How to Connect AirPods to Other Devices [Ultimate Guide]

How to Connect AirPods to Other Devices [Ultimate Guide]

This article will show you how to connect your AirPods to other devices easily. The presence of Apple AirPods seems to be everywhere—or at least it gives off that impression. However, were you aware that these widely-used earbuds can be connected to more than just an iPhone or Mac? It may require additional setup, but using your AirPods with other smartphones or even certain gaming consoles is possible.

The AirPods use Bluetooth and Apple’s H1 chip (or H2 for AirPods Pro 2nd gen) for wireless connectivity. This means that iPhone and iPad fully support all AirPods features, while other devices have limited compatibility. However, basic audio streaming is possible across various devices via Bluetooth.

I. Connect AirPods to Mac

Establishing a seamless connection between your AirPods and Mac is straightforward. If all your devices are registered under the same Apple ID, the setup process may be complete, enabling immediate usage. By navigating to the menu bar and selecting the Bluetooth or volume control buttons, you can ascertain if your AirPods are listed and ready for use.

However, if they are not immediately detected, a simple synchronization process can be followed:

1. Access the Apple Menu, select “System Preferences,” then “Bluetooth.”
2. Verify that Bluetooth functionality is enabled.
3. Open the charging case and ensure both AirPods are securely inside.
4. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case until the indicator light initiates a pulsating white pattern.
5. On your Mac, navigate to the “Devices” list, locate your AirPods, and then select the “Connect” option.
6. If audio output is not initially routed to your AirPods, you can resolve this by accessing the menu bar’s volume control or Bluetooth menu. From there, designate the AirPods as the preferred output device.

By adhering to these instructions, you can establish a dependable and efficient connection between your AirPods and Mac, ensuring an optimal audio experience.

II. Connect AirPods to PC/Laptop (Windows)

Connecting your AirPods to a Windows PC may require a slightly more involved process than Apple’s computing ecosystem. However, it can still be accomplished relatively easily since AirPods appear as Bluetooth devices.

To synchronize your AirPods with a PC, follow these steps:

1. Open the Bluetooth menu in the Start bar tray and ensure that Bluetooth is activated.
2. Open the lid of the charging case with both AirPods inside.
3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the indicator light flashes white.
4. Select the AirPods from the available list of Bluetooth devices.

It is important to note that you can access fewer features when using AirPods with a PC. Siri functionality and automatic switching between devices are not supported, and these earbuds only provide compatibility with the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.

III. Connect AirPods to Android

While it is generally not recommended to utilize AirPods with an Android phone due to potential compatibility constraints, there may be instances where such a configuration becomes necessary or the sole available option.

In such cases, it is indeed feasible to establish a connection between your AirPods and an Android device by following these steps:

1. Navigate to the Settings menu on your Android device and access the “Connections” section, followed by “Bluetooth.”
2. Ensure Bluetooth functionality is activated by toggling it to the “On” position.
3. Open the charging case containing both AirPods.
4. Press and hold the setup button positioned on the rear of the case until the indicator light commences flashing in a white hue.
5. Locate and select your AirPods for pairing within the list of discoverable Bluetooth devices.

It is essential to remember that utilizing AirPods with an Android phone may result in a diminished feature set compared to their usage with Apple devices.

IV. Connect AirPods to Chromebook

To establish a connection between your AirPods and a Chromebook, the procedure is quite similar to connecting non-Apple devices:

1. Click on the “Bluetooth” option in the Chromebook Menu.
2. Your Chromebook will initiate an automatic search for new devices.
3. Open the charging case containing both AirPods.
4. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the indicator light flashes white.
5.  Select your AirPods for pairing From the list of available Bluetooth devices.

V. Connect AirPods to Sony PlayStation 4 and PS5

Establishing a connection between your AirPods and a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 encounters a hurdle due to these consoles’ lack of Bluetooth audio support. However, it is essential to note that utilizing a dedicated gaming headset is generally regarded as the optimal choice.

Nevertheless, if you persist in using your AirPods with a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, alternative options do exist. It is crucial to acknowledge that using an external dongle or adapter is necessary. While we cannot endorse the efficacy of such products, as they have not been subjected to our testing, if you are willing to explore these solutions independently, a comprehensive guide can be found here.

VI. Connecting AirPods to Xbox

Establishing a connection between AirPods and an Xbox console entails certain limitations. However, a workaround exists that obviates an external adapter’s necessity.

