Do AirPods Work With Android?

Learn how to connect AirPods to Android devices

Apple Airpods

Edward Berthelot / Getty Images 

by Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh has been a tech writer and product reviewer since 2011. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, International Business Times, and others.
Updated September 26, 2019

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

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 easy to figure out.

  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 an 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 in your AirPods case is white it should be available to pair to 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.

You can also 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.

Once your AirPods are no longer connected to your Android device it may reconnect to the closest Apple device, such as a MacBook. To reconnect your AirPods to your Android, repeat the steps above.

How to Monitor AirPods Connection and Battery

You can download an accessory app for your Android device that will show your AirPods' connection and battery status, just as it would on an iPhone. Some good free options include:

Many of these apps have paid versions with additional features.

Users can track the total battery life on their AirPods, as well as the individual battery life for the left and right AirPod.

Some apps have unique features, such as AirBattery's Ear Detection for Spotify. Podroid, for example, allows users to set functions, such as tapping to skip to the next song or pausing playback, while Assistant Trigger allows users to activate a voice assistant like Google Assistant or Samsung Bixby.