To connect Apple earbuds (AirPods) to an iPhone or iPad, turn on Bluetooth, open the case with the AirPods inside, hold it near the device, and follow the setup prompt. On a Mac, Android phone, or other Bluetooth device, open Bluetooth settings, put the AirPods into pairing mode using the control for your model, then select them from the device list.
Connect AirPods to an iPhone or iPad
- Update the iPhone or iPad if needed, then open Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
- For AirPods or AirPods Pro, put both earbuds in their case, open the lid, and hold the case near the device. For AirPods Max, take them out of the Smart Case and hold them near the device within 60 seconds.
- When the setup animation appears, follow the onscreen instructions.
If the animation does not appear, use the manual Bluetooth method: put the AirPods into pairing mode using the model-specific control below, then choose them under Settings > Bluetooth. Apple’s AirPods pairing guide has the current instructions for Apple devices.
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Pairing controls differ by AirPods model
Identify your model before trying to enter pairing mode; the control is not the same on every generation.
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| AirPods model | Control to enter pairing mode | Pairing indicator |
|---|---|---|
| AirPods 1, 2, or 3; AirPods Pro 1 or 2 | Press and hold the setup button on the case. | The case status light flashes white. |
| AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 3 | Double-tap the front of the case. | The case status light flashes white. |
| AirPods Max | Press and hold the listening mode button. | Use the model’s status light to confirm pairing mode. |
See Apple’s guide to pairing AirPods with an Apple device or its guide for non-Apple devices for model-specific pairing instructions.
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Connect AirPods to a Mac
If you already set up AirPods with an iPhone and your Mac uses the same Apple Account, the AirPods may be available to connect without repeating the full setup. Otherwise:
- On your Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
- Put the AirPods in pairing mode using the control for your model.
- Select the AirPods in the Bluetooth device list.
If the connection is active but sound still comes from the Mac speakers, select the AirPods as the sound output device. Apple’s Mac and Bluetooth setup guide covers connecting and choosing audio output.
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Connect AirPods to Android or another Bluetooth device
- Open the device’s Bluetooth settings and turn Bluetooth on. On Android, one example path is Settings > Connections > Bluetooth; labels vary by device.
- Put the AirPods into pairing mode using the control for your model. On case models, wait for the status light to flash white.
- Choose the AirPods from the available Bluetooth devices.
AirPods work as a Bluetooth headset on non-Apple devices. Apple Support notes: “You can use AirPods as a Bluetooth headset with a non-Apple device. You can’t use Siri, but you can listen and talk.” See Apple’s non-Apple device pairing guide.
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If AirPods will not connect
- Check that both AirPods are seated in the case and charging.
- Confirm Bluetooth is on for the host device.
- Update the host device’s operating system, then try pairing again.
- If the AirPods show in the audio device list but will not connect, follow Apple’s AirPods connection troubleshooting steps.
- If they connect but audio still plays through the device speakers, select AirPods as the audio output and test playback with the volume turned up.
What to expect after pairing
Once AirPods are set up with an Apple device, they may connect to other Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account. Automatic switching depends on the AirPods generation and operating-system requirements, so it is not guaranteed for every model and combination of Apple devices. Apple’s setup guide describes the supported behavior.
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- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — The powerful H2 chip comes to AirPods 4. Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends ANC and Transparency mode — which lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you exactly as it sounds — to provide the best listening experience in any environment.* And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — Voice Isolation improves the quality of calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
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