How to Connect AirPods to iPhone X

To connect AirPods to an iPhone X, open the charging case lid near the phone and tap “Connect� when the setup animation appears. If they don’t show up automatically, put the AirPods in the case, press and hold the setup button on the back until the light flashes white, then select them from the Bluetooth menu in Settings.

What You Need Before You Start

The iPhone X supports all AirPods models—first-generation, second-generation, AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), and AirPods 3. Before pairing, make sure your iPhone X is running iOS 13 or later for the latest AirPods features; the original AirPods require iOS 10 or later, while AirPods Pro need iOS 13.2 or later. Also, ensure Bluetooth is turned on (Settings > Bluetooth) and that your AirPods are charged. If you’re connecting someone else’s AirPods, ask the previous owner to remove them from their Apple ID to avoid activation lock issues.

Step-by-Step: Pairing AirPods with iPhone X

1. Unlock your iPhone X and go to the Home screen.
2. With the AirPods in their charging case, open the lid.
3. Hold the case within a few inches of the iPhone X.
4. Wait for the setup animation card to appear on the screen.
5. Tap “Connect.�
6. If you use Siri, tap “Done� after setting up “Hey Siri� (if prompted).
7. If the animation doesn’t appear, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
8. On the iPhone X, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap your AirPods under “Other Devices.�

Once connected, they’ll show as “Connected� and appear under “My Devices.� They’ll automatically connect to your iPhone X whenever they’re in your ears and Bluetooth is on.

What to Do If Your AirPods Won’t Connect

If the setup animation doesn’t appear or the AirPods don’t show up, try these fixes in order:

• Charge both devices: Put the AirPods in the case and connect the case to power for a few minutes. Low battery can prevent pairing.
• Reset Bluetooth: Toggle Bluetooth off and on in Settings.
• Restart your iPhone X: Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears, then slide to power off and turn it back on.
• Reset the AirPods: Put them in the case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the lid and press and hold the setup button for about 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber then white.
• Forget and re-pair: Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “iâ€� next to your AirPods, choose “Forget This Device,â€� then repeat the pairing process.

If none of these work, check that the AirPods aren’t already connected to another device (like an iPad) that’s nearby, as they may be switching automatically.

Switching Between iPhone X and Other Apple Devices

AirPods are designed to work seamlessly across devices signed into the same Apple ID. On iPhone X, you can switch audio by tapping the AirPlay icon (a triangle with circles) in Control Center or in the Now Playing screen of an app like Music or YouTube, then selecting your AirPods. If you have automatic switching enabled (Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods > “Connect to This iPhone�), they’ll move between your iPhone X, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch based on audio activity. To disable this, choose “When Last Connected to This iPhone� instead.

Using AirPods Features on iPhone X

Once paired, you can customize controls:

• Double-tap (AirPods 1 and 2): Set each AirPod to play/pause, skip forward, skip back, or activate Siri via Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods.
• Force sensor (AirPods Pro, AirPods 3): Squeeze the stem to play/pause, press twice to skip forward, press three times to skip back, and press and hold to switch between noise control modes (Pro only).
• Noise cancellation (AirPods Pro): Toggle between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode in Control Center by pressing and holding the volume slider, or on the stems.
• Ear Tip Fit Test (AirPods Pro): Go to Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods and tap “Ear Tip Fit Testâ€� to check if you’re using the right size tips.

Note that the iPhone X does not support the “Hey Siri� hands-free feature on first-generation AirPods; you need to double-tap to activate Siri. AirPods 2 and later support “Hey Siri� when paired with iPhone X.

AirPods vs. Other Wireless Earbuds for iPhone X

AirPods are the most seamless option for iPhone X because they use Apple’s W1 or H1 chip, which enables instant pairing, stable connection, and easy device switching. The main alternatives are:

• Beats earbuds: Many use the same Apple chips, so they offer similar pairing ease.
• Standard Bluetooth earbuds: They pair via the generic Bluetooth menu and may require manual reconnection. They work fine but lack the automatic switching and battery pop-up.
• Wired EarPods: The iPhone X has no headphone jack, so you’d need a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter.

If you want noise cancellation but don’t want AirPods Pro, some third-party earbuds offer it, but they often have less reliable connectivity and no iCloud sync.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

“My AirPods only connect to one ear.� This usually means one AirPod is dead or dirty. Clean the speaker mesh gently with a dry cotton swab and charge both. If the issue persists, reset the AirPods.

“AirPods are not compatible with iPhone X.� This is false—all AirPods models work with iPhone X, which has Bluetooth 5.0 and supports the required iOS versions.

“I can use AirPods with Android.� Yes, they work as standard Bluetooth earbuds, but you lose the automatic pairing, battery pop-up, and “Find My� features.

“The setup button is broken.� The button on the back of the case is recessed; use a paperclip or a gentle press with a fingernail. If it still doesn’t click, the case may need service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the battery level of my AirPods on iPhone X? Open the case lid near the iPhone X (or hold the AirPods near the phone) and the battery status appears on the screen. You can also add the Batteries widget to your Home screen by long-pressing the background, tapping the “+� button, and selecting Batteries.

Can I use one AirPod at a time with iPhone X? Yes. Each AirPod has its own microphone and works independently. Just take one out of the case and put it in your ear; it will connect automatically.

Why do my AirPods keep disconnecting from iPhone X? Interference from other Bluetooth devices, low battery, or outdated iOS can cause drops. Try resetting your network settings (Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings) and re-pairing. Also, make sure your iPhone X is updated to the latest iOS version.

How do I update AirPods firmware? AirPods update automatically when they are connected to an iPhone and in their case with the lid closed, plugged into power, and near the phone. You can check the firmware version in Settings > Bluetooth > your AirPods > About.

Can I connect AirPods to iPhone X and a Mac at the same time? AirPods can be paired with multiple devices, but they only play audio from one device at a time. With automatic switching, they’ll switch based on which device is playing audio.

What do I do if my AirPods are lost? Use the “Find My� app on your iPhone X to see their last known location. You can play a sound if they’re within Bluetooth range. If they’re out of range, you’ll see the last place they were connected.

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