How to connect AirPods to an iPhone or an Android phone

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

AirPods pair with an iPhone almost by themselves, and after that with every other Apple device on the same Apple Account. They are also ordinary Bluetooth headphones, so they work with Android phones, Windows PCs and televisions, with fewer extras.

Menu names are from recent versions of iOS.

Step by step

1. Get ready

   Update the iPhone to the current iOS version, switch Bluetooth on and go to the Home Screen. Put both AirPods in the charging case and make sure the case has charge.

   Done

2. Hold the open case next to the iPhone

   Open the lid and hold the case right beside the unlocked iPhone. A setup animation slides up on the screen.

   Done

3. Tap Connect

   Tap Connect and follow the screens, which cover things like announcing notifications and the ear tip fit on AirPods Pro. Tap Done at the end.

   Done

4. Use them on your other Apple devices

   If you are signed in to iCloud, the AirPods are set up automatically on your iPad, Mac and Apple Watch that use the same Apple Account. They switch to whichever device starts playing.

   Done

5. If no animation appears

   Put the AirPods into pairing mode by hand. On cases with a button on the back, hold it until the status light flashes white. On AirPods 4, the newest AirPods and AirPods Pro 3, which have no button, double-tap the front of the case with the lid open. Then open Settings, Bluetooth on the iPhone and tap the AirPods in the list.

   Done

6. Pair with an Android phone

   Switch on Bluetooth on the phone and open its Bluetooth settings. With the AirPods in the open case, hold the button on the back for about five seconds, or double-tap the front of a case without a button, until the light flashes white. Tap the AirPods in the list of available devices.

   Done

7. Pair AirPods Max

   Press and hold the listening mode button for about five seconds, until the status light flashes white, then select them in the Bluetooth list.

   Done

Good to know

With Android and other non-Apple devices you can listen and make calls, but Siri, automatic switching and most settings are missing.

AirPods that belonged to someone else must be removed from that person's Apple Account first, and then reset: how to reset AirPods and AirPods Pro.

If they still will not connect: AirPods not connecting to an iPhone: 8 fixes to try.

For other headphones: how to connect Bluetooth headphones to an iPhone and to an Android phone.

In short: iPhone: open case next to the unlocked phone, tap Connect. Android or no animation: pairing mode (hold the back button about five seconds, or double-tap the front) until the light flashes white, then choose them under Bluetooth.