Since the launch of AirPods in December 2016, the wireless
earphones have become something of a sensation, and have even inspired a swathe
of AirPod-themed memes. That’s when you know something has hit the big time,
right?
Despite Apple’s frosty relationship with other manufacturers
(the Apple Watch only works with iOS), AirPods can work with Android and any other
Bluetooth-enabled device – but you won’t get access to smart features that help
make AirPods some of the best wireless earbuds on the market.
If that doesn’t bother you, then carry on reading; here we talk
you through setting up AirPods with an Android smartphone or tablet. It’s worth
noting that this process is the same with any non-iOS device, so feel free to follow
the below steps to connect AirPods to smartwatches, PCs and any other
Bluetooth-enabled device.
How to connect AirPods to
Android
As with most Apple products, the AirPods are easy to use – and
that extends to the connection process, even with Android devices. While it’s
not quite as streamlined as pairing AirPods with an iPhone, you can pair
AirPods with your
Android smartphone or
tablet in a couple of steps:
1. Make sure Bluetooth is
enabled on your Android smartphone or tablet
2. Flip open the lid of the
AirPods
3. Press and hold the button
on the rear of the AirPods case until the LED between the AirPods blinks white
4. Search for AirPods on your
device’s Bluetooth menu and tap to connect
And that’s it! Your AirPods should now work with your Android
device, although with a couple of caveats; you won’t be able to activate your
virtual assistant with a double-tap, and the automatic pause and resume feature
isn’t available either. Apart from that, you can enjoy listening to your
favourite songs with AirPods on Android!