How to Use AirPods

Multiple easy-to-follow steps to using AirPods

Co-authored by Josef Storzi

Last Updated: May 26, 2022 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to use Apple's latest wireless headphones. AirPods can be used with any Bluetooth Device, but full functionality, including Siri connectivity, is only available on iPhone or iPad running iOS 10.2 (or higher) or a Mac running OS X Sierra.

Part 1

Part 1 of 6:

Pairing with an iPhone Running iOS 10.2 or More Recent

1
Unlock your iPhone. Press the Home button using Touch ID or enter your passcode on the lock screen.
2
Press the Home button. Doing so returns you to the home screen, if you weren't already there.

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3
Hold the AirPods case next to your iPhone. The AirPods must be in the case and the lid closed.
4
Open the lid on the AirPods case. A dialogue box will launch on your iPhone prompting you to connect the AirPods.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.}
5
Tap Connect. The pairing process will begin.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 December 2020.}
6
Tap Done. Your iPhone is now paired with your AirPods.
- If you're signed into iCloud, the AirPods will automatically be paired with any other devices that are running iOS 10.2 or higher or OS Sierra (Mac), and signed into iCloud with the same Apple ID.

Part 2

Part 2 of 6:

Pairing with Other iPhones

1
Hold the AirPods case next to your iPhone. The AirPods must be in the case and the lid closed.
2
Open the lid on the AirPods case.
3
Press and hold the "Setup" button. It's a small, round button on the back of the AirPods case. Hold the button until the status light flashes white.
4
Open your iPhone's Settings. It's a gray app that contains gears (⚙️) and is typically located on your home screen.
5
Tap Bluetooth. It's near the top of the menu.
6
Slide "Bluetooth" to the "On" position. It will turn green.
7
Tap AirPods. It will appear in the "OTHER DEVICES" section.
- Once the AirPods are paired, they will appear in the "MY DEVICES" section of the menu.

Part 3

Part 3 of 6:

Pairing with Mac

1
Click on the Apple menu. It's the  icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.
2
Click on System Preferences…. It's near the top of the drop-down menu.
3
Click on Bluetooth. It's near the center of the window.
4
Click on Turn Bluetooth On. It's on the left side of the dialog box.
5
Hold the AirPods case near your Mac. The AirPods must be in the case and the lid closed.
6
Open the lid on the AirPods case.
7
Press and hold the "Setup" button. It's a small, round button on the back of the AirPods case. Hold the button until the status light flashes white.
8
Click on AirPods. It will appear in the "Devices" section on the right side of your Mac's Bluetooth dialog box.
9
Click on Pair. Your AirPods will now pair with your Mac.
- Check "Show Bluetooth in menu bar" at the bottom of the dialog box to enable a drop-down menu that will allow you to quickly switch your Mac's audio output to AirPods without going through "System Preferences."

Part 4

Part 4 of 6:

Pairing with Windows 10 PC

1
Open your AirPods case and press the pairing button on your device. If you get a notification to connect using SwiftPair, then accept it. This is the same way to get a stylus, keyboard, or mouse paired with your device.
2
Open Bluetooth settings in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and other devices.
3
Tap "Add a Device".
4
Choose "Bluetooth".
5
Choose the AirPods.
6
Let Windows Update finish the pairing process.
7
Start listening to your computer. You are done.

Part 5

Part 5 of 6:

Listening with AirPods

1
Remove AirPods from their case. When removed, they are powered on and ready to be used: There is no on/off switch.
2
Put AirPods in your ears. Once in place, they are automatically connected to the audio output from the paired device you're using; you needn't do anything more to hear passive audio like alert sounds and ringtones over your AirPods.
- Start a song, podcast, video, or other audio playback on your paired device to listen with your AirPods.
- AirPods connect to iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously. This means that you will hear audio from both your iPhone and Apple Watch on your AirPods without having to switch or pair them again.
3
Double tap an AirPod. Doing so activates Siri, answers an incoming phone call, disconnects a call, or switches to another call.
- AirPods are designed to be controlled with Siri. Commands like "Play my playlist," "Skip to the next song," and "Turn up the volume" -- as well as others -- can be performed with AirPods' Siri functionality.
- To change the double-tap function to play or pause music, open Settings when AirPods are nearby, tap Bluetooth, tap your AirPods, then tap Play/Pause in the "DOUBLE-TAP ON AIRPODS" section.
4
Remove one AirPod from your ear. This pauses audio playback on the paired device.
5
Remove both AirPods from your ears. This stops audio playback on the paired device.

Part 6

Part 6 of 6:

Charging Your AirPods

1
Place AirPods in their case. AirPods shut down when in the case.
2
Close the lid on the case. The case is also a charger and will charge your AirPods when the lid is closed.
3
Charge the case. Use the USB/Lightning cable that came with your AirPods to charge the case and AirPods at the same time.
- The USB end can be connected to an AC adapter or desktop computer to charge.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you set up AirPods?

Josef Storzi
Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist
Josef Storzi is an Apple and Mobile Phone Repair Specialist and the Owner of Imobile LA, a mobile phone repair company based in Los Angeles, California. Josef specializes in repairing screens, charging ports, batteries, water damage, speakers, and microphones on all mobile phone brands including Apple, Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Sony. He also specializes in tablet, laptop, and computer repairs as well as the pros and cons of recent mobile software updates.

Josef Storzi

Apple & Mobile Phone Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

In order to set up AirPods, simply open the AirPods case next to your phone. A dialogue box will appear on your iPhone prompting you to connect them. Click "Connect" and that's it; enjoy your AirPods!
Question

How do I charge AirPods without the charger case?

Aasim

Top Answerer

Unfortunately, if you lose the charging case, you cannot charge your AirPods. Take them to Apple for a replacement.
Question

How do I end a call when using my AirPods?

Community Answer

You very lightly double tap on the side of one of the AirPods.