Connecting AirPods to Apple Devices
iPhone and iPad
Unlock your device and turn on Bluetooth.
Open the case with AirPods inside and hold it near the screen.
Tap Connect, then follow the on-screen steps for features like Siri.
Once paired, iCloud sync shares the pairing with other Apple devices using the same Apple ID. Here is how to connect your AirPods on iPhone or iPad in the fastest way: keep them in the case, open the lid near the device, and accept the prompt.
Mac
On your Mac, open System Settings, then Bluetooth.
Open your AirPods case, press and hold the setup button on the back until the light flashes white.
Select your AirPods in the list and click Connect.
If you already paired an iPhone with the same Apple ID, it usually appears automatically in your Mac’s Sound output list.
Apple Watch
If your iPhone is paired with AirPods, the Watch connects automatically when you play audio from the Watch. To pair directly, open Settings on the Watch, go to Bluetooth, open the case, then tap your AirPods when they appear.
Automatically Switching AirPods Between Apple Devices
With iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, AirPods can auto-switch to the device that starts playing. This is convenient, but you can turn it off:
Turn Off Automatic Switching on iPhone
Settings → Bluetooth → the ⓘ next to your AirPods → Connect to This iPhone → choose When Last Connected to This iPhone.
Turn Off Automatic Switching on Mac
System Settings → Bluetooth → the ⓘ next to your AirPods → Connect to This Mac → choose When Last Connected to This Mac.
Connecting AirPods to Non-Apple Devices
Connecting AirPods to Android Devices
Open Settings → Bluetooth and enable it. With AirPods in the case, open the lid, press and hold the setup button until the light flashes white, then select your AirPods in the list. This is how to connect AirPods to a new device that is not signed in to your Apple ID.
Connecting AirPods to Windows PCs
Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Add device → Bluetooth. Put AirPods in pairing mode by holding the setup button until the light flashes white, then select them from the list. For best stability, keep your Bluetooth drivers up to date.
Connecting AirPods to Gaming Consoles
PlayStation
Most PlayStation models do not accept AirPods over native Bluetooth for audio. Use a USB or controller-mounted Bluetooth transmitter that supports the relevant audio codec, then pair the AirPods to the transmitter.
Xbox
Xbox consoles use Xbox Wireless for headsets, not standard Bluetooth. Use a third-party transmitter in the controller’s 3.5 mm jack or a compatible USB transmitter on supported models.
Tips for Troubleshooting AirPods Connection Issues
Reset the AirPods: Put them in the case, open the lid, press and hold the setup button until the light flashes amber, then white. Re-pair afterward.
If you are repairing a single bud after it stopped syncing, here is how to connect an AirPod again: reset the set, leave both buds in the case for 30 seconds, then pair as new.