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How to pair AirPods with an Apple device

by Kevin Hollington

Pair AirPods with your Apple devices to listen to music, movies, messages, and more. You can also use your AirPods to make and answer phone calls and FaceTime calls with compatible devices.

When pairing with an iPhone or iPad, your device needs a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, or you may not have access to Find My features. After you set up your AirPods with one Apple device (like your iPhone), they connect automatically to your other Apple devices where you’re signed in to the same Apple Account. You can pair them with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.

If you aren’t sure which AirPods you have, see Which AirPods do I have?

Pair AirPods with iPhone or iPad

Your device should have the latest version of iOS or iPadOS installed before you begin. It’ll also need a Wi-Fi or cellular connection while pairing. Without that connection, you may not have access to Find My features.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Do one of the following:

    • AirPods or AirPods Pro: Open the case with your AirPods inside and then hold it next to the device that you want to pair until the setup animation appears.
    • AirPods Max: Take your AirPods Max out of the Smart Case, and within 60 seconds, hold them next to the device that you want to pair until the setup animation appears.

      You can also connect AirPods Max to your device using an audio cable.

  3. Follow the onscreen instructions, then tap Done.

If the setup animation doesn’t appear, you can pair AirPods with your device manually.

Pair AirPods with Mac

Your Mac needs the latest version of macOS installed first.

  1. Open the System Settings app on your Mac.
  2. Click Bluetooth in the sidebar.
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is on and then do one of the following:

    • AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro 1 or 2: Open the case with your AirPods inside and hold it next to your Mac. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
    • AirPods 4 or 5, or AirPods Pro 3: Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your Mac and then double-tap the front of the AirPods case so the status light flashes white.
    • AirPods Max: Press and hold the listening mode button for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.

      You can also connect AirPods Max to your device using an audio cable.

  4. In the list of devices, select your AirPods and click Connect.

Quick tip: It’s easier to pair your AirPods if you show Bluetooth settings in the menu bar.

Pair AirPods with Apple Watch

Your Apple Watch should have the latest version of watchOS installed before you start.

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap Bluetooth, then tap your AirPods on the Bluetooth screen to connect.

No setup animation? You can still pair AirPods with your device manually.

Pair AirPods with an Apple TV device

Your Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD should be running the latest version of tvOS before you begin.

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple TV device.
  2. Scroll down, select Remotes and Devices, and select Bluetooth.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro 1 or 2: Open your AirPods case and press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
    • AirPods 4 or 5, or AirPods Pro 3: Open the case with your AirPods inside and hold it next to your device. Then double-tap the front of the AirPods case so the status light flashes white.
    • AirPods Max: Press and hold the listening mode button for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
  4. Below Headphones, select your AirPods.

Pair AirPods with Apple Vision Pro

Check that your Apple Vision Pro has the latest version of visionOS installed before you begin.

You can pair AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), AirPods 4, or AirPods 5 for the most immersive experience with Apple Vision Pro. Once they’re paired, they provide Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency, using a proprietary wireless audio protocol.

To deliver excellent audio quality, AirPods Max, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 1, and AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning) wireless headphones use Apple AAC Bluetooth® Codec. Bluetooth connections aren’t lossless, though.

  1. Go to the Settings app on Apple Vision Pro.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro 1 or 2: With your AirPods in the charging case, open the lid and then press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
    • AirPods 4 or 5, or AirPods Pro 3: Open the case with your AirPods inside and hold it next to your device. Then double-tap the front of the AirPods case so the status light flashes white.
    • AirPods Max: Take your AirPods Max out of the Smart Case. Press and hold the listening mode button on AirPods Max for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
  4. Below Other Devices, tap your AirPods.

Note: Lossless Audio only works when connected to Apple Vision Pro. Availability varies by region.

Connect AirPods Max with an audio cable

Using a supported audio cable, you can connect AirPods Max to your device.

