Using the AirPods, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max with an Android? We’ve got you covered.
Apple’s AirPods line of true wireless earbuds and headphones is among the most popular on the planet – and like all Apple products, these personal audio devices are designed to work seamlessly within the brand’s wider ecosystem. This means that using AirPods with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac is super simple; but what if you want to use your Apple buds or headphones with your Android phone? Well, you’ll be pleased to learn that it is possible – but be aware that you may miss out on a few AirPods features, such as support for Spatial Audio and super-fast pairing. Luckily, there are some workarounds you can take advantage of, including apps that bring back some AirPods functionality that wouldn’t normally be available to Android users. Whether you’ve recently splashed out on the AirPods Max over-ear headphones, or you’re eyeing up the new Samsung Galaxy S22 and want to keep using your old AirPods, here’s everything you need to know about using AirPods with an Android. If you’re using a pair of AirPods with an Android phone for the first time, you might be wondering how to pair the earbuds or headphones with your device. AirPods 2019, AirPods 3, and AirPods Pro First, open your AirPods’ charging case and then open the Bluetooth settings on your Android phone by going to Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is switched on. Now hold down the pairing button on the back of your AirPods’ case – the LED on the front of the case should flash white. Look for your AirPods in the list of Bluetooth accessories and tap ‘Pair’. Your AirPods should now be connected to your Android phone. AirPods Max The process for pairing the AirPods Max is exactly the same as it is for the true wireless AirPods, except you’ll need to hold down the noise control button on the headphones, rather than the pairing button on the other AirPods charging cases. This button can be found on the top of the right earcup, on the opposite side of the headband to the Digital Crown. The status light at the bottom of the earcup should flash white, and once the AirPods Max appear in the Bluetooth devices list on your Android device, press ‘Pair’ The Apple AirPods line boasts excellent connectivity, great integration with the Apple ecosystem, and a simple user experience, making them a popular choice for anyone who wants to listen to music on the go. And, while the AirPods (2019) aren’t the best-sounding earbuds on the planet, Apple has taken great strides in terms of audio performance with the AirPods Pro, AirPods 3 and AirPods Max. Unfortunately, some of the most positive AirPods features aren’t supported natively on Android devices, which puts non-iPhone users in a tricky position when it comes to choosing their next wireless headphones or earbuds. Simple setup Pairing AirPods with an iOS device is as easy as opening the case near your device – or, for the AirPods Max, taking them out of their Smart Case and holding them close to the iOS device. A setup animation will then appear on your screen, with the AirPods automatically connecting. Pairing AirPods with a Mac requires you to head into your System Settings and select the AirPods manually. There’s no workaround to make pairing any faster on Android devices – but, luckily, the process is very quick anyway. Siri Android devices don’t come with Apple’s voice assistant, so don’t expect to be able to summon Siri with your voice while wearing a pair of AirPods. However, there is an app called Assistant Trigger that you can download for free, which lets you squeeze the stem on your AirPods to summon Google Assistant. Checking the battery When you pair your AirPods with an iPhone, you’ll see an animation that displays the battery status of your earbuds or headphones. While this doesn’t happen on Android, the Assistant Trigger app mentioned earlier can also show you how much playback time is remaining.
