How to Pair, Use, and Charge Your AirPods: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

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Learn how to use your AirPods with almost any device
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This wikiHow teaches you how to use Apple's latest wireless headphones.

Pairing, Using, and Charging AirPods

AirPods can be paired via Bluetooth with a variety of devices, including phones, tablets, and computers. Once your AirPods are paired, you can tap on the stem to play or pause your music, answer calls, activate Siri, and more. AirPods charge when they're in their case, and the case can be charged by plugging it in.

Section 1 of 7:

Pairing with an iPhone on iOS 10.2 or Later

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    The AirPods must be in the case and the lid closed. Make sure that your iPhone is unlocked and on the Home Screen before starting the pairing process.
    • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone before you begin. Go to your Settings app and tap Bluetooth , then tap the toggle at the top of the screen to enable Bluetooth if it's turned off.
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    A dialogue box will launch on your iPhone prompting you to connect the AirPods. [1]
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    The pairing process will begin. [2]
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    Your iPhone is now paired with your AirPods.
    • If you're signed into iCloud, your AirPods will automatically be paired with any other devices that are running iOS 10.2 or higher or macOS Sierra or higher (depending on AirPods model), and signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID.
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Section 2 of 7:

Pairing with Other iPhones

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    The AirPods must be in the case and the lid closed. Make sure that your iPhone is unlocked and on the Bluetooth menu before starting the pairing process.
    • To get to the Bluetooth menu, open the Settings app and tap on Bluetooth near the top of the screen.
    • If your Bluetooth is disabled, enable it by tapping the toggle at the top of the screen.
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    The small round button on the back of the AirPods case is known as the "setup" button.
    • When you press and hold the setup button, the indicator light on your AirPods case will start flashing white.
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    It will appear in the "Other Devices" section.
    • Once the AirPods are paired, they will appear in the "My Devices" section of the menu.
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Section 3 of 7:

Pairing with Mac

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    If your AirPods are already paired to your iPhone and you're signed into your Apple ID on both that iPhone and your Mac, your AirPods may be ready to use in your Mac's Control Center. If your AirPods don't connect, you have separate Apple IDs on your Mac and iPhone, or you don't have an iPhone, continue with the steps in this method. [3]
    • Place your AirPods in your ears and click the Control Center button at the top of the screen next to the date and time.
    • Enable Bluetooth (if it's not enabled already) and choose your AirPods from the "Devices" list.
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    Make sure that the AirPods are in their case and the lid closed, and open the Bluetooth menu on your Mac.
    • Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Mac before you begin. Click on the Apple menu then navigate to System Settings/Preferences… > Bluetooth and toggle on Bluetooth.
    • Depending on the model of AirPods you have, you must be updated to the following macOS:
      • AirPods 2nd Generation: macOS Mojave 10.14.4 or later
      • AirPods Pro 1st Generation: macOS Catalina 10.15.1 or later
      • AirPods 3rd Generation: macOS Monterrey or later
      • AirPods Pro 2nd Generation: Latest macOS version
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    The small round button on the back of the AirPods case is known as the "setup" button.
    • When you press and hold the setup button, the indicator light on your AirPods case will start flashing white.
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    It will appear in the "Nearby Devices" section on the right side of your Mac's Bluetooth dialog box.
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    Your AirPods will now pair with your Mac.
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Section 4 of 7:

Pairing with Windows 10 or 11 PC

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    Make sure that the AirPods are in their case and the lid closed, and open the Bluetooth menu on your computer.
    • To get to the Bluetooth menu, right-click the Windows icon in your taskbar and click Settings . On Windows 10 click Devices > Bluetooth & other devices , and on Windows 11 click Bluetooth & devices .
    • Make sure Bluetooth is enabled via the Bluetooth menu before beginning the pairing process.
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    The small round button on the back of the AirPods case is known as the "setup" button.
    • When you press and hold the setup button, the indicator light on your AirPods case will start flashing white.
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    On Windows 10 the option may say Add bluetooth or other device .
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    Once the AirPods are paired, they will appear in your Bluetooth menu.
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Section 5 of 7:

Pairing with Android

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    The AirPods must be in the case and the lid closed. Make sure that your Android is unlocked and on the Bluetooth menu before starting the pairing process.
    • To get to the Bluetooth menu, swipe down from the top of the screen, then press and hold the Bluetooth icon. [4]
    • If your Bluetooth is disabled, enable it by tapping the toggle at the top of the screen.
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    The small round button on the back of the AirPods case is known as the "setup" button.
    • When you press and hold the setup button, the indicator light on your AirPods case will start flashing white.
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    It will appear in the "Available Devices" section. If you don't see the AirPods in the devices list, tap the three-dot menu icon and select Refresh .
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Section 6 of 7:

