How To Connect AirPods To Apple Watch

AirPods are the easiest to pair with any iOS and iPadOS device. They connect automatically to the Apple device present in their close proximity. This means you don’t have to manually connect AirPods to devices every time you want to listen to your favorite music. The same is the case with Apple Watch.

You first have to pair your new AirPods with your iPhone iOS 12 or later. After pairing, they will automatically connect to your Apple Watch whenever you open their charging case’s lid. Simple! 

First-generation Airpods need watchOS 3 or later to connect directly to it. On the other hand, second-generation AirPods require watchOS 5.2 or later, and the latest third-generation AirPods are compatible with watchOS 8.1. AirPods can automatically switch their connection between your iPhone and Apple Watch. Their decision usually goes in favor of the device playing the audio. 

However, sometimes, things may not work out as they should, and your AirPods will show connectivity issues with Apple Watch. This guide tells you how to easily connect AirPods to Apple Watch and fix all the connection issues. So, let’s start with pairing your AirPods with an iPhone or iPad:

Step 1: Go To Your Device’s Home Screen 

Your Apple Watch will automatically pair with your AirPods if you have connected both your iPhone and the Apple Watch with the same iCloud account. To ensure that, open the home screen on your device (iPhone or iPad). 

Step 2: Open the Charging Case’s Lid

Bring the AirPods close to your device. Ensure both the AirPods are in their charging case, whether it is AirPods, AirPods Pro, or Powerbeats Pro. You can check your AirPods model and generation from the Apple Store. Now, open the charging case lid next to your iPhone or iPad.

Step 3: Press the Setup Button 

Find the Setup button present on the back of your AirPods’ charging case. Make sure to press it for 1 to 2 seconds while keeping them close to your device.

Step 4: Tap Connect

A setup notification will pop up on your iPhone or iPad. Simply tap “Connect” to pair your AirPods with your iPhone and, eventually, the Apple Watch. 

Step 5: Select Your AirPods on the Apple Watch

After connecting AirPods to Apple Watch, the earbuds will automatically channel the audio to your ears. If it doesn’t, you can force-select them on the watch. Take your AirPods out of their case and turn them on. Then, swipe up the Home Screen on your Apple Watch and open the Control Centre.

Scroll down and find the “Audio Sources” icon. Tap on it to see your AirPods name. Select it to force the Apple Watch to stream the audio through them. However, if you do not see your AirPods listed in the Audio Sources, you’d need to pair them manually with your Apple Watch. 

Step 6: Check the AirPods in Apple Watch’s Bluetooth Settings

To manually pair your AirPods to the Apple Watch, open Settings on your watch and tap Bluetooth. If you see your AirPods there, this means you are ready to pair. Simply turn the earbuds on and keep them nearby. If you still do not find your AirPods in the available devices list, it is time to connect them to the Apple Watch manually.

Step 7: Manually Connect AirPods To Apple Watch

Now, put your earbuds in the pairing mode. If you have AirPods with a charging case, such as AirPods or AirPods Pro, open the lid of their charging case and press the button on their back or inside the case for a minimum of 5 seconds. 

For AirPods that do not have a charging case, simply hold down their power button for a few seconds. Soon, your earbuds will appear under the Bluetooth Devices section. Tap on their name, and you are done!

Learn the seamless process of connecting your AirPods to your Apple Watch with this informative video. Discover the steps to enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and calls directly from your wrist, bringing convenience and entertainment together in perfect harmony. Watch now to unlock the full potential of your Apple devices!

How To Fix AirPods Not Connecting To Apple Watch

Sometimes, your AirPods may show connectivity issues when pairing them with an Apple Watch. In such a case, you will wonder what is wrong. Is it your Apple Watch or your AirPods causing the issue? While fixing this issue is easy, you must ensure a few things before connecting the AirPods to Apple Watch.

First, make sure that your AirPods are present close to your Apple Watch. Then, ensure that your AirPods are sufficiently charged. If they are not charged, put both in the charging case and connect the case to a power source. If your AirPods charge with wireless charging, simply place them on the charging pad for 10 minutes.

Try connecting the AirPods to Apple Watch again. If you still face connectivity issues, you can try the below methods:

Disable Airplane Mode

If you see an airplane icon on your Apple Watch, it is in Airplane Mode. This mode enabled on your Apple Watch can prevent it from connecting to the AirPods. To disable this mode, open the Settings of your Apple Watch and tap on Airplane Mode to toggle it off.

After disabling the Airplane Mode, try reconnecting your AirPods to your Apple Watch with the abovementioned steps. The AirPods should now connect to your watch.

Disable and Enable the Bluetooth of the Apple Watch 

The other option is to disable and enable Bluetooth on the Apple Watch. For that, open the Settings on your Apple Watch and tap Bluetooth to toggle it off. Now, wait for a few seconds to re-enable it. You can try the next method if you still do not see your AirPods in the available devices list.

Disconnect AirPods From Your Other Devices

To disconnect AirPods from your iPhone or iPad, open its Settings, choose Bluetooth, and tap on the (🛈) icon next to the AirPods. Finally, select Disconnect. You can also choose “Forget Device.”

To disconnect the AirPods from your Mac, open the Bluetooth from the menu bar and click on your AirPods’ name to disconnect or forget it.

You can also disconnect or forget the AirPods from your Windows PC. Open Settings, Devices, and choose “Bluetooth and other devices.” Find your AirPods in the “Audio” section and click on their name. Finally, click on “Disconnect” or “Remove Device.” 

Now, try reconnecting the AirPods only to your Apple Watch. It should connect in a few seconds.

Restart Apple Watch

Restarting the device solves problems in almost all types of electronics. To restart your Apple Watch, press its side button for a few seconds and then move the Power Off slider to turn the watch off. Next, wait for the Apple Watch to turn off completely. Then, restart it by pressing the side button again until you see the Apple logo on the screen.

Unpair and Re-pair Your iPhone From the Apple Watch

Unpairing your Apple Watch from your iPad or iPhone sends the watch into factory settings. However, the data will be backed up to your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how you can unpair and repair your Apple Watch:

Open the Apple Watch app on your device and go to the My Watch tab. On the next screen, tap on All Watches, find your Apple Watch’s name and click the (🛈) icon. 

Then, tap “Unpair Apple Watch,” and confirm it again. Then, provide your Apple ID password and choose “Unpair” to complete the process. Wait for a couple of minutes, and you’re done. 

Finally, repair your Apple Watch again from the Start Pairing option in the Watch app. Keep your iPhone/iPad and the Apple Watch close to each other. 

Update the Apple Watch

If nothing works, try updating your Apple Watch to the latest watchOS version. Connect your watch to a stable WiFi network, open its Settings, General, and finally, Software Update to see if there’s any latest available. If there is, accept the update and pair your AirPods to Apple Watch again. 

Hopefully, your AirPods not connecting to your Apple Watch will be resolved by now. Enjoy your favorite songs, movies, podcasts, and audiobooks non-stop with your new purchase! However, if it doesn’t, it’s better to contact Apple Watch Support.

Summary

To connect AirPods to Apple Watch, you first have to pair them with your iPhone or iPad updated to iOS 12 or later. Once paired, you bring your Apple Watch within their proximity, and it will automatically connect with the earbuds. However, you can also connect AirPods to Apple Watch manually. We have discussed it in detail for your ease!

Up Next

• How to Find Apple Watch with an iPhone
• How to Find AirPods
• How to Reset AirPods

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