How To Connect AirPods to iPhone

Q: How to Manually Connect AirPods to iPhone?

Step 1: Open the charging case with your AirPods inside. Step 2: Put your AirPods in pairing mode: Step 3: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Step 4: Select your AirPods from the list of available devices.

Q: How to Set Up AirPods for the First Time

Step 1: Go to the Home Screen on your iPhone. Step 2: With your AirPods inside the charging case, open the lid and hold the case near your iPhone. Step 3: A setup animation will appear on your screen. If it doesn’t, check troubleshooting steps. Step 4: Tap Connect. Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions (if you have AirPods Pro or newer models). Step 6: If Siri is already set up on your iPhone, it will be ready to use with your AirPods automatically. Step 7: Tap Done.

Q: Which iOS is compatible with AirPods?

AirPods 1 → iOS 10.0 or later AirPods 2 → iOS 12.2 or later AirPods 3 → iOS 15.1 or later AirPods 4 → iOS 18.0 or later AirPods Pro 1 → iOS 13.2 or later AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning) → iOS 16.0 or later AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) → iOS 17.0 or later

Setting up your AirPods or AirPods Pro with your iPhone is quick and easy. Follow these steps to pair them for the first time or connect manually if needed.

How to Set Up AirPods for the First Time

Before you start, ensure your iPhone has the latest iOS version. Then:

Step 1: Go to the Home Screen on your iPhone.
Step 2: With your AirPods inside the charging case, open the lid and hold the case near your iPhone.
Step 3: A setup animation will appear on your screen. If it doesn’t, check troubleshooting steps.
Step 4: Tap Connect.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions (if you have AirPods Pro or newer models).
Step 6: If Siri is already set up on your iPhone, it will be ready to use with your AirPods automatically.
Step 7: Tap Done.

Tip: If you’re signed in to iCloud, your AirPods will automatically be set up on all your other Apple devices using the same Apple ID.

How to Manually Connect AirPods to iPhone?

If you don’t see the setup animation, you can connect your AirPods manually:

Step 1: Open the charging case with your AirPods inside.
Step 2: Put your AirPods in pairing mode:
Step 3: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
Step 4: Select your AirPods from the list of available devices.

Below are quick considerations for your type of AirPod:

AirPods 4: Double-tap the front of the case until the status light flashes white.
All other models: Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white.

Which iOS is compatible with AirPods?

Your iPhone must be running at least the following iOS version to work with your AirPods:

AirPods 1 → iOS 10.0 or later
AirPods 2 → iOS 12.2 or later
AirPods 3 → iOS 15.1 or later
AirPods 4 → iOS 18.0 or later
AirPods Pro 1 → iOS 13.2 or later
AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning) → iOS 16.0 or later
AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) → iOS 17.0 or later

Note: AirPods are linked to one Apple Account for features like Find My and automatic device switching. If using secondhand AirPods, the previous owner must remove them from their Apple ID before you can connect them.

Check out our wide range of iSTYLE blogs from the world of Apple and learn about various tricks and tips that you need to know about your Apple AirPods.