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    How To Connect AirPods To Your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad and Mac

    Max BancroftBy Updated:No Comments8 Mins Read

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    Just got your hands on the new Apple Watch Series 9? Want to listen to music whilst on a run or doing some gardening without taking your phone? Then keep reading for our guide on how to connect your AirPods to an Apple Watch and pretty much everything else!

    How to put your AirPods in pairing mode

    AirPods are designed to automatically pair with your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Combined with their portability, this is what makes AirPods so popular and convenient. 

    However, sometimes AirPods don’t pair by themselves. That means you have to manually connect them to your devices.

    Before you do anything, make sure your AirPods are in pairing mode. 

    On the back of your AirPods case, you’ll find a small white button. Press and hold it until the LED light on the front of the case starts blinking white. Your AirPods are now ready to pair.

    How to connect AirPods to an Apple Watch

    1. Ensure your AirPods are in pairing mode.
    2. Press the Crown (the circular button on the side of the watch face) on your Apple Watch to bring up your home screen and tap on ‘Settings’ (a gear icon). Scroll down to ‘Bluetooth’ and select the slider to turn Bluetooth on. You will also see a list of nearby available devices.
    3. Bring your AirPods, whilst still inside their case and with the lid open, next to your Apple Watch. You will now see your AirPods in the list of devices.
    4. Tap on your AirPods in the Apple Watch Bluetooth device list and the devices should pair automatically.

    If your AirPods still won’t pair, then you can check a few things:

    • Ensure both devices are charged beyond 50%.
    • Ensure your Apple Watch is updated to the latest iOS software. You can do this by tapping ‘General Settings’ then ‘Software Update’.

    How to connect AirPods to iPhone or iPad

    These steps are exactly the same for both an iPhone or an iPad.

      1. Swipe down from the right corner of your iPhone’s screen to open the Control Center. This is where you’ll find the Bluetooth settings.
      2. In the Control Center, locate the Bluetooth icon and long press on it. This will open the Bluetooth connections window, where you can manage your Bluetooth settings.
      3. Once the Bluetooth connections window is expanded, long press on the Bluetooth icon again. This will take you directly to the Bluetooth settings.
      4. With your AirPods in the case and the lid open, bring them close to your iPhone. Your AirPods should appear in the list of available nearby devices. Tap on them on your iPhone and the two devices should automatically pair. However, if they don’t appear in the list, tap on “Bluetooth Settings” at the bottom of the window.
      5. If your AirPods still don’t connect, go back to your home screen by swiping up from the bottom edge of your screen. Close the lid on the AirPods, wait for about 15 seconds, and then repeat the previous steps.

    If your AirPods still won’t pair to your iPhone, then make sure both are fully charged and your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.

    Connecting AirPods to a Different iPhone

    If you’re trying to pair your AirPods with a different iPhone, the process is slightly different. Here’s what you need to do.

    1. Make sure your AirPods are disconnected from the previous iPhone. If they’re still connected, follow the steps mentioned above to disconnect them.
    2. On your new iPhone, sign in with the same Apple ID that was used on the previous iPhone.
    3. Open the AirPods case near your new iPhone with the lid open. The connection should automatically transfer to your new device.

    Sometimes, despite following the steps mentioned above, you may encounter issues while connecting your AirPods to your iPhone. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you out:

     

    • Restart your iPhone: Sometimes, a simple restart can solve connectivity issues. Press and hold the power button until you see the slider, then slide it to power off. After a few seconds, press and hold the power button again to turn your iPhone back on.
    • Reset AirPods: If restarting your iPhone doesn’t work, you can try resetting your AirPods. Place them in the case, close the lid, and wait for about 30 seconds. Then, open the lid and press and hold the button on the back of the case until the light on the front flashes white. Your AirPods will now be ready to connect.

    How to connect AirPods to a Mac or MacBook

    Macs are the only bits of Apple tech that do not automatically pair with AirPods. But don’t stress, the process is no more difficult.