  • AirPods Max 1: Connect an Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable to the charging port on your AirPods Max and to the headphone jack on your device.
  • AirPods Max 1 (USB-C) or AirPods Max 2: Connect an Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable to the charging port on your AirPods Max and to the headphone jack on your device.

    You can also connect a USB-C to USB-C cable from your AirPods Max 1 (USB-C) or AirPods Max 2 to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with a USB-C port. For full functionality, turn on Bluetooth on the connected device. (Requires iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, or later.)

Pair AirPods with a device manually

When you try to connect your AirPods to your device but the setup animation doesn’t appear, you can still pair AirPods with your device manually.

  1. Do one of the following:

    • AirPods 4 or 5, or AirPods Pro 3: Open the charging case with your AirPods inside and hold it next to your device. Then double-tap the front of the case so the status light flashes white.
    • AirPods Max: Press and hold the listening mode button on AirPods Max for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.

      If you have AirPods Max 1 (USB-C) or AirPods Max 2, you can also pair your AirPods with your device by connecting them using a USB-C to USB-C cable.

    • Other AirPods models: Open the case with your AirPods inside and hold it next to your device. Then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.
  2. Go to the Settings app on your device (on Mac, open the System Settings app).
  3. Tap or click Bluetooth and select your AirPods when they appear in the list.

This guide is for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, tvOS 27, watchOS 27, or later.

See also

Tags: Bluetooth, Pairing
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How to pair AirPods with a non-Apple device

by Kevin Hollington

You can use AirPods as a Bluetooth headset with a non-Apple device, like an Android phone. You can’t use Siri, but you can listen and talk.

How you pair depends on your AirPods. Older models use the setup button on the back of the AirPods case, AirPods 4 or 5 and AirPods Pro 3 use the front of the case, and AirPods Max use the listening mode button. When the status light flashes white, your AirPods appear in the list of Bluetooth devices.

To set up your AirPods with an Android phone or other non-Apple device, follow these steps:

  1. On your non-Apple device, make sure that Bluetooth is on (on an Android device, go to Settings, tap Connections, then tap Bluetooth).
  2. Do one of the following:
    • AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro 1 or 2: With your AirPods in the charging case, open the lid and then press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
    • AirPods 4 or 5, or AirPods Pro 3: Open the case with your AirPods inside and hold it next to your device. Then double-tap the front of the AirPods case so the status light flashes white.
    • AirPods Max: Press and hold the listening mode button for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
  3. When your AirPods appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, select them.

This guide is for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, tvOS 27, watchOS 27, or later.

See also

Tags: Bluetooth, Pairing
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How to play audio from your iPad on a Bluetooth accessory from your iPad

by Emily Long

After you connect your iPad to a Bluetooth accessory, you can play and control the audio from your iPad on the accessory. The playback destination returns to your iPad when you move the accessory out of range, and you can improve the sound of third-party accessories by specifying the device type.

Play audio from your iPad on a Bluetooth audio accessory

  1. Open an audio app such as Music or Podcasts on your iPad and play an item.
  2. Tap the Playback Destination button. Then tap your Bluetooth accessory.

    While audio is playing, you can change the playback destination on the Lock Screen or in Control Center.

When the Bluetooth accessory moves out of range, the playback destination returns to your iPad.

Note: For information about protecting your hearing from loud volume while listening to headphones with iPad, see Use headphone audio-level features on iPad.

Improve the audio accuracy of third-party Bluetooth accessories and devices

To improve the sound of third-party Bluetooth accessories and devices, specify the device type on your iPad, such as headphone, speaker, or hearing aid.

  1. Open Settings and tap Bluetooth. Then tap the Actions Available button next to the name of the accessory or device.
  2. Tap Device Type and choose the type of device.

See also

Tag: Bluetooth
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How to connect a game controller to iPad

by Stacey Butler

You can connect a compatible game controller to your iPad through Bluetooth® or a wired connection. You can customize the buttons, add a second controller to get help from a friend, and use your controller to navigate the Apple Games app on iPad.