Using Your AirPods

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    Your AirPods will turn on automatically when you take them out of the case. They will also connect to the device they're paired to once you remove them from the case and place them in your ears.
    • AirPods connect to iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously. This means that you will hear audio from both your iPhone and Apple Watch on your AirPods without having to switch or pair them again.
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    All versions of the AirPods have some sort of touch controls. [5] To change these touch controls, go to Settings and tap on your AirPods' name at the top of the menu. Touch controls vary based on model and generation, and the controls are listed below:
    • AirPods 1st and 2nd Generation. The 1st and 2nd Generation of AirPods can be controlled by tapping the top of the stem.
      • Double-tap your AirPods to pick up an incoming call.
      • The double-tap control can be changed to playing and pausing audio, playing the next track, going back to the previous track, or activating Siri.
    • AirPods 3rd Generation. The 3rd Generation of AirPods can be controlled by tapping on the part of the stem that extends past your ear.
      • Tap the stem once to play and pause audio, or to pick up an incoming call.
      • Double-tap the stem to play the next track.
      • Triple-tap the stem to go back to the previous track.
      • Press and hold the stem to activate Siri.
    • AirPods Pro 1st Generation. The 1st Generation of AirPods Pro can be controlled by tapping on the part of the stem that extends past your ear.
      • Tap the stem once to play and pause audio, or to pick up an incoming call.
      • Double-tap the stem to play the next track.
      • Triple-tap the stem to go back to the previous track.
      • Press and hold the stem to activate Siri or switch between Noise Canceling and Transparency Mode. This option can be set in the Settings menu.
    • AirPods Pro 2nd Generation. The 2nd Generation of AirPods Pro can be controlled by tapping on the part of the stem that extends past your ear.
      • Tap the stem once to play and pause audio, or to pick up an incoming call.
      • Double-tap the stem to play the next track.
      • Triple-tap the stem to go back to the previous track.
      • Lightly swipe up or down on the stem to adjust the volume.
      • Press and hold the stem to activate Siri or switch between Noise Canceling, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency Mode. This option can be set in the Settings menu.
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Section 7 of 7:

Charging Your AirPods

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    AirPods shut down when in the case. The case is also a charger and will charge your AirPods when the lid is closed.
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    Use the USB/Lightning cable that came with your AirPods to charge the case and AirPods at the same time.
    • The USB end can be connected to an AC adapter or desktop computer to charge.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you set up AirPods?
    Josef Storzi
    Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist
    Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates.
    Josef Storzi
    Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    In order to set up AirPods, simply open the AirPods case next to your phone. A dialogue box will appear on your iPhone prompting you to connect them. Click "Connect" and that's it; enjoy your AirPods!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How do I charge AirPods without the charger case?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    Unfortunately, if you lose the charging case, you cannot charge your AirPods. Take them to Apple for a replacement.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 24
  • Question
    How do I end a call when using my AirPods?
    Community Answer
    You very lightly double tap on the side of one of the AirPods.
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      Tips

      • If you continue to run into issues, don't be afraid to contact Apple directly for assistance. They are usually very responsive.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • I wear my AirPods basically 24/7 because they have a "transparency" feature that makes it feel as if you're not wearing AirPods at all. It's not like with other earbuds, where you can't hear what's happening around you: you can still hear people talking to you, the environment, etc. Super nifty.
      • To check the battery of your AirPods on your Apple Watch, open your AirPods case, go to the control center, click on the battery, scroll down, and you will be able to see the battery of your case and AirPods.
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      References

      1. ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
      2. ↑ Josef Storzi. Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108786
      4. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/13810309
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/airpods/airpods-controls-devb2c431317/web

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      iPhone:
      1. Unlock the iPhone's screen.
      2. Hold AirPods close to the iPhone.
      3. Open the AirPods lid.
      4. Tap Connect .
      5. Tap Done .

      Mac:
      1. Enable Bluetooth on the Mac.
      2. Hold the AirPods close to the Mac.
      3. Open the AirPods lid.
      4. Press and hold the button on the AirPods.
      5. Click AirPods .
      6. Click Pair .

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