The fastest way to connect AirPods
New AirPods connect automatically the first time you open the case near an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch that you're already signed into. Hold the open case next to your device and wait for the pairing screen to appear — it usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. Tap "Connect" when prompted, and you're done.
If the automatic pairing screen doesn't appear, your device may not be close enough or may not be signed into your Apple account. Move the case within a few inches of your device and try again. If nothing happens after 30 seconds, close the case, wait 10 seconds, and open it again.
Once you've connected to one device, your AirPods automatically sync to your other devices signed into the same Apple account — iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch all see them without extra steps. The last device you used them on will be the one they connect to first next time.
Key Takeaways
- Open the AirPods case near your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch and tap "Connect" on the pairing screen that appears.
- If the pairing screen doesn't show up, move the case closer to your device and try opening it again after waiting 10 seconds.
- AirPods automatically connect to all your other Apple devices signed into the same account without any additional setup.
- You can manually connect to a new device or switch between devices by going to Bluetooth settings if automatic connection doesn't work.
- Android phones and non-Apple devices require manual pairing through Bluetooth settings instead of automatic setup.
Connecting to an iPhone or iPad
The iPhone and iPad pairing process is the same as the automatic method described above. Open your AirPods case within a few inches of your iPhone or iPad, and the pairing screen appears on your device's screen. Tap the blue "Connect" button, and your AirPods are ready to use.
If you don't see the pairing screen, check that your iPhone or iPad is unlocked and that Bluetooth is turned on. Go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, and look for your AirPods in the list of available devices. If they appear there, tap them to connect manually. If they don't appear at all, close the AirPods case, wait 15 seconds, and open it again while holding it near your device.
After you connect once, your AirPods will automatically connect to that iPhone or iPad whenever Bluetooth is on and the case is open nearby. You don't need to repeat the pairing process.
Connecting to a Mac
Connecting AirPods to a Mac works the same way as iPhone and iPad. Open the AirPods case near your Mac, and a pairing window appears on your screen. Click "Connect" and you're finished.
If the pairing window doesn't appear, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then click Bluetooth. Look for your AirPods in the list and click "Connect" next to them. If they're not in the list, close the AirPods case, wait 10 seconds, and open it again while your Mac's Bluetooth is on.
Once connected, your AirPods will automatically connect to your Mac whenever you open the case and Bluetooth is on. You can also switch between your Mac and iPhone by straightforward using the AirPods with whichever device you want — they'll disconnect from one and connect to the other.
Connecting to an Apple Watch
To connect AirPods to an Apple Watch, open the AirPods case near the watch. A pairing screen appears on the watch face. Tap "Connect" and the pairing is complete.
If the pairing screen doesn't appear, open the Watch app on your paired iPhone, go to Bluetooth, and look for your AirPods there. You can also try opening the case again after waiting 10 seconds. Apple Watch pairs through your iPhone's Bluetooth, so your iPhone must be nearby and have Bluetooth turned on.
Once paired, your AirPods will switch between your Apple Watch and iPhone depending on which one you're actively using. If you're listening on your iPhone and raise your Apple Watch to your ear, the audio switches to the watch automatically.
Connecting to Android phones and other devices
AirPods don't have the automatic pairing feature on Android phones, Windows computers, or other non-Apple devices. You'll need to pair them manually through Bluetooth settings instead.
Open your AirPods case and hold down the button on the back of the case for about 10 seconds until the light inside flashes white. This puts the AirPods into pairing mode. On your Android phone or other device, go to Bluetooth settings, look for your AirPods in the list of available devices, and tap them to connect. The pairing usually takes 10 to 20 seconds.
After the first pairing, your AirPods will automatically connect to that Android device whenever Bluetooth is on and the case is open nearby — just like they do on Apple devices. If they don't connect automatically, go back to Bluetooth settings and tap them again.
What to do if your AirPods won't connect
If your AirPods won't connect after trying the steps above, start by restarting both devices. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone or computer, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then close the AirPods case, wait 15 seconds, and open it again.
If that doesn't work, forget the AirPods from your device's Bluetooth settings and pair them again from scratch. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, tap the information icon next to them, and select "Forget This Device." Then open the AirPods case near your device and pair them again as if it's the first time.
On Mac, click the Apple menu, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods, click the information icon, and select "Remove." On Android, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods, and tap "Forget" or "Unpair." After removing them, put your AirPods back into pairing mode and connect again.
If your AirPods still won't connect after forgetting and re-pairing, try resetting them completely. Close the case, wait 30 seconds, then open it. Hold down the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber and then white. This erases all pairing information. You'll then pair them from scratch on your device.
Switching between devices
Once your AirPods are paired to multiple devices on the same Apple account, they automatically switch to whichever device you're actively using. If you're listening to music on your iPhone and a call comes in on your Mac, the audio switches to your Mac automatically.
If automatic switching isn't working, you can manually switch by going to your device's Bluetooth settings and tapping your AirPods. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap your AirPods. On Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and select your AirPods from the list. On Apple Watch, open the Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon, then select your AirPods.
If you've paired your AirPods to an Android phone or Windows computer, you'll need to manually switch by going to that device's Bluetooth settings and selecting your AirPods. They won't automatically switch between Apple and non-Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the pairing screen appear when I open my AirPods case?
The pairing screen only appears if your device is unlocked, Bluetooth is on, and the AirPods case is within a few inches of your device. Move the case closer and try again. If it still doesn't appear, close the case, wait 15 seconds, and open it again. Your device may also already be paired — check your Bluetooth settings to see if your AirPods are listed there.
Can I use the same AirPods on multiple devices at the same time?
No. AirPods can only play audio from one device at a time. They automatically switch to whichever device you're actively using, but they disconnect from the previous one. If you want to use AirPods on two devices simultaneously, you'd need two separate pairs.
Do I need to pair my AirPods every time I use them?
No. After the first pairing, your AirPods automatically connect whenever Bluetooth is on and the case is open nearby. You only need to pair them once per device. If they stop connecting automatically, try forgetting them in your Bluetooth settings and pairing again.
What's the difference between pairing and connecting?
Pairing is the one-time setup that tells your device to remember your AirPods. Connecting is what happens every time you use them after that — your device finds and links to them automatically. You pair once; you connect every time you use them.
Can I connect AirPods to a device that's not signed into my Apple account?
Yes. Any device with Bluetooth can connect to AirPods, but automatic pairing across devices only works if they're all signed into the same Apple account. Non-Apple devices and Apple devices on different accounts require manual pairing through Bluetooth settings.