How to Connect AirPods to Android Phones and Devices

Can you connect AirPods to Android? Yep. All you need is a Bluetooth connection

By
Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh
Writer
  • University at Buffalo
Fionna Agomuoh is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, International Business Times, and others.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on December 31, 2022

What to Know

  • Swipe down from the top of the screen, press and hold the Bluetooth icon and tap Pair new device.
  • Open the Airpods charging case, press and hold the Setup or Pair button on the back.
  • When the LED light flashes, tap Airpods from the available device list and confirm any prompts.

This article explains how to connect and use AirPods with your Android device. The instructions apply to all Android phones and tablets regardless of the manufacturer (Google, Samsung, etc.).

How to Connect AirPods to Your Android

The screenshots below were taken from a Google Pixel running Android 13. Your screen may look a little different, but the basic steps are the same for all Android devices.

  1. Turn on Bluetooth if it's not already enabled. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Bluetooth icon to toggle it on or off.

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

  2. Press and hold the Bluetooth icon to open the Bluetooth settings.

  3. Tap Pair new device.

    Down arrow, Bluetooth on, and Pair new device on Android

  4. 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.

  5. 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 the AirPods case is white, it should be available to pair with any nearby Bluetooth connection.

    An AirPods case with the pairing button highlighted

  6. On your Android device, tap the AirPods from the available Bluetooth devices list, then confirm any prompts that appear.

    Stay within 20 feet of your Android device to maintain the AirPods' Bluetooth connection.

How to Use AirPods Connected to an Android Device

Once connected, your Android device sends any audio through your AirPods. To disconnect the AirPods from your Android device, 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 the AirPods are no longer connected to the Android device, the AirPods may reconnect to the closest Apple device, such as a MacBook.

How to Monitor the AirPods' Connection and Battery

Use an app to monitor your AirPods' connection and battery status. Some free options include AirBattery, Podroid, AirBuds Popup, and Assistant Trigger.

With these types of apps, you can track an 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 each app to see what functionality appeals to you. For example, AirBattery offers in-ear detection for apps such as Spotify and Netflix. This feature pauses the sound on the AirPods whenever you remove one from your ears.

Many of these apps have paid versions with extensive features, giving increased functionality to AirPods and Android devices.

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