How to pair AirPods to an Android phone — it's easier than you think

Couldn't pass up the new AirPods Pro 3 even though you're a, gulp , Android user? It's OK, we won't tell anyone… We like them too. In fact, Yahoo editor Rick Broida designated them as the best AirPods for noise cancellation yet. But while it may take a few additional steps to pair AirPods to an Android phone, it's actually pretty easy to do.

Unlike iPhone owners, you won't see a setup animation window when you place the AirPods case next to your phone. And there's bad news: You won't have access to Siri or automatic switching , which lets you seamlessly switch your AirPods from one device to another. It'll also be a guessing game about how much battery life you have left unless you download a third-party app. However, the sound quality will be just as good, and you'll of course have access to the touch controls.

We'll help you get your Android phone connected with your new set of AirPods. Still haven't bought a pair of Apple 's earbuds? Check out our review of the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation.

How to pair your AirPods with an Android

Don't worry, you'll only have to do this once. After you've paired the two devices , they'll automatically reconnect the next time you open your case near your Android phone.

AirPods 4 or AirPods Pro 3:

1. Open your Android phone's Bluetooth settings (Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, or Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth) and make sure it's turned on. Keep that screen open.

2. Next, grab your AirPods case with the earbuds still intact and open the lid.

3. Double-tap the front of the AirPods case. You should see a white light flash, signaling the earbuds are ready to connect to your phone.

4. Check to see if your AirPods are on the Bluetooth list. If they're new, they'll probably just say "AirPods" or possibly even "AirPods - Find My." Tap it to connect.

Older-gen AirPods and AirPods Pro:

1. Open your Android phone's Bluetooth settings (Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, or Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth) and make sure it's turned on. Keep that screen open.

2. Next, grab your AirPods, leaving them in the charging case, and open the lid.

3. Here's where it's different from the newer AirPods: Find the setup button on the back of the AirPods case (it's a small white circle), then press and hold it until you see the white light flash (just around five seconds). That means they're ready to connect.

4. Make sure your AirPods are displayed on the Bluetooth list. Once you find them, tap to connect.

AirPods Max:

1. Open your Android's Bluetooth settings (Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, or Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth) and make sure it's turned on. Keep that screen open.

2. On your AirPods Max, press and hold the noise control button until you see the status light flash white — it takes around five seconds.

3. Find your AirPods Max on the Bluetooth list, then tap it to pair your devices.

That's it! Now you can enjoy the sound quality of your Apple AirPods without switching over to "the dark side." Remember, however, that you won't necessarily have access to all of the AirPods' advanced features. While you may be able to toggle noise cancelling modes on compatible AirPods with the physical controls ( squeeze and hold the stems , for instance), you'll miss out on features enabled via the iPhone, including live translation and other Apple-only features.