How to Connect AirPods to Android

You’re probably familiar with the light-hearted dispute between Apple and Android users. Who has the better screens? Operating systems? Functionality? But there’s one product that everyone can agree on; the AirPods. The lightweight design, superior audio quality, and ease of use are all reasons you should connect your AirPods to your Android.

With more than 2.5 billion users in 190 countries, Android dominates the global mobile operating system market. Sure, you can choose a Samsung or LG branded wireless audio solution to match your tablet or smartphone. But many headsets are bulky, lack audio quality, or are just plain irritating.

Fortunately, you aren’t tied down with limitations on wireless earbuds. We’ll teach you how to add your AirPods to Android and give you a few helpful tips along the way.

Connect AirPods to Android

Apple made it really easy to pair your AirPods to an iPhone. You simply open the AirPod case and tap your iPhone screen. However, Android users will need to pair the two devices manually. But don’t be alarmed; the process is as simple as pairing any other Bluetooth peripherals.

Here’s how to connect your AirPods to Android:

1. Press and Hold the Pairing Button

Before doing anything else, let’s put your AirPods in pairing mode! This process makes it possible for your Android to find your AirPods. However, the steps vary depending on the AirPod version.

Charge your AirPods if the battery is low. Then, follow these steps to put them in pairing mode:

Gen 1, 2, & 3 generations Airpods/AirPods Pro – Open the case and ensure both buds are placed securely in their holders. Touch and hold the pairing button on the AirPod back of the case. When the light flashes white, you’re ready to move on to step 2.

AirPods Max – Take your AirPods Max out of the case and hold the noise control button (the elongated button across from the digital crown). Wait for the feedback light to flash white. Then, move to step 2.

Helpful Hint: Connect the charger if your AirPods will not go into pairing mode.

2. Open the Android Settings

Now it’s time to begin the pairing process. We’ll find your AirPods in the Bluetooth device list. Here’s how to get there:

Swipe down from the top of your device’s screen and tap the settings cog in the upper right corner. You can also tap the Settings icon in your app drawer or long-press the Bluetooth icon in the pull-down menu.

3. Tap on Connections

After the Settings menu opens you’ll see a list of options. The Bluetooth option is in the Connection settings, so tap Connections.

4. Tap on Bluetooth

Finally, tap Bluetooth to access your device’s Bluetooth settings. You will see your paired devices on this page.

Helpful Tip: If you can’t find the Bluetooth Settings, head back to the main Settings page and type Bluetooth in the search bar at the top. Every version of Android and manufacturer have slightly different settings, so this will help you locate the ones you need quickly.

5. Tap on Your AirPods

On this new page, scroll to Available Devices. This option is typically at the bottom of the list but can vary depending on the manufacturer and Android version.

Find and tap on the AirPods. If your new AirPods have yet to pair with another device, the name should be Airpods. Otherwise, they will take the name of the previously paired device (e.g., Matt’s AirPods).

6. Tap Pair

A small pop-up menu will appear at the bottom of your screen. Confirm you’d like to connect your AirPods by tapping Pair.

Wait a few moments, and your AirPods will appear at the top of the page with the Connected status. Now, you can listen to your favorite songs, music, and videos or make phone calls.

7. Reconnect Your AirPods

When you pair your AirPods with an Apple device, the two pair automatically. But you’ll need to initiate the connection between your AirPods and Android every time. Fortunately, the process isn’t as lengthy as the initial setup.

Open the case and place one of the buds in your ear. Then, long-press the Bluetooth icon in the pull-down menu. Tap on your AirPods and wait for them to connect to your Android device.

Why Use AirPods with an Android

Comfort, design, and noise cancellation are among the list of reasons Apple has sold more than 150 million pairs. Apple’s AirPods are slim, lightweight, and packed with functionality that even Android fanatics can enjoy.

Connecting AirPods to Android is quite simple. Aside from a few missing features (voice-to-text, voice activation, and text reading), the AirPods work perfectly with any Bluetooth-enabled device.

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