How to Make AirPods Automatically Switch Devices

If your house is anything like mine, we have one pair of AirPods but two users. So, how in the world can we both use them?

Well, obviously we could both listen to the same music or podcast at the same time by each of us wearing one AirPod, but our tastes in music vary depending on what we are doing. We also might not be together when using the AirPods. So, we have to make the AirPods switch devices which can be tricky since the AirPods want to connect to the previous device to which they were connected. 

Follow along in this article to learn more.

Automatically Switching Devices With AirPods

Currently, AirPods only automatically switch between your iPhone and your Apple Watch. This just means that if you connect your AirPods to an iPad, you will have to manually switch back to your iPhone or Apple Watch.

1. Simply sign-in to your Apple account on the devices you want to automatically pair with your AirPods and put it close to your AirPods case. 

It’s that easy with Apple devices that are synced together.

Manually Switching Between Devices Using AirPods

For all other devices that you wish to connect your AirPods to, you’ll just have to do it the old-fashioned way.

Connect to iPhone

Connecting to your iPhone is your easiest option. It will also be your most frequent use most likely. 

1. Make sure your Bluetooth is activated on your phone. 
2. Open your AirPods.
3. Place the AirPods case close to your iPhone.
4. A connection animation will appear on your iPhone, and you should click connect
5. Congratulations! Your AirPods are now connected.

Switch to Apple Watch

Once you’ve connected your AirPods to your iPhone, you can seamlessly switch to your Apple Watch.

1. You have to play your music from your Apple Watch.
2. Slide the Control Center up onto the screen.
3. Then select the Bluetooth icon and choose your AirPods.

Switch to iPad

1. Open the Control Center and select the Bluetooth option.
2. Choose your AirPods.

Switch to Mac

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Then, choose Bluetooth preferences.
3. Make sure your Bluetooth is on.
4. Now, select Show Bluetooth in menu bar. This will put the Bluetooth icon at the top of your screen for easy access.
5. Once you click on the Bluetooth icon in your menu bar, you can select your AirPods and choose to connect them.

While AirPods smoothly connect to Apple devices, they can connect to other devices. Below you will discover how to use your AirPods with non-Apple devices.

Switch to Chromebook

1. Using your Chromebook, make sure your Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Now, choose the Menu tab on the lower right-hand side of your screen.
3. Open the AirPods case and leave the AirPods inside.
4. Press down and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case. This will allow the AirPods to be discovered by other Bluetooth sources. 
5. The AirPods will flash white. Then you can choose them from the Bluetooth menu on your Chromebook.

Switch to Android

1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Now, select Bluetooth.
3. Open the AirPods case and leave the AirPods inside.
4. Then, press down and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case. 
5. The AirPods will flash white. Then you can choose them from the Bluetooth menu on your Android device.

Switch to PC

1. Open the Settings app on your PC.
2. Now, choose Devices from the menu.
3. Then, select the Bluetooth and other devices tab and choose Add Bluetooth or other device.
4. Next, choose Bluetooth from the options.. 
5. Open the AirPods case and leave the AirPods inside.
6. Press down and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case. 
7. The AirPods will flash white. Then you can choose them from the Bluetooth menu on your PC.

Connecting Devices with AirPods

Even though connecting AirPods automatically is limited to exclusive Apple products, you can easily switch between almost any Bluetooth capable device with them.

Were you successfully able to switch between devices with your AirPods? Share your thought and experiences in the comments.