How to connect AirPods to Android phones and tablets
How to make your AirPods play nicely with Google-powered devices
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Not everyone realises that you can connect AirPods to Android phones, but the process is just as simple as connecting any of the otherbest wireless earbudsto your phone.
If you’re struggling to figure out where to begin though, we’re here to show you how to connect your AirPods to Android in almost no time at all. If you’ve only just bought one of thebest Android phoneshaving previously owned an iPhone, this is your chance to still use your beloved AirPods from before.
There are some caveats in terms of functionality, but we’ll get into that later. For now, here’s what you need to do to get your AirPods connected to an Android phone. The steps involved apply across all AirPods, up to the latestAirPods Pro 2, so the instructions remain the same.
Steps for how to connect AirPods to Android
Step by step guide
1. Open Settings and Bluetooth
On your Android phone, open theSettingsapp to get started. This is usually depicted as a cog icon on the screen. Once inSettings, tap onBluetoothwhich should be near the top of the list.
2. Pair your AirPods
Wait for the AirPods to appear underAvailable Devicesin the Bluetooth menu. If it isn’t showing, you may need to place your AirPods in pairing mode. Do this by holding down the button on the back of the case. Once it appears, tap the name then tapPairto connect the AirPods to your phone.
How to connect AirPods to Android FAQs
Can you use Siri on Android?
No, there’s no support for Siri with your AirPods when they’re connected to an Android phone – and there’s also no access to Google Assistant using your AirPods as a replacement.
Is there ear detection on Android?
While AirPods will detect when you’ve removed them from your ear and pause the music when connected to an Apple device, they won’t when using Android devices. You’ll need to manually play and pause your music instead.
What other features will I miss on Android?
AirPods will still play music and you’ll be able to use active noise cancellation, but basically all of the other smart features they offer will be off the table, partly because there’s no way to control their settings on Android. So, you won’t be able to use Spatial Audio, you won’t be able to personalize the sound or check the quality of the ear tip fit, you can’t visually check the remaining battery, you won’t be able to use the Find My network features, you won’t be able to share audio with other AirPods, and there won’t be any auto-switching between devices.
How to connect AirPods to Android: Final thoughts
AirPods are some of thebest earbudsaround when connected to anAppledevice like an iPhone. However, they do lack key functionality when you’re using an Android phone – in general, we strongly recommend people pick-up a different set of thebest earbudsto use with Android devices if you’re buying something new.
However, if you need to connect your AirPods to your Android phone, the above steps will get you on track. Even limited earbuds are better than having to listen to the din of your daily commute.
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Jennifer is a roving tech freelancer with over 10 years experience. Having graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Media and Communication Studies, and later with a diploma from Staffordshire University with a post graduate diploma in Computer Games Design, she’s written for a huge number of publications, including T3, FitandWell, Top Ten Reviews, Eurogamer, NME and many more.
Her main areas of interest are all things B2B, smart technology, wearables, speakers, headphones, and anything gaming related, and you’ll find her writing everything from product reviews to buying guides and hunting down the latest coupon codes to save you money. In her spare time, she enjoys the cinema, walking, and attempting to train her pet guinea pigs. She is yet to succeed.
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