pro switch to the Mac automatically.
This automatic switching only works between Apple devices that are signed into the same Apple ID. If you want to use your AirPods Pro with an Android phone or Windows computer you've already paired with, you need to manually select them in that device's Bluetooth settings each time.
What to do if pairing doesn't work
If the pairing screen doesn't appear on your Apple device, or if your device doesn't find your AirPods Pro in Bluetooth settings, reset your AirPods Pro. Open the case, press and hold the button on the back for about 15 seconds. The light will flash amber, then white — this means the reset is complete and pairing mode is active.
After resetting, try pairing again. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your device's settings, and keep your AirPods Pro case within a few feet of the device you're pairing with. If you're still having trouble, restart your device and try once more.
Checking which devices your AirPods Pro are paired with
On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and look for "AirPods Pro" in the list. Tap the information icon (an "i" in a circle) next to the name to see details about the connection.
On a Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, find "AirPods Pro" in the list, and click the information icon. On Android or Windows, open Bluetooth settings and look for "AirPods Pro" — the status will show "Connected" or "Paired" depending on whether they're currently in use.
Unpairing your AirPods Pro from a device
If you want to remove your AirPods Pro from a device so they no longer connect automatically, the process differs slightly by platform. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to "AirPods Pro," and select "Forget This Device." On a Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, click the information icon next to "AirPods Pro," and choose "Remove."
On Android, open Bluetooth settings, find "AirPods Pro," and tap "Unpair" or "Forget." On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, find "AirPods Pro," click it, and select "Remove device." After you forget or remove them, your AirPods Pro will no longer connect to that device automatically, but you can pair them again anytime by repeating the pairing steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pair my AirPods Pro separately with each device?
Yes, you pair them once with each device. After that, they reconnect automatically when you open the case near that device. If you have multiple Apple devices on the same Apple ID, they can switch between those devices automatically, but Android and Windows devices require manual selection in Bluetooth settings each time.
Why won't my AirPods Pro show up in Bluetooth settings?
Make sure the case is open and the light on the front is flashing white, which means pairing mode is active. If the light isn't flashing, press and hold the back button for 3 seconds. Also check that Bluetooth is turned on in your device's settings and that you're within a few feet of the AirPods Pro.
Can I use my AirPods Pro with two devices at the same time?
No, AirPods Pro can only play audio from one device at a time. However, they can be paired with multiple devices and will switch between them based on where audio is playing. If you want to use them with a second device while still connected to the first, you need to manually switch them in Bluetooth settings.
What does the amber light on the case mean?
An amber light means your AirPods Pro are in pairing mode or have been reset. A white flashing light also means pairing mode is active. If the light is off or you see a different color, check the battery level or consult Apple's support documentation for your specific situation.