Guides & JournalHow to Connect AirPods to Android, Step by Step
To connect AirPods to Android, put the AirPods in their case, open the lid, put them in pairing mode (hold the setup button on the back, or double-tap the front of the case on newer models without a button), then choose them in your phone's Bluetooth settings. AirPods work with Android as normal Bluetooth earbuds, so music and calls work well — a few Apple-only extras don't. Here is every step, plus the fixes for when AirPods are not connecting to Android.
Before you start
Put both AirPods in the charging case and make sure the case has some charge. Turn on Bluetooth on your Android phone.
If the AirPods were used with an iPhone or iPad nearby, turn Bluetooth off on that Apple device for a moment — otherwise it can grab the AirPods before your Android phone does.
Step 1: Put your AirPods in pairing mode
How you do this depends on your model. Either way, you are waiting for the small status light to flash white — that means the AirPods are ready to pair.
| Your AirPods | What to do |
|---|---|
| AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st, 2nd generation) | Open the lid, then press and hold the round setup button on the back of the case for about 5 seconds, until the light flashes white |
| Newer models with no button, such as AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 | Open the lid, then double-tap the front of the case until the light flashes white |
💡 Worth knowing
Searching "how to connect AirPods to Android without pairing button"? If your case has no button on the back, you have one of the newer models — the double-tap on the front of the case is your pairing button.
Step 2: Choose them on your Android phone
Keep the case open near your phone, then:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections (Samsung) or Connected devices (most other phones), then Bluetooth.
- Tap Pair new device if you see it, and wait a few seconds.
- Tap your AirPods when their name appears in the list. Done — they are connected.
🔑 The key point
Menu names change a little between Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Infinix and other brands, but the path is always Settings → Bluetooth → pair a new device.
What works on Android — and what doesn't
On Android, AirPods behave like any good pair of Bluetooth earbuds. The extras that depend on an iPhone or other Apple device aren't available.
| Feature | On Android |
|---|---|
| Music, videos and calls | ✅ Work normally |
| Play, pause and skip from the AirPods | ✅ Work (the AirPods' own controls) |
| Switching noise control on AirPods Pro | ✅ Press and hold the stem to switch modes |
| Siri | ❌ Needs an Apple device |
| The iPhone pop-up setup and automatic switching between Apple devices | ❌ Apple devices only |
⚠️ Careful here
Some people install apps to see AirPods battery levels on Android. If you try one, choose a well-reviewed app from the Play Store and check what permissions it asks for.
AirPods not connecting to Android? Try these fixes
Work down this list — most connection problems are fixed in the first three steps.
- Charge the case for 15 minutes, then try again.
- Forget and re-pair: in Bluetooth settings, tap the AirPods, choose Forget / Unpair, then repeat Steps 1 and 2.
- Check another device isn't holding them — turn off Bluetooth on any iPhone, iPad or laptop they were used with.
- Restart your phone, then try again.
- Reset the AirPods (next section) and pair them fresh.
How to reset AirPods
A reset clears old pairings and fixes most stubborn problems. Put both AirPods in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds, then open the lid:
Models with a setup button: press and hold the button on the back for about 15 seconds, until the light flashes amber and then white.
Newer models without a button (such as AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3): double-tap the front of the case three times in a row — once while the light is on, again when it flashes white, and again when it flashes faster — until it flashes amber and then white.
Now pair them with your phone again from Step 1.
Still not working? Check they're genuine
Copies of AirPods are very common and some behave oddly — a strange name in the Bluetooth list, controls that don't respond, or a pairing light that never flashes white. Buying Used AirPods, Smart Watches & Gadgets shows how to check original AirPods with the serial number.
Buying a pair second hand? On dapxop, sellers state the condition of every item and advances are paid to dapxop and checked before an order goes to the seller. Once they arrive, How to Clean AirPods and the Case at Home keeps them fresh — and the complete guide to buying used electronics in Pakistan covers phones, laptops and consoles too.
Shop small sellers across Pakistan, with the condition stated on every listing.
Browse dapxop →Explore on dapxop
Frequently asked
Can AirPods work with Android?
Yes. AirPods connect to Android phones over Bluetooth like any wireless earbuds. Music, videos, calls and the AirPods' own controls work; Siri and Apple-only features like automatic device switching don't.
How do I connect AirPods to Android without the pairing button?
Newer models such as AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 have no button. Open the case lid and double-tap the front of the case until the light flashes white, then select the AirPods in your phone's Bluetooth settings.
Why are my AirPods not connecting to Android?
Usually the case needs charging, another device such as an iPhone is still connected, or an old pairing is stuck. Charge the case, turn off Bluetooth on other devices, forget the AirPods on your phone and pair again. If that fails, reset the AirPods.
How do I reset AirPods?
Put them in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then open it. Hold the setup button on the back for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber then white. On models without a button, double-tap the front of the case three times as the light changes.
Can I use AirPods Pro noise cancellation on Android?
Yes. Press and hold the stem of an AirPod Pro to switch between noise control modes. This control is built into the AirPods, so it works with Android too.
Can I connect AirPods to a Windows laptop?
Yes. Put the AirPods in pairing mode the same way, then open Bluetooth settings on the laptop, choose to add a device and select the AirPods.