With Buddy Controller, two controllers work together to control the same player character. A wired controller may need an adapter, depending on your iPad model. You can also customize controls for a specific game in the Apple Games app.

Pair a Bluetooth game controller

  1. Follow the instructions that came with the controller to put it in discovery mode.
  2. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  3. Tap Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Tap the name of the device.

Connect a wired game controller

You can connect a compatible wired game controller to your iPad. Depending on your iPad model and controller, you may need an adapter (sold separately). Follow the instructions that came with your controller.

Customize the game controller buttons

After you pair or connect a compatible game controller, the Apple Games app is where you can customize the buttons for supported games.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap General and then tap Game Controller.
  3. Select the controller you want to customize and then do any of the following:
    • Customize default controls: Tap Default.
    • Customize controls for a specific game: Tap Add Game and select the game. Tap Default for the selected game.
  4. Select the actions and gestures you want to use with your controller.

Add a second game controller and get help from a friend

Buddy Controller lets two controllers on iPad team up to control the same player character, which means a friend can help you get through challenging parts of a game. It works with any game that supports game controllers.

  1. Connect two compatible game controllers to iPad through Bluetooth or a wired connection.
  2. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  3. Tap General and then tap Game Controller.
  4. Tap Buddy Controller.
  5. Choose the primary controller and choose the secondary controller.

See also

Tags: Apple Games, Bluetooth
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How to connect iPad to Bluetooth accessories

by Moses Johnson

Connect your iPad to Bluetooth® accessories to stream music and videos, play games, connect to keyboards, and more.

iPad must be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the accessory to pair, and you might need to enter its PIN or passcode, which you’ll find in the instructions that came with it. After you connect, you can rename the accessory, unpair it, or disconnect it.

Here’s how to connect iPad to Bluetooth accessories.

Pair your iPad with a Bluetooth accessory

  1. Put your Bluetooth accessory in discovery mode. If you aren’t sure how to make it discoverable, check the instructions that came with your accessory.
  2. On your iPad, open Settings and then tap Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
  3. Tap the name of the accessory when it appears onscreen, below the devices list.

    You might need to enter the accessory PIN or passcode. Check the instructions that came with your accessory.

Note: To pair, iPad needs to be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the Bluetooth accessory.

Rename a Bluetooth accessory

After you connect to a Bluetooth device, you can rename it.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Bluetooth, then tap the info button next to the accessory you want to rename.
  3. Tap Name, enter a name for the accessory, and tap the Done button.

Note: Not all Bluetooth accessories support renaming.

Unpair a Bluetooth accessory

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Bluetooth, tap the Actions Available button next to the accessory you want to unpair, and then tap Forget This Device.
  3. Tap Forget Device to confirm.

If you don’t see the devices list, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

Note: Unpairing AirPods also unpairs them automatically from other devices where you’re signed in to your Apple Account.

Disconnect from all Bluetooth accessories

If you need to quickly disconnect from all Bluetooth accessories and devices without turning Bluetooth off, open Control Center, then tap the Bluetooth button. Your Bluetooth accessories and devices disconnect from your iPad until the next day.

Note: The use of certain accessories with iPad may affect wireless performance. Not all iOS or iPadOS accessories are fully compatible with iPad. Turning on Airplane Mode may eliminate audio interference between iPad and an accessory. Reorienting or relocating iPad and the connected accessory may improve wireless performance.

See also

Tag: Bluetooth
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How to go cycling with Apple Watch

by Stacey Butler

You can automatically connect to Bluetooth-enabled accessories to add cadence and power metrics to your cycling workout view. It’s automatic. You can also view estimates of your functional threshold power—the highest level of intensity you can maintain for an hour.

When you start a cycling workout, it automatically shows up as a Live Activity on your iPhone. On your iPhone, it can take over the entire display, making it easier to see your metrics while on a ride. You can also set up Power Zones, based on an estimate of your functional threshold power.

