How to Connect Apple AirPods to iPhone and iPad

AirPods or AirPods 2 are simple to set up and use

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Updated on November 13, 2022

What to Know

  • On iOS device, open Control Center > tap Bluetooth icon.
  • With AirPods in the charging case, hold the case close to the iPhone or iPad, then open the case.
  • Tap Connect and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.

This article explains how to connect original AirPods and AirPods 2 to iPhone or iPad devices with iOS 10 or higher. There are separate instructions to set up AirPods Pro.

How to Set up Apple AirPods With iPhone and iPad

Before you begin, ensure your iOS device is updated to the latest operating system and your iPhone is unlocked and on the Home screen. Then, follow these steps to set up your AirPods on your iPhone or iPad.

You can connect two AirPods to one phone with a slightly different process.

  1. Open Control Center, then tap the Bluetooth icon.

    (To open Control Center on iPhone X and later, swipe down from the upper-right corner. On iPhone 8 and earlier, swipe up from the bottom.)

  2. With your AirPods in the charging case, hold the case close to the iPhone or iPad, then open the case.

  3. You'll see a setup screen on your iOS device. Tap Connect.

    Connect highlighted on iPhone with AirPods nearby

  4. If you haven't set up Hey Siri yet on your iOS device, the setup wizard will guide you through this process. Tap Done when finished.

  5. Your AirPods are ready to go. When signed into your iCloud account, your AirPods are automatically configured to work with your other devices.

    AirPods setup on an iPhone

Are your AirPods not connecting properly? Learn how to fix the problem of AirPods not connecting.

Why Do AirPods Have Such Great Sound?

The Apple AirPods earbuds deliver amazing sound, true wirelessness, feel great in your ears, and support advanced features like Siri and automatic audio balancing when you take one out but leave the other in.

One thing that makes the Apple AirPods powerful and useful is their custom-made W1 chip. The W1 supports many AirPods features, but one of the most convenient is their setup. Apple designed the AirPods to connect quickly and more easily than other Bluetooth devices.

Requirements for Using AirPods

You can use AirPods with devices other than the iPhone and iPad. AirPods work with Android, and you can connect AirPods to a Mac. You can also connect AirPods to an Apple Watch and pair AirPods to an Apple TV.

To use Apple AirPods with these devices, you'll need:

  • An Apple Watch running watchOS 3 or higher.
  • A Mac running macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or higher.
  • An Apple TV running tvOS 10.2 or higher.
  • A device from another manufacturer that supports Bluetooth audio.
FAQ
  • How do I connect AirPods to an Apple Watch?

    To connect AirPods to an Apple Watch, ensure you've already paired the AirPods to your iPhone or iPad. Open Control Center on your Watch, tap the Audio Output icon, and select Apple Watch.

  • How do I connect AirPods to a Mac?

    On your Mac, open System Preferences, select Bluetooth > Turn Bluetooth On. With your AirPods in the case, open the lid and push the button on the AirPods case until the status light starts to blink. Click Connect.

  • How do I connect AirPods to a Peloton?

    To connect your AirPods to a Peloton, tap Settings > Bluetooth Audio. With the AirPods in the case, push the button on the AirPods case until the status light blinks. On the Peloton display, find your AirPods and tap Connect.

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