Pair AirPods with an Apple device
Pair AirPods with your Apple devices to listen to music, movies, messages, and more. You can also use your AirPods to make and answer phone calls and FaceTime calls with compatible devices.
After you set up your AirPods with one Apple device (like your iPhone), your AirPods connect automatically to your other Apple devices where you’re signed in to the same Apple Account.
If you aren’t sure which AirPods you have, see Which AirPods do I have?
Quick links
Pair AirPods with iPhone or iPad
Before you begin, make sure your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS installed. When pairing, your device must also be connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network, or you may not have access to Find My features.
Go to the Settings app
on your iPhone or iPad.Tap Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth, then do one of the following:
AirPods or AirPods Pro: Open the case with your AirPods inside, then hold it next to the device that you want to pair until the setup animation appears.
AirPods Max: Take your AirPods Max out of the Smart Case, and within 60 seconds, hold them next to the device that you want to pair until the setup animation appears.
You can also connect AirPods Max to your device using an audio cable.
Follow the onscreen instructions, then tap Done.
If you don’t see the setup animation, you can pair AirPods with your device manually.
Pair AirPods with Mac
Before you begin, make sure your Mac has the latest version of macOS installed.
Go to the System Settings app
on your Mac.Click Bluetooth
in the sidebar.Make sure Bluetooth is on, then do one of the following:
AirPods 1, 2, or 3, or AirPods Pro 1 or 2: Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your Mac, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the AirPods case for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 3: Open the case with your AirPods inside, hold it next to your Mac, then double-tap the front of the AirPods case so the status light flashes white.
AirPods Max: Press and hold the noise control button for about 5 seconds, or until the status light flashes white.
You can also connect AirPods Max to your device using an audio cable.
In the list of devices, select your AirPods, then click Connect.
Tip: You can also show Bluetooth settings in the menu bar to make it easier to pair your AirPods.
Pair AirPods with Apple Watch
Before you begin, make sure your Apple Watch has the latest version of watchOS installed.
Go to the Settings app
on your Apple Watch.Tap Bluetooth, then tap your AirPods on the Bluetooth screen to connect.
If you don’t see the setup animation, you can pair AirPods with your device manually.
Pair AirPods with Apple TV
Before you begin, make sure your Apple TV has the latest version of tvOS installed.
Go to the Settings app