The basic connection process
To connect AirPods to an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, open the AirPods case near the device you want to pair with. A setup screen will appear on your device asking you to connect. Tap "Connect" and follow the on-screen prompts. The AirPods will then appear in your Bluetooth settings as a connected device.
For Android phones and other non-Apple devices, the process is slightly different. Open your AirPods case and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light inside flashes white. Then go to your device's Bluetooth settings, find "AirPods" in the list of available devices, and tap it to pair.
Once connected, your AirPods will automatically reconnect to that device whenever they're in range and your device's Bluetooth is on. You don't need to repeat the pairing process each time.
Key Takeaways
- Apple devices show a setup screen automatically when you open your AirPods case nearby, making the pairing process faster than on Android.
- On Android and other devices, you must manually hold the button on the back of the AirPods case until the light flashes white before your device can find them.
- After the first pairing, your AirPods will reconnect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and the case is nearby.
- If your AirPods don't appear in Bluetooth settings, make sure the case battery isn't empty and try holding the back button for the full 15 seconds.
Connecting to multiple devices
AirPods can be paired to multiple devices at once, but they can only play audio from one device at a time. Once you've paired them to your iPhone, you can pair the same AirPods to your Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch without unpairing them from your iPhone. They'll switch between devices automatically depending on which one you're actively using.
If you want to use your AirPods with a second iPhone or a non-Apple device, you'll need to unpair them from the first device before pairing them to the new one. To unpair, go to Bluetooth settings on the original device, find your AirPods, and select "Forget This Device."
What to do if your AirPods won't show up
If your AirPods don't appear in your device's Bluetooth list, first check that the case has a charge. If the battery is low, plug the case in for at least 15 minutes. Then open the case and try the pairing process again.
If they still don't appear, reset your AirPods by holding the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds, but this time wait until the light flashes amber, then white. This erases all pairing information. After a reset, your AirPods will appear as a new device in Bluetooth settings and you can pair them from scratch.
On Apple devices, you can also try restarting your phone or tablet. Sometimes the Bluetooth system needs a fresh start to detect new devices. After restarting, open your AirPods case near your device and try pairing again.
Switching between devices you've already paired
If your AirPods are already paired to multiple Apple devices (iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch), they'll usually switch automatically to whichever device you're actively using. For example, if you're listening to music on your Mac and then start a call on your iPhone, the AirPods will switch to the iPhone.
If automatic switching doesn't work, you can manually switch by going to Bluetooth settings on the device you want to use and selecting your AirPods from the list. This forces them to connect to that specific device.
Pairing with older AirPods models
AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and standard AirPods all use the same pairing method. The button location varies slightly — on standard AirPods and AirPods Pro, it's on the back of the case, while on AirPods Max it's on the underside. Hold whichever button your model has until the light flashes white, then pair through Bluetooth settings.
Older AirPods (first and second generation) pair the same way as current models. If you have a very old pair that won't pair, the battery in the case may be permanently depleted. AirPods cases don't have replaceable batteries, so a dead case means the AirPods can't be charged or paired.
Why your AirPods keep disconnecting
If your AirPods disconnect frequently, the most common cause is that Bluetooth is turning off on your device. Check your device's Bluetooth settings to make sure it's still on. Some phones and computers automatically turn off Bluetooth after a period of inactivity or when the battery is low.
Another common reason is that your AirPods case battery is nearly empty. When the case runs out of power, the AirPods themselves will eventually lose their charge and disconnect. Plug the case in to charge it, and the AirPods should reconnect once they have power again.
If disconnections happen in a specific location, interference from other wireless devices (microwaves, routers, or other Bluetooth devices) may be the cause. Try moving away from the source of interference or restarting your Bluetooth connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair my AirPods every time I use them?
No. Once you've paired your AirPods to a device, they'll reconnect automatically whenever the case is open and nearby and your device's Bluetooth is on. You only pair once per device.
Can I use my AirPods with both my iPhone and my Android phone?
Yes, but not at the same time. You'll need to unpair them from your iPhone (by selecting "Forget This Device" in Bluetooth settings) before you can pair them to your Android phone. To switch back, repeat the process in reverse.
What does the light on my AirPods case mean?
A white light means the AirPods are ready to pair or are already connected. An amber light means the case is in pairing mode or the battery is low. No light usually means the case battery is completely empty.
Why do my AirPods connect to the wrong device?
If you have multiple Apple devices paired to the same AirPods, they may connect to whichever device was last used or is closest. You can manually select which device to connect to in Bluetooth settings, or unpair from devices you don't use regularly.
Can I pair my AirPods to a smart speaker or car?
Yes, if the device has Bluetooth. Use the same process: put your AirPods in pairing mode by holding the back button until the light flashes white, then search for them in the speaker or car's Bluetooth settings. Some car systems may require you to unpair from your phone first.