While optimal outcomes are typically obtained when utilizing an iOS device, it is feasible to achieve compatibility with Android devices, albeit with certain limitations.

It is essential to emphasize that we cannot assure the effectiveness of this method or endorse the utilization of external adapters. Nonetheless, a comprehensive guide is available if you explore this option. Alternatively, a dedicated Xbox gaming headset may provide a more streamlined and convenient solution.

VII. Connecting AirPods to Nintendo Switch

Unlike other video game consoles, the Nintendo Switch supports Bluetooth audio when the latest firmware is installed, eliminating the need for a separate Switch headset.

The following steps outline the straightforward process, albeit with an inverted sequence compared to connecting AirPods to a PC:

1. Open the lid of the charging case with both AirPods inside.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the indicator light flashes white.
3. Access the “System Settings” on your Nintendo Switch.
4. Scroll down and select “Bluetooth Audio.”
5. Tap on the Pair button.
6. Choose your AirPods from the available list. It is essential to consider that Bluetooth audio may introduce latency and other potential issues that could impact your gameplay experience.

VIII. Connecting AirPods to Samsung TV

If your Samsung TV is equipped with Bluetooth functionality, it is indeed feasible to establish a connection with your AirPods. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that the capabilities of the earbuds may be restricted in this setup.

The specific steps for synchronizing Bluetooth devices may differ across various Samsung TV models, but the overall process is straightforward:

1. Confirm that Bluetooth is enabled on your Samsung TV.
2. Open the charging case of your AirPods with both earbuds inside.
3. Press and hold the setup button on the rear of the case until the indicator light starts flashing white.
4. Once the AirPods are displayed on your TV, select them to establish a connection.

IX. Connect AirPods to Apple TV

Connecting your AirPods to an Apple TV is a simple process within the Apple ecosystem. They can seamlessly connect by ensuring that your AirPods and Apple TV are associated with the same Apple ID. Like connecting them to a Mac, you can access the list of available wireless devices by pressing and holding the “Play” button on your Apple TV. Typically, your AirPods will be displayed there.

However, if they do not appear automatically, you can manually add them by following these straightforward steps:

1. Navigate to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth on your Apple TV.
2. Open the lid of the charging case containing both AirPods.
3. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the LED light flashes white.
4. Look for the AirPods under the “Other Devices” section.
5. Select the AirPods from the list and click “Connect” to establish the connection.

X. Connect AirPods to Peloton Bike

AirPods can be utilized as a fundamental pair of workout earphones when connected to a Peloton bike, albeit with certain limitations commonly encountered when using these earbuds with diverse devices.

The process for establishing the connection bears a resemblance to other device pairings and can be described as follows:

1. Open the charging case to ensure that both AirPods are securely positioned within.
2. Press and hold the setup button on the rear of the case until the LED indicator flashes white.
3. On the Peloton bike’s touchscreen interface, access the list of “Available devices.”
4. Select your AirPods from the available options and patiently await the status indicator to transition to “Paired.”
5. Once the pairing is confirmed, navigate back to the home screen of your Peloton bike to commence your workout.

Although AirPods are primarily optimized for seamless integration with Apple devices, they can function as Bluetooth earbuds with reduced capabilities when connected to alternative devices. This versatility proves advantageous in various scenarios; however, it is essential to acknowledge that the overall user experience may not be optimal.

Reset Your AirPods if It Won’t Connect to Other Devices

A quick reboot is likely needed if your AirPods are not connecting to any of the mentioned devices. To factory reset your AirPods, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Keep the earbuds in the case and flip open the lid.
2. Open the Bluetooth settings on your iOS device while the earbuds are still in the case.
3. Locate the “AirPods” option and tap the small “i” icon.
4. Tap on “Forget This Device” and confirm your selection.
5. Your phone will disconnect from the AirPods. Now, proceed with the AirPods reset.
6. With the open case lid, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for approximately 15 seconds or until you see the LED light flash amber.
7. The AirPods have now been completely reset, and you can pair them with new devices as if they were fresh out of the box.

Exclusive Summary

Having acquired the knowledge to seamlessly connect the AirPods to other devices and enjoy uninterrupted wireless audio streaming of exceptional quality, you are now equipped with valuable insights to expedite the process in future endeavors.

After this, you will be able to know how to connect your AirPods to other devices. We are eager to learn about your experience connecting your AirPods. Kindly share the device you utilized and enlighten us about any convenient shortcuts we might have overlooked. Your valuable feedback is greatly appreciated, and we encourage you to leave your comments below.