    Connecting AirPods to a Mac without iPhone Connection

    If you haven’t used your AirPods with an iPhone before, connecting them to your Mac is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to establish a connection:

    1. Open the lid of your AirPods charging case and keep the AirPods inside. Make sure they are charged and ready for pairing.
    2. Click on the Apple icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen and select “System Preferences.” Then, click on “Bluetooth” to access the Bluetooth settings. Click the slider to turn Bluetooth on.
    3. Move your AirPods close to your Mac. In the list of available devices, your AirPods will appear. Select your AirPods and click “Connect.” Once the connection is established, your AirPods will appear at the top of the devices list, ready to use.
    4. Your AirPods are now successfully connected to your Mac. You can adjust the volume and other settings directly from your Mac’s menu bar.

    Pairing AirPods to a Mac with Existing iPhone Connection

    If you have already connected your AirPods to an iPhone using the same Apple ID, you can easily switch the connection to your Mac. Here’s how:

    1. Open the lid of your AirPods charging case and keep them near your iPhone.
    2. On your Mac, click on the Volume icon in the menu bar. In the Output Device section, select your AirPods from the list. If they don’t appear, make sure your Mac and iPhone are logged into the same Apple ID and that Handoff is turned on.
    3. To ensure a seamless connection, double-check that your Mac is logged into the same Apple ID as your iPhone. Navigate to System Preferences, click on Apple ID, and confirm the login. Additionally, make sure the volume icon is enabled in the menu bar by going to System Preferences > Sound.
    4. Your AirPods are now connected to both your iPhone and Mac. They will automatically switch between devices based on the audio source, providing a seamless listening experience.

    What if your AirPods are not connecting?

    Sometimes, you may encounter connection issues or difficulties pairing your AirPods with your Mac. Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve common problems:

    • Make sure your AirPods are properly charged by placing them in the charging case and connecting them to a power source for at least 1-2 hours.
    • Ensure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS. Go to the Apple menu, select “System Preferences,” and click on “Software Update” to check for any available updates.
    • If you are still experiencing connection issues, try re-pairing your AirPods with your Mac. Go to the Bluetooth settings, locate your AirPods in the device list, and click the “X” button to remove them. Then, follow the pairing process outlined in the previous sections.
    • If all else fails, you can reset your AirPods to factory settings. Press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods charging case for at least 15 seconds until the status light flashes amber. After resetting, follow the pairing process again to connect them to your Mac.
    • Sometimes, a simple restart can solve connection issues. Restart your Mac and try connecting your AirPods again.

    Additional Tips and Tricks

    Here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance your AirPods experience on your Mac:

    1. Customize AirPods Settings: To customize your AirPods’ settings, go to System Preferences > Bluetooth and click on the “Options” button next to your AirPods. Here, you can enable or disable features like Automatic Ear Detection, microphone settings, and more.
    2. Use AirPods with Third-Party Apps: AirPods work seamlessly with various third-party apps on your Mac, such as music streaming services, video conferencing apps, and more.
    3. Manage AirPods Battery Life: Keep an eye on your AirPods’ battery life by checking the battery percentage in the Bluetooth settings or using third-party battery management apps.
    4. Update AirPods Firmware: AirPods receive firmware updates from time to time. To ensure you have the latest features and improvements, keep your AirPods connected to your Mac and update the firmware when prompted.

    Whilst AirPods haven’t changed a great deal since they first released, there are rumours that the next generation could have a screen built into the charging case. Rest assured, we’ll keep you in the know with any changes!

    Thinking of buying the new Apple Pencil 3? Read our guide on pairing every Apple Pencil generation to an iPad!

    Max Bancroft has been the Editorial Director at MarkEllisReviews.com for three years. In this role, Max is responsible for shaping the content strategy for the website, managing and writing product reviews, as well as developing buying guides that help consumers make informed decisions. Before joining the MarkEllisReviews team, Max worked as a freelance writer and completed a Master's degree in Geopolitics and Technology. His studies and previous work experience have equipped him with a unique perspective on how technology influences both individuals and the global landscape, enhancing his ability to analyze and review tech products in a well-rounded manner. As both an Android and Apple user, Max has no loyalties to a particular brand, but the M1 MacBook Pro is currently his most-used bit of tech. Being tall with long arms, Max can often be found working on his layups around the basketball courts of London or playing video games if it’s raining (which it often is in the UK).

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