How to Connect AirPods to an Android Device

All you need is a Bluetooth connection

woman wearing Apple Airpods

Edward Berthelot / Getty Images 

By
Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh
Writer
Fionna Agomuoh is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, International Business Times, and others.
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Fionna Agomuoh
Updated January 24, 2020

AirPods are typically meant to pair only with other Apple products because Apple has created a seamless connection process for its devices. However, users can also pair AirPods with Android devices. This is done easily via a Bluetooth connection. Here's how to connect AirPods to an Android device.

This method should work with most Android devices. While the layout of the Bluetooth settings may vary by device, navigation is typically very easy to figure out.

Connect AirPods to Your Android Device

  1. Open Settings on your Android device. This will likely be accessible through the drop-down menu on your device or as a separate app in the device's app drawer.

    Close any music or video apps on your Android device before pairing your AirPods. Having music playing may cause issues when attempting to pair the AirPods with your Android device.

  2. Tap the Bluetooth icon, then toggle Bluetooth on if it's turned off.

    Bluetooth shortcut settings

    There may be a Bluetooth shortcut icon in the device's drop-down menu. If so, you can long-press this icon to go directly to Bluetooth settings.

  3. Get your AirPods' charging case and open it with the AirPods inside.

    Keep the charging case nearby to recharge the AirPods when necessary. Bluetooth connections can significantly drain the battery of any wireless device. AirPods have about five hours of battery life, and the case can add up to 24 hours of additional battery.

  4. Press and hold the Setup or Pair button on the back of the AirPods' case for about three seconds to place it in Pairing mode. Once the LED light on your AirPods' case is white, it should be available to pair with any nearby Bluetooth connection.

    Airpods set up button

  5. From your Android device, tap your AirPods from the available Bluetooth devices list, then confirm any prompts that appear on your Android device.

Try to stay within 20 feet of your Android device to maintain your AirPods' Bluetooth connection.

How to Use AirPods Connected to an Android Device

Once connected, your Android device will send any audio through your AirPods until you end the connection. To disconnect the AirPods from your Android device, simply unpair the AirPods using your Android's Bluetooth settings.

Alternatively, turn off the Bluetooth setting on your Android device to sever the connection or press and hold the Pair button on the back of the AirPods' case. To reconnect your AirPods to your Android, repeat the steps above.

Once your AirPods are no longer connected to your Android device, they may reconnect to the closest Apple device, such as a MacBook.

How to Monitor the AirPods' Connection and Battery

To monitor your AirPods' connection and battery status using your Android device, download an accessory app. Some good free options include AirBattery, Podroid, AirBuds Popup, and Assistant Trigger.

With these types of apps, users can track their AirPods' total battery life as well as the individual battery life of the left and right AirPod.

Some apps have unique and helpful features, so make sure to research them to see what functionality appeals to you. For example, AirBattery offers in-ear detection for apps such as Spotify and Netflix. This feature pauses sound on the AirPods whenever you remove one from your ears.

Podroid allows users to set functions, such as tapping to skip to the next song or pausing playback, while Assistant Trigger lets users activate a voice assistant, such as Google Assistant or Samsung Bixby.

Many of these accessory apps have paid versions with even more extensive features, giving users increased functionality with their AirPods and Android devices.