How to connect AirPods to an Apple device

Q: How to Pair AirPods with Apple Watch?

Step 1 - Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Step 2 - Tap Bluetooth. Step 3 - Tap your AirPods on the Bluetooth screen to connect.

Q: How to Pair AirPods with Mac?

Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Step 1- Go to the Apple menu > System Settings. Step 2 - Click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Ensure Bluetooth is on. Depending on your AirPods model, follow the appropriate steps: AirPods 1, 2, 3, or AirPods Pro (all generations): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it near your device, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white. AirPods 4 (both models): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your device, and double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white. AirPods Max: Press and hold the noise control button for 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white. Select your AirPods from the list of devices, and click Connect.

Pairing your AirPods with Apple devices allows you to enjoy music, movies, messages, and more. You can also use them for phone and FaceTime calls on compatible devices. Once paired with one Apple device, your AirPods automatically connect to your other Apple devices, provided you're signed in with the same Apple ID.

If you're unsure which model of AirPods you own, check out the "Which AirPods Do I Have?" guide.

How to Pair AirPods with iPhone or iPad

Before you begin, ensure your device is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Your device should also be connected to Wi-Fi or cellular to access all Find My features.

Open Settings > Bluetooth on your device and turn on Bluetooth.

Do the following based on your AirPods model:

AirPods or AirPods Pro: Open the case with your AirPods inside, then hold it next to your device.
AirPods Max: Remove the AirPods Max from the Smart Case. Within 60 seconds, hold them next to your device until the setup animation appears.

If the animation doesn't appear, manually pair your AirPods Max by going to Settings > Bluetooth, selecting your AirPods, and pressing and holding the noise control button for 5 seconds, or until the light flashes white.

Follow the on-screen instructions and tap Done.

How to Pair AirPods with Apple Watch

Before starting, ensure your Apple Watch is up to date with the latest version of watchOS.

Step 1 - Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
Step 2 - Tap Bluetooth.
Step 3 - Tap your AirPods on the Bluetooth screen to connect.

If you're pairing AirPods Max, and they don't appear in the list, press and hold the noise control button for 5 seconds until the light flashes white.

How to Pair AirPods with Mac

Make sure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS.

Step 1- Go to the Apple menu > System Settings.
Step 2 - Click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Ensure Bluetooth is on.

Depending on your AirPods model, follow the appropriate steps:

AirPods 1, 2, 3, or AirPods Pro (all generations): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it near your device, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
AirPods 4 (both models): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your device, and double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white.
AirPods Max: Press and hold the noise control button for 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.

Select your AirPods from the list of devices, and click Connect.

Quick Tip: You can also show Bluetooth settings in the menu bar for quicker pairing in the future.

How to Pair AirPods with Apple TV

Ensure your Apple TV is running the latest version of tvOS.

Step 1- Press the TV Control Center button on the Siri Remote and select Settings.
Step 2- Scroll down to Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth

Then follow the appropriate steps based on your AirPods model:

AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro (all generations): Open your AirPods case and press and hold the setup button on the back for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
AirPods 4 (both models): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your device, and double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white.
AirPods Max: Press and hold the noise control button for 5 seconds, or until the light flashes white.

Select your AirPods under Other Devices.

How to Pair AirPods with Apple Vision Pro

Ensure your Apple Vision Pro is running the latest version of visionOS for the best pairing experience.

For ultra-low latency and Lossless Audio, use AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) or AirPods 4 for the most immersive experience. Other AirPods models (AirPods 2, 3, Pro 1 or 2, and AirPods Max) use Apple AAC Bluetooth for high-quality audio, but not lossless.

On Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings > Bluetooth.

Follow the pairing instructions based on your AirPods model:

AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro (all generations): Open the case and press and hold the setup button on the back for 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
AirPods 4 (both models): Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your device, and double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white.
AirPods Max: Take your AirPods Max out of the Smart Case and press and hold the noise control button for 5 seconds, or until the light flashes white.

Select your AirPods under Other Devices.

Note: Lossless Audio is only available when connected to Apple Vision Pro. Availability varies by region.

How to Connect AirPods Max with an Audio Cable

If you want to connect your AirPods Max with an audio cable, use an Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable. Attach the cable to the charging port on your AirPods Max and the headphone jack on your device for a wired connection.

Check out some of the best tricks and tips related to the world of Apple Products in our iSTYLE Blogs.