While Apple AirPods are among the best iPhone accessories, the popular wireless earbuds work with Android devices too. To pair your AirPods with an Android smartphone, all you have to do is enable Bluetooth and add the AirPods as a Bluetooth device.
Although using AirPods on Android means you'll miss out on Siri support, AirPods still offer excellent sound quality in a sleek package. Learn how to connect AirPods to an Android phone.
How to connect AirPods to an Android phone
Despite being made by Apple, AirPods work well with Android mobile devices as a standard set of Bluetooth headphones. Unfortunately, Siri—Apple’s equivalent of Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa—won't work when paired with a non-Apple device. Nevertheless, you can easily set up AirPods with Android for calling and listening to music or podcasts.
Here's how to hook up AirPods to Android:
- Enable Bluetooth on your Android phone under Settings > Connections > Bluetooth or Settings > Bluetooth.
- Open the lid of your AirPods Pro or AirPods case, then long-press (press and hold) the setup button for five seconds.
- Pick your AirPods from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
Now, you can enjoy audio from your Android device streaming wirelessly to your Apple AirPods. Notably, AirPods also work as Bluetooth earbuds for other non-Apple devices like Windows PCs or game consoles like the Nintendo Switch. After pairing your AirPods with a non-iOS device, learn how to use iMessage on Android.
Best AirPods alternatives
If you've just switched from Apple to Android, you might have a pair of AirPods lying around. But if you're an Android devotee in the market for a pair of earbuds, Apple AirPods aren't necessarily the best option. Our favorite AirPods alternatives include the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, Google Pixel Buds A-Series, and OnePlus Buds Prro 2.
The Galaxy Buds Pro are among the best Samsung accessories on the market. In our review, we liked the Google Pixel Buds A-Series' audio quality, Android integration, and IPX4 water resistance. The Pixel Buds were my daily driver earbuds until my dog snacked on them. And the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 feature outstanding spatial audio.
AirPods troubleshooting tips
Are your AirPods on the fritz? We've got a complete guide on what to do if your AirPods are not working; here are a few high-level AirPods troubleshooting tips:
- Fully charge your AirPods
- Toggle Bluetooth on and off
- Reboot your mobile device
- Reset your AirPods
For additional assistance solving your AirPods wireless woes, pop into an Apple Store or visit the closest authorized Apple retailer.
How to link AirPods with non-Apple devices: FAQs
Do AirPods work with Android?
Yes, AirPods work with Android mobile devices, including Google, Motorola, OnePlus, and Samsung phones. However, Apple's Siri smart assistant doesn't work with non-Apple devices.
Can I connect my AirPods to my PC laptop?
Yes, you can sync AirPods to a Windows PC as a standard set of Bluetooth earbuds. Siri won't work, but you can still listen to music and make Zoom calls.
How do I put my AirPods in pairing mode?
To put your AirPods into pairing mode, flip open the lid on the charging case, press and hold the setup button for roughly five seconds, then pick your AirPods from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
Why are my AirPods not showing up on Bluetooth in Android?
If your AirPods are not appearing in the Bluetooth settings menu, it might be because of low AirPods batteries. Alternatively, enable Bluetooth on your Android device and put your AirPods in pairing mode.
Are AirPods better than Pixel Buds or Galaxy Buds?
AirPods are better than Pixel Buds for iPhone, iPad, and macOS users. However, because Siri doesn't work with non-iOS devices, Pixel Buds or Galaxy Buds work better for Android users.
Moe Long
Senior Writer
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