Start a cycling workout

A cycling workout in progress shows the workout’s elapsed time, heart rate, average speed, elevation gained, and total distance.

  1. Go to the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Turn the Digital Crown to Outdoor Cycle or Indoor Cycle and tap the Start button.
  3. On your iPhone, tap the workout timer on the Lock Screen to see all of your metrics.

To stop viewing your metrics on your iPhone, swipe right on your Apple Watch, then tap Stop.

Connect to compatible Bluetooth accessories for cycling workouts

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Tap Bluetooth and then below Health Devices, tap the sensor you want to connect.
  3. Below Set Up Device, tap the Info button next to an option to change the wheel size or crank length.

When you begin a cycling workout, an accessory you’ve set up connects to your Apple Watch automatically.

Note: In Apple Fitness+ cycling workouts, compatible Bluetooth accessories connected to your Apple Watch track metrics like cadence or power automatically.

About Power Zones

To learn about the power of your cycling workouts, check the Power Zone information on your Apple Watch. Power Zones come from an estimate of your functional threshold power, or FTP, which you’ll have after you connect your Apple Watch to Bluetooth-enabled cycling accessories like power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors.

Apple Watch shows Power Zones in five to eight segments, which are estimated effort levels that range from easier to harder. Keeping an eye on your Power Zone can make your cycling workouts more efficient and challenge you to improve your fitness.

Note: Power Zones are calculated only if you’ve entered your date of birth, height, and weight in the Fitness app on your iPhone.

Set up Power Zones

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Go to Workout and tap Cycling Power.
  3. Tap Custom and enter an FTP.

    When you enter an FTP, your power zones will be automatically recalculated using the same percentages.

  4. Tap 6 Zones below Power Zones. Choose the total number of Power Zones.
  5. Tap a zone to enter lower and upper limits.

You can also open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, go to Workout > Cycling Power, tap Custom, enter an FTP, change the total number of Power Zones, then tap a zone to enter lower and upper limits.

See also

Tags: Bluetooth, Fitness
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How to choose an audio destination on Apple Watch

by Emily Long

When playing music, podcasts, or other media on Apple Watch, you can hear the audio output on your paired iPhone, paired Bluetooth headphones or speakers, or the Apple Watch speaker.

The AirPlay setting is in Control Center, and it’s also on the play screens in Audiobooks, Music, Now Playing, and Podcasts.

Note: 10 minutes of media playback through the Apple Watch speaker may reduce battery life by 1 hour. Media playback through the Apple Watch speaker isn’t supported when Apple Watch is charging or on Apple Watch Series 9.

Choose an audio output

  1. Press the side button to open Control Center.
  2. Tap the AirPlay button. Then choose one of the following destinations:

You can also tap the More Actions button on the play screens of the Audiobooks, Music, Now Playing, and Podcasts apps to open the AirPlay setting.

For important information about avoiding hearing loss, see Important safety information.

See also

Tags: Bluetooth, Music
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How to connect Apple Watch to Bluetooth headphones or speakers

by Moses Johnson

You can play audio from Apple Watch on Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

Bluetooth headphones and speakers pair with your watch once they’re in discovery mode, as the instructions that came with them describe. You can also monitor and adjust your headphone volume, reduce loud sounds, and view loud headphone audio notifications, and Apple Watch can even cap your headphone audio at a specific decibel level.

Here’s how to connect Apple Watch to Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

Quick tip: AirPods you set up with your iPhone are ready to use with your Apple Watch, too, so press play and listen.

Pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers

Follow the instructions that came with the headphones or speakers to put them in discovery mode. When the Bluetooth device is ready, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Settings app on Apple Watch. Tap Bluetooth.
  2. Tap the device when it appears.

You can also tap the More Actions button on the play screens of the Audiobooks, Music, Now Playing, and Podcasts apps to open the AirPlay setting.

