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To connect Apple earbuds (AirPods), turn on Bluetooth on the device you want to use, put the AirPods into pairing mode, then select them on that device. An iPhone or iPad may show a setup prompt when you open the case nearby; a Mac, Android phone, or other Bluetooth device uses its Bluetooth settings.
Connect AirPods to an iPhone or iPad
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Update the iPhone or iPad to current iOS or iPadOS, then open Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
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For AirPods or AirPods Pro, place both earbuds in the case, open the lid, and hold the case near the device. For AirPods Max, remove them from the Smart Case and hold them near the device within 60 seconds.
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When the setup animation appears, follow the onscreen instructions. If it does not appear, use the manual pairing steps below and select the AirPods from the Bluetooth device list.
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Apple’s AirPods pairing guide describes the setup prompt and manual method.
Pairing controls differ by AirPods model
For manual pairing on a Mac, Android device, or other Bluetooth host—or if an iPhone or iPad does not show the setup prompt—use the control for your specific model:
| AirPods model | Pairing control |
|---|---|
| AirPods 1, 2, or 3; AirPods Pro 1 or 2 | Press and hold the setup button on the case until the status light flashes white. |
| AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 3 | Double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white. |
| AirPods Max | Press and hold the listening mode button until the status light flashes white. |
These instructions follow Apple’s current model-specific pairing guidance. If you are unsure which model you have, identify it before trying a control; the case and headphone controls are not the same across generations.
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Connect AirPods to a Mac
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On the Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
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Put the AirPods into pairing mode using the control in the table above.
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Select the AirPods when they appear in the Bluetooth device list.
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If the AirPods were already set up with an iPhone and the Mac uses the same Apple Account, they may connect automatically. If they connect but the Mac still plays through its speakers, choose the AirPods as the sound output device. Apple explains Mac setup and output selection in its AirPods Mac and Bluetooth setup guide.
Connect AirPods to Android or another Bluetooth device
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Open the host device’s Bluetooth settings and turn Bluetooth on. On Android, Apple gives Settings > Connections > Bluetooth as an example; menu names vary by device.
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With both earbuds in the open case, put the AirPods into pairing mode using the model-specific control above. For AirPods Max, use the listening mode button.
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Tap or select the AirPods in the Bluetooth device list to pair.
AirPods work as a Bluetooth headset with a non-Apple device, so you can listen and talk, but Siri is unavailable. See Apple’s guide to pairing AirPods with non-Apple devices.
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What happens after pairing with Apple devices?
Once AirPods are set up with one Apple device, they may connect automatically to other Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account. Automatic switching depends on the AirPods generation and operating-system requirements, so it is not guaranteed for every model and device combination. If they do not appear on another device, connect them from that device’s Bluetooth settings. Apple outlines the conditions in its setup and switching guidance.
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If AirPods will not connect
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Make sure both AirPods are seated in the case and charging, and confirm Bluetooth is on for the host device.
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Update the host device’s software, then put the AirPods into pairing mode again and retry the appropriate steps above.
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If the AirPods appear in the audio device list but will not connect, follow Apple’s AirPods connection troubleshooting steps.
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If they are connected but sound still comes from the device speakers, select AirPods as the audio output and test playback with the volume turned up.
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