How to Pair AirPods with an iPhone, Mac, or Other Device

Pairing AirPods connects them wirelessly to a phone, tablet, or computer so you can listen to audio and use their microphone. Charge the AirPods and their case, keep them near the device, and follow the steps for its operating system; the exact pairing method depends on the AirPods model.

What You’ll Need

AirPods and their charging case, with enough charge to complete setup.
A compatible iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows PC, or other device with Bluetooth enabled.
For automatic Apple-device setup, sign in to your Apple Account on the device and use a supported, up-to-date operating system. Manual Bluetooth pairing is available on many non-Apple devices.

Step-by-Step

Check that the AirPods are ready. Put both earbuds in the case and open its lid. Keep the case beside the device you want to pair. If the case or earbuds are flat, connect the case to power and give it time to charge.
Try automatic setup on an iPhone or iPad. Unlock the device and make sure Bluetooth is on. With the AirPods in their open case nearby, wait for the setup animation. Tap Connect, then follow any prompts, such as enabling features or setting up Siri. Tap Done when setup finishes.
Put the AirPods in pairing mode if no prompt appears. The control depends on the model. For most AirPods with a setup button, open the case and press and hold that button on the back until the status light flashes white. For AirPods 4, open the case and double-tap its front while the light is on until it flashes white. Keep the case open and near the device. A flashing white light means the AirPods are discoverable.
Pair manually with an iPhone or iPad. Open Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on. Look under Other Devices for the AirPods, tap their name, and approve any pairing prompt. If they appear under My Devices but show as disconnected, tap the name to reconnect.
Pair with a Mac. Open System Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on. Put the AirPods in pairing mode as described above. When their name appears in the nearby devices list, click Connect. On some Mac versions the settings window is called System Preferences rather than System Settings.
Pair with a Windows PC. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and turn Bluetooth on. Choose Add device > Bluetooth. Put the AirPods in pairing mode, select their name when it appears, and wait for Windows to confirm the connection. Windows menu wording can vary slightly by version.
Pair with another Bluetooth device. Open that device’s Bluetooth settings and choose its option to add or pair a device. Put the AirPods in pairing mode, select them from the available-device list, and accept the prompt if shown. Consult the device’s own instructions if its Bluetooth menus differ.
Check the connection. Play audio and confirm it comes through the AirPods. On a phone or computer with multiple audio outputs, open the audio-output selector and choose the AirPods. For a microphone or call test, select the AirPods as the input device too, if the device does not do so automatically.

Common Mistakes

Pressing the wrong pairing control. Most cases use a button on the back, but AirPods 4 use a double-tap on the front. Follow the control for your model; a single tap or short press may not start pairing.
Closing the lid or moving the case away. Keep the lid open and the case close to the device while pairing. Closing the lid can stop discovery.
Looking only for an automatic pop-up. The pop-up is an Apple-device convenience, not the only pairing method. Use Bluetooth settings when it does not appear.
Choosing the wrong audio output. A device may pair successfully but continue playing through its speakers or another headset. Select the AirPods in the audio-output menu.
Assuming every feature works everywhere. Basic audio may work on a non-Apple Bluetooth device, but Apple-specific setup, controls, and features can be limited or unavailable.

Tips

For the simplest setup, pair AirPods first with an iPhone or iPad signed in to your Apple Account. They may then be available on other supported Apple devices signed in to that account. If automatic switching is unavailable, connect from that device’s Bluetooth or audio-output menu.
Keep the earbuds in the case until pairing mode is needed, and make sure the status light is visible. If you cannot tell whether the light is flashing white, close and reopen the case, then try the correct pairing control again.
When using AirPods with a computer, check both the selected playback device and microphone if call audio sounds wrong. You can reconnect them through Bluetooth settings without repeating initial setup.
To switch between a phone and a computer, choose the AirPods from the Bluetooth or audio menu on the device you want to use. Some devices switch automatically; others require you to select them manually.

Troubleshooting

The AirPods do not appear in the list: Confirm Bluetooth is on, the case is open, and the AirPods are close by. Re-enter pairing mode until the light flashes white, then refresh or reopen the device’s Bluetooth screen. Charge the case if the light does not respond.

The setup animation does not appear: Unlock the iPhone or iPad, check Bluetooth, and wait a moment with the case open nearby. Then pair manually in Settings > Bluetooth. If the AirPods are already associated with another Apple Account, the current owner may need to remove them from their account before a new owner can set them up fully.

Pairing starts but fails: Turn Bluetooth off and back on, restart the phone or computer, and try again. Make sure the AirPods are not actively connected to another nearby device. On a computer, remove or forget the AirPods from its Bluetooth list, then put them back in pairing mode and add them again.

Only one AirPod connects or audio is missing: Put both earbuds in the case, make sure they are seated and charging, then close the lid briefly. Reopen it and reconnect. Check the device’s audio balance and output selection if sound still comes through only one side.

Nothing works after repeated attempts: Resetting may help, but the reset procedure varies by model. Check the instructions for your specific AirPods, then pair them again as a new device. If the case will not charge, the status light never responds, or pairing fails on multiple devices, contact the device maker or a qualified service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I put AirPods in pairing mode?
For most models, open the case and hold the setup button on its back until the light flashes white. For AirPods 4, double-tap the front of the open case while its light is on until it flashes white.

Can I pair AirPods with an Android phone?
Yes. Open Bluetooth settings on the phone, put the AirPods in pairing mode, and select them from the available devices. Some Apple-specific features may not be available.

Can I connect AirPods to more than one device?
They can be paired with multiple devices, but they generally play audio from one active device at a time. You may need to select them manually when changing devices.

Why do my AirPods connect but play no sound?
Choose them as the audio output on the device, check the volume, and make sure audio is playing. For calls, also check the microphone or input-device selection.

Do I need to pair each AirPod separately?
No. Put both earbuds in their case and pair the set. If one is not detected, check that it is seated correctly and has charge.

How do I pair AirPods with a new iPhone?
Open the case near the unlocked iPhone and follow the setup prompt. If it does not appear, put the AirPods in pairing mode and select them in Settings > Bluetooth.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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