Monitor and adjust your headphone volume

  1. Press the side button to open Control Center.
  2. While listening to your headphones, tap the Hearing Devices Switch button.

    A meter shows the current headphone volume.

  3. Tap the volume controls below Headphone Volume or tap the slider. Then turn the Digital Crown to adjust.

Reduce loud sounds

Your Apple Watch can cap the volume of your headphone audio at a specific decibel level.

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Go to Sounds & Haptics, tap Headphone Safety, and tap Reduce Loud Sounds.
  3. Turn on Reduce Loud Sounds and then set a level.

View loud headphone audio notifications

If loud audio in your headphones goes on long enough that it could affect your hearing, you get a headphone notification, and Apple Watch automatically turns the volume down to a more moderate level to protect your hearing.

To view details about headphone notifications, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
  2. Go to Sounds & Haptics and tap Headphone Safety. Tap Last 6 Months below Headphone Notifications.

You can also open the Health app on your iPhone, tap the Search button, tap Hearing, tap Headphone Notifications, then tap a notification.

See also

Tags: AirPods, Bluetooth
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How to play audio from your iPhone on a Bluetooth accessory

by Tyler Stephen

After you connect your iPhone to a Bluetooth accessory, you can play and control the audio from your iPhone on the accessory. You can switch the playback destination from the Lock Screen or Control Center, and for third-party Bluetooth accessories and devices, you can improve the audio accuracy.

Play audio from your iPhone on a Bluetooth audio accessory

  1. Open an audio app such as Music or Podcasts on your iPhone and play an item.
  2. Tap the Playback Destination button. Then tap your Bluetooth accessory.

    While audio is playing, you can change the playback destination on the Lock Screen or in Control Center.

  3. Use the controls on your iPhone to pause or play the audio, adjust volume, skip tracks, and more.

If you move the Bluetooth accessory out of range, the playback destination returns to your iPhone.

Improve the audio accuracy of third-party Bluetooth accessories and devices

Specifying the Bluetooth device type on your iPhone, such as headphone, speaker, or car stereo, can improve the sound of third-party Bluetooth devices.

  1. Open Settings and tap Bluetooth. Then tap the Actions Available button next to the name of the accessory or device.
  2. Tap Device Type and choose the type of device.
Tag: Bluetooth
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How to connect a game controller to iPhone

by Moses Johnson

You can connect a compatible game controller to your iPhone through Bluetooth® or a wired connection. You can customize the buttons, add a second controller to get help from a friend, and use your controller to navigate the Apple Games app on iPhone.

With Buddy Controller, two controllers work together to control the same player character. A wired controller may need an adapter, depending on your iPhone model. You can also customize controls for a specific game in the Apple Games app.

Pair a Bluetooth game controller

  1. Follow the instructions that came with the controller to put it in discovery mode.
  2. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  3. Tap Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Tap the name of the device.

Connect a wired game controller

Along with wireless ones, you can also connect a compatible wired game controller to your iPhone. Depending on the controller and your iPhone model, you might need an adapter, sold separately, so follow the instructions that came with your controller.

Customize the game controller buttons

Once a compatible game controller is paired or connected, you can customize the buttons for supported games in the Apple Games app.

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General and then tap Game Controller.
  3. Select the controller you want to customize. Then do any of the following
    • Customize default controls: Tap Default.
    • Customize controls for a specific game: Tap Add Game and select the game. Tap Default for the selected game.
  4. Select the actions and gestures you want to use with your controller.

Add a second game controller and get help from a friend

Need a friend to help you navigate through a challenging part of a game? With Buddy Controller, iPhone lets you both control the same player character with two controllers. It’s compatible with any game that supports game controllers.

  1. Connect two compatible game controllers to iPhone through Bluetooth or a wired connection.
  2. Start the Settings app on your iPhone.
  3. Tap General and then tap Game Controller.
  4. Tap Buddy Controller.
  5. Choose the primary controller and choose the secondary controller.
Tag: Bluetooth
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