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How do you connect AirPods?

Here's how to pair Apple's buds with your iPhone, laptop and more...

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Apple AirPods have changed the game when it comes to the world of wireless earbuds. They’re simple to use. Light enough that you forget they’re even there. And offer high quality audio that keeps you grooving all day long. The fact they easily connect across all of your Apple devices – without you having to really do anything – makes switching between gadgets completely hassle free too.

But what else can you connect your AirPods to? Here’s some more top tech you can use them with…

How to connect AirPods to iPhone

Pairing your AirPods with your iPhone is a breeze:

  1. Download and install the latest version of iOS

  2. Go to your home screen

  3. Make sure your AirPods are in the charging case. Open the lid and put it next to your iPhone. A setup screen will then pop up

  4. Press connect

  5. If you haven’t already set up ‘Hey Siri’ you’ll run through the process here. This’ll let you contact Siri using your AirPods

  6. Tap done

  7. If you’ve already signed into iCloud, then you’re in luck. Your AirPods are automatically set up on any of your other devices that you’re signed in on with the same Apple ID

Can AirPods connect to Android?

Yes, you can connect AirPods to an Android device. But there is a downside. You’ll miss out on a lot of the handy features that come with Apple’s tech.

  • The battery indicator on the AirPods won’t show up on your Android phone – so you might get stuck on a long train journey with no tunes. Nightmare

  • Siri won’t work and can’t answer any of your burning questions

Here’s how to pair AirPods with an Android phone or tablet:

  1. Switch on Bluetooth on your device

  2. Head to settings > connected devices > Bluetooth

  3. Pop your AirPods in the charging case

  4. Flip open the lid, then press and hold down the setup button on the back for five seconds. The status light should then start flashing white

  5. Your AirPods should then show up in your list of Bluetooth devices. Tap on them to connect

Can you connect AirPods to a laptop?

You can connect AirPods to Windows laptops or a MacBook. So, whatever kind of laptop you’ve got, you’ll still be able to use them.

How to connect AirPods to a Macbook

Here’s how to connect your AirPods to your MacBook:

  1. Check that your MacBook is updated to the latest version of the operating system

  2. If you’ve already paired your AirPods with your iPhone – and you’re signed into iCloud on your MacBook – then this is super straightforward. Put your AirPods in your ears, then head to the volume control or the Bluetooth menu (in the top right of your screen). Then select your AirPods from the list of devices and you’re good to go

  3. If you’ve not paired them with your iPhone (or their just not appearing in the list), go to system settings in the Apple menu and click on Bluetooth

  4. Switch your Bluetooth on (if it isn’t on already)

  5. Pop both of your AirPods in the charging case and open up the lid

  6. Press and hold down the setup button on the back of the case. The status light should then start flashing white

  7. Find your AirPods in the device list and click connect

  8. If your sound is still playing from your MacBook speakers, don’t panic. Press the volume control or Bluetooth button up in the menu bar. Then just check that your AirPods are set as the current output device

How to connect AirPods to a Windows laptop

Here’s how to connect AirPods to a Windows laptop:

  1. Put your AirPods into the charging case then shut the lid. You’ll want them to have about 20% battery before you try and pair them

  2. When they’re charged, flip open the case (but leave the AirPods inside it)

  3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case. LED lights will start flashing if you’re doing it properly. This’ll put the AirPods into pairing mode

  4. Click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner on your laptop to boot up the start menu

  5. Head to settings (this is the button that looks like a gear)

  6. Press devices and go to the Bluetooth and other devices section in the column on the left-hand side

  7. Click the + sign next to add Bluetooth or other device (and make sure the Bluetooth toggle is switched on)

  8. A menu will then pop up with a few different options. Choose the one that says Bluetooth

  9. A list of Bluetooth devices will appear after a few seconds. Click on your AirPods

  10. Another window should pop up telling you that your device is connected. Hit done.

  11. Now you’re all ready to go. So, you can listen to your favourite tunes on Spotify, stream a film, or just watch cat videos on YouTube

Can AirPods connect to a PC?

If your desktop PC is Bluetooth enabled, you can follow exactly the same steps in the Windows laptop section up above. Or, if you’ve got an iMac or Mac Mini, use the same instructions for connecting AirPods to a MacBook.

Can you connect AirPods to a PS5?

The PS5 doesn’t support AirPods, so you can’t connect them directly to the console. You’ll have to get yourself a PS5 compatible headset, or pick up a wired pair instead. Sony made this design decision because Bluetooth can easily disconnect, and audio can dropout. And both of these can ruin a good gaming session – especially when you’re winning online!

Can you connect AirPods to Xbox?

Unfortunately, you can’t connect your AirPods directly to your Xbox Series X or Series S. That’s because the consoles don’t have Bluetooth support for standard earbuds, headsets or headphones. You’ll need a set that either supports Microsoft’s wireless standard – like the Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset - or has a compatible USB adapter that slots in the back of the console.

There’s an easy way round this though. With the help of the Xbox app on your tablet or smartphone, you can use your AirPods to chat with your mates while you play.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Make sure your AirPods are paired with your phone or tablet

  2. If you haven’t already got it, download the Xbox app from the app store

  3. Open up the app and hit sign in

  4. Log in using your Xbox account

  5. Press ‘let’s go’

  6. Tap the people icon – this is the second icon from the left at the bottom of the app

  7. Hit the headset icon in the top right corner

  8. Press ‘add people’

  9. Pick the friends you want to add

  10. And you’re done! You should now be able to talk to your friends through your AirPods

Lost one of your AirPods? We’ve got some useful tips to help you find it. Or maybe you’re having some trouble with your AirPods? No worries. Head to ShopLive and chat with one of our tech experts. They’ll be able to help with any sort of audio issue. Sounds good!

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