How to Get AirPods to Automatically Connect

So you’ve got yourself a new pair of AirPod which is exciting in itself. Now you’ve just got to connect them to the device of your choice, and you will be ready to listen. AirPods currently connect most seamlessly to your iPhone or Apple Watch.

You can connect them to your iPad, but you will have to manually switch them back to your phone or watch. Now, if you use the same Apple ID across all your platforms, each device should remember your AirPods for future use.

Connect AirPods to an iPhone

Connecting your AirPods to your iPhone is the simplest action, and it will probably be the first device you connect your AirPods to. 

1. First, you need to make sure the Bluetooth on your phone is turned on.
2. Open your AirPods case and place it next to your phone.
3. An on-screen animation will appear on your iPhone. Hold the button on the back of your AirPods.
4. Click “connect” then “done.” Your AirPods are ready to use with your phone.
   
   

Connect AirPods to an iPad

1. Open your AirPods case close to your iPad.
2. An animation on-screen will appear. Choose ‘Connect.’
3. After you’ve connected once, open the Control Center each time you want to use your AirPods with your iPad. Then select the Bluetooth icon and select your AirPods.

1. If your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone, then selecting your AirPods to listen to from your Apple Watch should be a seamless transition. 
2. Pull up the Control Center on your Watch.
3. Select the Bluetooth icon then choose your AirPods.

Connect AirPods to a Chromebook

1. Using your Chromebook, make sure your Bluetooth is turned on.
2. 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.

Connect Airpods to Android

1. Go to the “settings” app on your Android device.
2. Select “Bluetooth.”
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. 
5. The AirPods will flash white. Then you can choose them from the Bluetooth menu on your Android device.

Connect AirPods to PC

1. Open the settings app on your PC.
2. Choose “Devices” from the menu then select the “Bluetooth and other devices tab.”
3. From there, choose “Add Bluetooth or other device” then specifically choose “Bluetooth.”
4. Open the AirPods case and leave the AirPods inside.
5. Press down and hold the “setup” button on the back of the AirPods case. 
6. The AirPods will flash white. Then you can choose them from the Bluetooth menu on your PC.

Connect your Mac to AirPods

If you use a Mac computer or MacBook you can easily connect your AirPods by following these steps:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner. Then, click on ‘System Preferences.’
   
2. Click on the Bluetooth symbol.
   
3. Open your AirPods case and hold the button on the back. When the AirPods appear, click ‘Connect.’
   

From now on when you put your AirPods in your ear near your Mac they will automatically connect.

What To Do When AirPods Don’t Automatically Connect

There are some times when your AirPods will connect with the wrong device. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix for that.

Whether it’s because you’re in range of multiple connected devices or there is another Bluetooth headset connected, all you need to do is open your device’s Bluetooth settings and tap on your AirPods.

Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble getting your AirPods to connect to your iPhone, close the lid to the AirPods for 15 or so seconds then open it back up. A white light should appear that shows the AirPods are ready to be paired to your device. If nothing still happens, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case.

It will change colors from a flashing white to amber and back to flashing white, so hold down the button until it flashes white a second time. Then you can open the AirPods case, place it next to your phone, and try 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I rename my AirPods?

One common issue for people with multiple Bluetooth devices or sets of AirPods is finding the correct pair quickly. Fortunately, you can easily rename your Airpods.

First, you will need to connect them to your iPhone. Open the Settings, then tap on Bluetooth. Tap on the ‘i’ next to the AirPods you’d like to rename. Tap on the name box at the top and type the new name.

What can I do if my AirPods won’t automatically connect?

Aside from the troubleshooting steps we’ve listed above there are two main courses of action to take if you’re experiencing an issue with your AirPods.

First, you need to make sure that your system is up-to-date. Whether it’s your phone, a computer, or a tablet, an update usually fixes the issue instantly.

Next, you can re-pair you AirPods to your device. Re-establishing a connection is probably just the fix you need.