The AirPods automatically connect when you open the case next to your iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple Watch. While linking AirPods to your iPhone, for example, they are also immediately linked to your iCloud account so that the pods or headphones can connect to all your supporting devices.
If you want to share the AirPods and also have it used by your partner, friends, etc., for example, this is also possible. The AirPods can be connected manually without this disruption with your linked iCloud account. In addition, you can also link the AirPods other devices, including Windows and Android.
Activate AirPods Search mode
To manually connect the AirPods to another device, you must activate the search mode. How you do this is dependent on your AirPods model. Below we explain the different steps.
- Airpods 3rd generation or older or AirPods Pro (All generations): Open the valve of the charging case (with the AirPods in the case) and hold the setting button on the back of the case for about five seconds (or until the status light blinks white).
- AirPods 4 (both models): Open the case of the case (with the air pods in the case), hold the case next to the device and tap double on the front of the case, until the status light is blinking.
- AirPods Max: Hold the noise control button for about five seconds (or until the status light blinks) pressed.
Link airpods to an iPhone or iPad
- Open the Bluetooth settings on the device
- Activate the search mode as described above
- Select the AirPods in the Bluetooth settings
- AirPods now connect to the device
Good to know, an iPhone or iPad can also immediately recognize the AirPods and indicate that they are not yours. You can then connect them via a special connection card. If you don’t see this? Then you have to follow the steps above.
Link airpods to another Mac
- Open  ▸ System Preferences
- Navigate to Bluetooth
- Activate the search mode as described above
- Click on ‘Couple’ next to the AirPods on the Mac screen
- Establish the connection
Link airpods to an Apple Watch
To link the AirPods to another Apple Watch, these steps must be followed.
Link airpods with other devices such as Android and Windows
Via an ordinary Bluetooth connection you can also link the AirPods to other devices that support Bluetooth. Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on the relevant device and activate the search mode on the AirPods. You can then select the headphones in the Bluetooth list and connect.