This guide explains how to connect AirPods (any generation, including AirPods Pro and AirPods Max) to:

  • iPhone or iPad
  • Mac (MacBook, iMac, Mac mini)
  • Windows PC or laptop
  • Android phone or tablet
  • Other Bluetooth devices (TVs, consoles, etc.)

# 1. How to Connect AirPods to iPhone or iPad

These steps apply to most recent iOS and iPadOS versions. For official Apple instructions, see:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207010

# First-time setup

  1. Turn on Bluetooth

    • Go to Settings → Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is On.

  2. Unlock your iPhone/iPad and go to the Home Screen.

  3. Open the AirPods case (with the AirPods inside) and hold it close to your iPhone/iPad.

  4. A setup animation should appear on the screen.

    • Tap Connect.
    • Follow any extra on-screen steps (e.g., “Hey Siri” setup).

  5. Tap Done. Your AirPods are now paired and will automatically connect when you open the case near your device.

# Reconnecting later

  • Just open the case near your iPhone/iPad.
  • A small pop‑up will show the battery status and connection.
  • If they don’t connect automatically, go to Settings → Bluetooth and tap your AirPods name to connect.

# 2. How to Connect AirPods to a Mac

Apple’s guide: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208929

# If AirPods are already paired to your iPhone

When you’re using the same Apple ID on both devices and Handoff is enabled:

  1. Put AirPods in your ears.
  2. On your Mac, click the Control Center (two sliders icon) in the menu bar.
  3. Click Bluetooth.
  4. Choose your AirPods from the list.

They should switch automatically between devices signed in with the same Apple ID.

# Manual pairing on a Mac

  1. Put AirPods in the case, keep the lid open.

  2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case
    until the status light flashes white.

  3. On your Mac:

    • Click the Apple menu () → System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
    • Go to Bluetooth.
    • Make sure Bluetooth is On.
    • Under Devices, find your AirPods and click Connect.

If asked, confirm pairing or accept any prompts.

# 3. How to Connect AirPods to Windows (PC or Laptop)

You can connect AirPods to any Windows 10/11 computer using Bluetooth.

  1. Enable Bluetooth on Windows:

    • Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
    • Go to Devices (or Bluetooth & devices in Windows 11).
    • Turn Bluetooth On.

  2. Put AirPods in pairing mode:

    • Place AirPods in the case and open the lid.
    • Press and hold the setup button on the back until the LED flashes white.

  3. Add a new Bluetooth device:

    • In Bluetooth & devices, click Add device.
    • Choose Bluetooth.
    • Select your AirPods from the list.
    • Click Connect.

Once paired, you can select them as the output device in the Windows sound settings or from the volume icon in the taskbar.

For detailed Bluetooth help from Microsoft:
https://support.microsoft.com/windows/connect-a-bluetooth-device

# 4. How to Connect AirPods to Android Phones or Tablets

AirPods work like standard Bluetooth earbuds on Android.

  1. Turn on Bluetooth:

    • Open Settings → Bluetooth (or Connections → Bluetooth).
    • Turn Bluetooth On.

  2. Put AirPods in pairing mode:

    • Put AirPods in the case, open the lid.
    • Hold the setup button on the back until the light flashes white.

  3. Pair from Android:

    • On your Android device, tap Pair new device or Scan.
    • When your AirPods appear in the list, tap them.
    • Confirm pairing if prompted.

You won’t get all Apple-specific features (like automatic device switching or full Siri integration), but basic audio and microphone functions work.

# 5. How to Connect AirPods to a TV, Console, or Other Devices

Any device that supports Bluetooth audio should work.

  1. Put AirPods in pairing mode:

    • AirPods in case → lid open → hold setup button until white light flashes.

  2. Open Bluetooth settings on your device:

    • On a Smart TV: go to Settings → Sound → Bluetooth (names vary by brand).
    • On a PlayStation or Xbox: you may need an external Bluetooth adapter; native support is limited.
    • On other devices: look for Bluetooth / Wireless / Audio settings.

  3. Search for devices and select your AirPods from the list, then confirm pairing.

Check your device’s manual or manufacturer’s support page for exact instructions.

# 6. How to Connect AirPods Pro and AirPods Max (Specific Notes)

Most steps are the same, but there are a few details:

  • AirPods Pro / Pro 2:
    Same pairing process as regular AirPods—case, lid open, white light, then connect from Bluetooth settings.

  • AirPods Max:

    • Press and hold the Noise Control button until the status light flashes white to enter pairing mode.
    • Then pair from your device’s Bluetooth settings as described above.

Official Apple support pages:

# 7. Common AirPods Connection Problems and Fixes

# 7.1 AirPods not showing up in Bluetooth list

  • Make sure:
    • AirPods are charged.
    • The lid is open.
    • The LED is flashing white (if not, hold the setup button longer).
  • Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your device.
  • Restart your phone, tablet, or computer.

# 7.2 AirPods keep disconnecting

  • Bring your device closer to the AirPods; avoid walls or strong interference.
  • On iPhone/iPad:
    1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
    2. Tap the ⓘ icon next to your AirPods.
    3. Tap Forget This Device, then pair again.
  • Update your device’s software (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS).
  • Make sure no other nearby device is trying to auto‑connect to the same AirPods.

# 7.3 One AirPod not working

  • Put both AirPods back in the case, close the lid for 15 seconds, then try again.
  • Clean the charging contacts and speaker mesh carefully.
  • On iPhone/iPad, you can reset AirPods:
    1. Forget This Device in Settings → Bluetooth.
    2. Put AirPods in case, lid open.
    3. Hold setup button for ~15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then white.
    4. Pair again.

Reset details from Apple:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463

# 8. Tips for Better AirPods Use After Connecting

  • Rename your AirPods (helps when you have multiple pairs):

    • On iPhone/iPad: Settings → Bluetooth → ⓘ next to AirPods → Name.
    • On Mac: System Settings → Bluetooth → Options next to AirPods.

  • Check battery and charging status:

    • iPhone/iPad: open the case near the device or add the Batteries widget.
    • Mac: check via Bluetooth menu in the menu bar.

  • Use noise control modes (AirPods Pro / AirPods Max):

    • Switch between Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off from Control Center or by pressing the stem button / Noise Control button.

# 9. When to Contact Apple Support

If your AirPods:

  • Won’t enter pairing mode
  • Are not detected by any device
  • Have persistent audio issues after resetting

Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store:
https://support.apple.com/contact

By following the steps above, you can connect AirPods to virtually any Bluetooth device and quickly troubleshoot basic connection issues.