How to Pair AirPods to an iPhone

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Ready to start using your new AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max with your iPhone? Connecting your AirPods to your iPhone is easy, and once you do so, they'll automatically pair each time you bring them near your iPhone or other Apple devices. We'll show you how to pair your AirPods to your iPhone, and what steps to take if you can't connect.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Connecting AirPods to iPhone

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the gray gear icon on your Home screen or in your App Library.
    • You can pair all AirPods to any iPhone model beginning with iPhone 6s. [1]
    • If you haven't charged your AirPods, you'll want to charge them for at least 15 minutes before trying to connect them to your iPhone.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the second group of settings.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the switch is gray, tap it to enable Bluetooth now.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can do this by swiping up from the bottom of the screen or by pressing the Home button (if you have one).
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When the AirPods are in the case with the lid open, they'll be ready to pair to your iPhone.
    • If you're using AirPods Max, just remove them from the Smart Case and press the noise control button on the top of the right headphone. [2]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After a few seconds, you'll see a setup animation on your iPhone's screen. [3]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will take you through the process of pairing your AirPods to your iPhone. [4]
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your AirPods to work with Siri if prompted.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your AirPods are now paired to your iPhone and ready to use. [5]
    • After pairing your AirPods to your iPhone, your AirPods will automatically pair to any other Apple device you log into with the same Apple ID.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

If Your AirPods Won't Connect

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you don't see the option to connect your AirPods, keep the case open, but press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 5 seconds or until you see the option to connect.
    • If you're using AirPods Max, press and hold the noise control button on the top of the right headphone until you're prompted to connect. [6]
    • If your iPhone's screen is locked, be sure to unlock it and make sure you're looking at the Home screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you still don't see the option to pair your AirPods: [7]
    • Open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth .
    • Turn Bluetooth off and then back on.
    • Tap your AirPods in the list of available devices. [8]
    • Tap Connect and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you still can't connect, try these steps:
    • AirPods Max: Press and hold the digital crown and noise control buttons at the same time, and immediately release when the light flashes amber . [9]
    • AirPods and AirPods Pro: Close the lid of the charging case, wait 15 seconds, and then open the lid. Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds or until the status light flashes white. [10]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your AirPods aren't charged, you'll have trouble pairing. Allow your AirPods to charge for several minutes (at least) before attempting to pair again. [11]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're using an older version of Apple's operating system, you may have trouble connecting your AirPods. To check for an update: [12]
    • Open your iPhone's Settings app.
    • Tap General near the top.
    • Tap Software Update .
    • If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-14.jpg\/aid8690634-v4-728px-Pair-AirPods-to-an-iPhone-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you still can't connect, resetting your AirPods to their original factory settings will usually resolve the issue: [13]
    • AirPods Max: Press and hold the digital crown and noise control buttons at the same time, and continue holding until the light flashes white .
    • AirPods and AirPods Pro: Close the lid of the charging case for 30 seconds. Open the lid.
    • Open the Settings app and go to Bluetooth . [14]
    • Tap the small "i" in a circle next to your AirPods in the Bluetooth device list.
    • Tap Forget This Device and then tap again to confirm.
    • Press and hold the button on your AirPods case or the noise control button on AirPods Max until the light flashes white .
    • Return to the Home screen and pair your AirPods.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I disconnect AirPods?
    Community Answer
    You have to turn off Bluetooth on your phone, turn off your AirPods, or you can have your iPhone "forget" them. To do this go to Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, tap the circular i icon, tap for get device, and tap forget in the popup.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 7
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What to Do if You've Washed Your AirPods: Safe Drying Tips
      How to
      Connect Airpods to Dell Laptop
      How to Use AirPods with a Peloton Exercise Bike
      10 Easy Ways to Fix the Low Volume on Your AirPods
      5 Ways to Fix AirPods When One is Louder Than the Other
      4 Simple Ways to Turn the Volume Up or Down on AirPods
      3 Simple Tips to Keep AirPods From Falling Out of Your Ear
      Can You Charge AirPods Without a Case? Tricks & Workarounds
      How to Connect AirPods to a PS5
      How to
      Connect a New Airpod to a Case
      How to Charge an AirPod Case Wirelessly or with a Cable
      How to Fix AirPods that Die Quickly: 14 Easy Step-by-Step Methods
      How to Turn Off AirPods Max: Using Low Power Mode to Conserve Your Battery
      How to Pair, Use, and Charge Your AirPods: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/specs/
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211883
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/104989
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/104989
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/104989
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-max-dev9ee06cead/web
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208718
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-max-dev9ee06cead/web
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211904
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211883
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207012
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204204
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209463

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Unlock your iPhone.
      2. Press the Home button.
      3. Hold the AirPods case next to the iPhone.
      4. Open the lid on the AirPods case.
      5. Tap Connect on your iPhone.
      6. Tap Done .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 105,692 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement