AirPods connect through Bluetooth, and the process differs slightly depending on whether you're pairing them for the first time or reconnecting to a device you've already set up
The fastest way to connect AirPods to an Apple device is to open the case near your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. A setup screen appears automatically, and you tap "Connect" — the whole process takes about 30 seconds. After that first pairing, your AirPods remember that device and connect whenever you open the case nearby.
If you're connecting to a non-Apple device, or if the automatic setup doesn't appear, you'll need to put your AirPods into pairing mode manually and then select them from your device's Bluetooth settings. The steps are straightforward but require you to know where to look on each device type.
Key Takeaways
- On iPhones, iPads, and Macs, open your AirPods case near the device and tap "Connect" when the setup screen appears — no manual pairing needed.
- After the first connection, your AirPods automatically reconnect whenever you open the case near that device.
- To connect to Android phones, Windows PCs, or other Bluetooth devices, hold the button on the back of the AirPods case for three seconds until the light flashes white, then select them from your device's Bluetooth menu.
- You can switch your AirPods between multiple devices, but they only actively connect to one at a time.
- If your AirPods won't connect, try forgetting them from your device's Bluetooth settings and pairing again from scratch.
Connecting AirPods to an iPhone or iPad for the first time
Unlock your iPhone or iPad and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Open your AirPods case and hold it within a few inches of your device. A white setup card should appear on your screen showing an image of the AirPods and a "Connect" button.
Tap "Connect" and wait for the confirmation screen. Your device will show "AirPods Connected" or take you to a screen where you can name your AirPods or adjust settings. You're done — your AirPods are now paired to that device.
From this point forward, simply open your AirPods case near your iPhone or iPad and they'll connect automatically. You don't need to do anything else. If your AirPods are already in your ears when you open the case, they'll connect in the background.
Connecting AirPods to a Mac
The process on a Mac is similar to iPhone and iPad, but the setup screen looks different. Open your AirPods case near your Mac and wait a few seconds. A dialog box should appear asking if you want to connect your AirPods.
Click "Connect" in the dialog. Your Mac will pair with the AirPods and remember them. After this, your AirPods will connect automatically whenever you open the case near your Mac and your Mac is awake.
If the automatic dialog doesn't appear, you can manually pair them by going to System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), clicking Bluetooth, and then looking for your AirPods in the list of available devices. Click them and select "Connect."
Connecting AirPods to Android, Windows, or other devices
Non-Apple devices don't have the automatic setup feature, so you'll need to put your AirPods into pairing mode manually. Hold the small button on the back of your AirPods case for about three seconds. The LED light on the front of the case will flash white, which means the AirPods are in pairing mode and ready to be discovered.
On your Android phone or Windows PC, open Settings and go to Bluetooth. Look for your AirPods in the list of available devices — they'll show up as "AirPods" or "AirPods [Your Name]" if you've named them. Tap or click on them to connect.
Once connected, your AirPods will remember that device. The next time you want to use them with that device, you may need to manually select them from Bluetooth settings again, depending on your device. Unlike Apple devices, most Android phones and Windows PCs don't automatically reconnect AirPods when you open the case.
Switching AirPods between multiple devices
AirPods can be paired to as many devices as you want, but they only actively play audio from one device at a time. If you're listening to music on your iPhone and then open your Mac, the audio won't automatically switch — you'll need to manually tell your AirPods which device to use.
On Apple devices, you can switch by opening Control Center (swipe down from the top right on iPhone or iPad, or click the Control Center icon on Mac) and tapping or clicking on the AirPods icon. A menu appears showing all your paired devices. Select the one you want to use.
On Android or Windows, you'll need to go back into Bluetooth settings, disconnect from the current device, and then select the AirPods from the new device's Bluetooth menu. This takes a few more steps than switching between Apple devices.
What to do if your AirPods won't connect
If your AirPods aren't showing up in your device's Bluetooth menu, or if they connect but then immediately disconnect, the first step is to forget them and pair again from scratch. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, and tap the "i" icon next to them. Select "Forget This Device" and confirm.
On Mac, go to System Settings, click Bluetooth, find your AirPods, and click the "x" or "Remove" button next to them. On Android or Windows, go to Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods, and select "Forget" or "Unpair."
After forgetting them, put your AirPods back into pairing mode (hold the button on the case for three seconds until the light flashes white) and pair them again as if it were the first time. This resolves most connection problems. If they still won't connect, try restarting your device and your AirPods by placing them in the case for 30 seconds, then taking them out again.
Checking battery and connection status
On iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can see your AirPods battery level by opening Control Center or by checking the Batteries widget on your home screen. The widget shows the battery percentage for each AirPod and the case separately.
On Android or Windows, battery information depends on your device and which AirPods model you have. Some Android phones show battery in the Bluetooth settings menu, while others don't display it at all. You can also check the battery by opening your AirPods case near your iPhone if you have one — the battery card will appear on screen even if you're not pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pair my AirPods every time I use them?
No. After the first pairing, your AirPods remember your device. On Apple devices, they connect automatically when you open the case. On Android and Windows, you usually need to manually select them from Bluetooth settings each time, though some devices will reconnect automatically if Bluetooth is already on.
Can I use my AirPods with two devices at the same time?
No. AirPods only play audio from one device at a time. You can pair them to multiple devices, but you'll need to manually switch which device they're connected to if you want to use them with a different one.
Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting?
Disconnections usually happen because of interference, low battery, or a weak Bluetooth connection. Try forgetting your AirPods from your device's Bluetooth settings and pairing them again. Make sure your device's Bluetooth is turned on and you're within normal range (typically 30 feet). If the problem continues, restart both your AirPods and your device.
What if the automatic setup screen doesn't appear on my iPhone?
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your iPhone's Settings. If it is, try restarting your iPhone or your AirPods by placing them in the case for 30 seconds. You can also manually pair by going to Settings, tapping Bluetooth, and selecting your AirPods from the list of available devices.
Can I connect AirPods to a smartwatch or tablet other than iPad?
Yes, if your device has Bluetooth. Put your AirPods into pairing mode by holding the button on the case for three seconds until the light flashes white, then select them from your device's Bluetooth settings. Compatibility and automatic reconnection vary depending on the device and operating system.