AirPods will connect to Samsung tablets, but not through the same menu as iPhones

AirPods are Bluetooth devices made by Apple, and they work with any tablet that has Bluetooth — including Samsung models. The connection process is straightforward: you put the AirPods in pairing mode, then find them in your Samsung tablet's Bluetooth settings and tap to connect. After the first pairing, they reconnect automatically when you turn them on near the tablet.

The main difference from an iPhone is that Samsung tablets do not have the automatic iCloud pairing that Apple devices use. You will go through the standard Android Bluetooth pairing steps instead. Once connected, the AirPods function normally — you can control volume and pause from the tablet, and the battery indicator shows in your notification panel.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the AirPods charging case, hold the button on the back for three seconds until the light flashes white, then release.
  • Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth on your Samsung tablet, turn Bluetooth on, and tap AirPods when they appear in the list.
  • After the first pairing, AirPods reconnect automatically whenever Bluetooth is on and the case is open nearby.
  • If AirPods do not appear in the Bluetooth list, reset them by holding the back button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then try pairing again.

Step-by-step pairing on a Samsung tablet

Start with your AirPods in the charging case. Open the case lid and hold down the small button on the back of the case for about three seconds. You will see the LED light on the front of the case flash white — this means the AirPods are in pairing mode and ready to connect to a new device.

On your Samsung tablet, open Settings and tap Connections (or Connected devices on some models). Select Bluetooth and make sure it is turned on. Your tablet will begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Within a few seconds, "AirPods" should appear in the list of available devices. Tap it to connect.

Your tablet will confirm the pairing and the AirPods will move to the "Connected devices" section. The LED on the case will stop flashing and turn solid white, then turn off. You are now ready to use the AirPods with your tablet.

What to do if AirPods do not show up in Bluetooth settings

If the AirPods do not appear in your tablet's Bluetooth list after you open the case, they may not be in pairing mode. Close the case, wait five seconds, then open it again and hold the back button for three seconds until you see the white flash. Make sure your tablet's Bluetooth is on and scanning — sometimes it stops after a few seconds.

If they still do not appear, reset the AirPods completely. With the case open, hold the back button for 15 seconds. The LED will flash amber, then white. This clears any previous pairing and puts them in pairing mode fresh. Try the pairing steps again on your Samsung tablet.

Check that your tablet's Bluetooth is working by testing it with another device — a phone or speaker you know pairs easily. If nothing pairs, restart your tablet and try again. Bluetooth sometimes needs a fresh start after a software update.

Reconnecting AirPods after the first pairing

Once you have paired the AirPods to your Samsung tablet once, they will reconnect automatically every time you open the case near the tablet with Bluetooth turned on. You do not need to go back into settings or hold any buttons. Just open the case and they connect within a few seconds.

If the AirPods do not reconnect automatically, check that Bluetooth is on in your tablet's settings. If it is, open the case and wait 10 seconds. If they still do not connect, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, find AirPods in the list, and tap them again. This usually takes just a few seconds.

Controlling volume and playback with AirPods on Samsung tablets

Once connected, you can pause, play, and skip tracks by tapping the stem of either AirPod. A single tap pauses or plays. A double tap skips to the next track. A triple tap goes back to the previous track. These controls work in any app that plays audio — music, podcasts, videos, or audiobooks.

Volume is controlled through your tablet's volume buttons or through the app you are using. The AirPods themselves do not have a volume control like some other wireless headphones do. You can also swipe down from the top of your screen to open the quick settings panel and adjust volume there.

The battery percentage of your AirPods shows in your tablet's notification panel when they are connected. Tap the battery icon to see the charge level of each AirPod and the case. If the battery gets low, the AirPods will alert you with a sound.

Disconnecting AirPods from your Samsung tablet

To disconnect the AirPods without unpairing them, straightforward turn off Bluetooth in your tablet's settings or put the AirPods back in the case and close it. The next time you open the case with Bluetooth on, they will reconnect to the same tablet.

If you want to pair the AirPods with a different device, close the case, hold the back button for 15 seconds until the light flashes amber, then follow the pairing steps on the new device. This resets the AirPods and removes them from your Samsung tablet's memory.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If the AirPods connect but sound is not coming through, check that the tablet is actually playing audio. Open a music app or video and tap play. If you still hear nothing, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, tap the AirPods, and look for a "Media audio" or "Audio" toggle — make sure it is on. Some tablets require you to enable audio routing to the AirPods separately from the initial pairing.

If the AirPods keep disconnecting, move closer to the tablet. Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, but walls and other devices can interfere. Also check that no other Bluetooth devices are trying to connect at the same time — this can cause the AirPods to drop the connection. If the problem continues, reset the AirPods and pair them again from scratch.

If one AirPod is not working, make sure both are charged. Put them back in the case for 30 seconds, then take them out and try again. If one is still silent, that AirPod may need service — Apple handles repairs for AirPods even when used with non-Apple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods with multiple Samsung tablets at the same time?

AirPods can only connect to one device at a time. If you want to switch them to a different tablet, close the case and open it again near the other tablet with Bluetooth on. They will reconnect to whichever device they are paired with that is closest and has Bluetooth active. To pair with a new tablet, reset the AirPods first by holding the back button for 15 seconds.

Will AirPods work with older Samsung tablets?

Yes, as long as your tablet has Bluetooth and runs Android 5.0 or newer, AirPods will pair and work. Most Samsung tablets from the last eight years meet this requirement. Check your tablet's Android version in Settings > About tablet to confirm.

Do I need to install an app to use AirPods on Samsung tablets?

No app is required. AirPods pair through the built-in Bluetooth settings on your tablet. You do not need to read anything from the Google Play Store or anywhere else. The pairing and connection happen entirely through your tablet's native settings.

Why does my Samsung tablet not show the AirPods battery percentage?

Some older Samsung tablets do not display AirPods battery information in the notification panel, even though the AirPods are working fine. This is a limitation of the tablet's software, not the AirPods. The battery indicator works on most tablets running Android 10 or newer.

Can I use AirPods with Samsung tablets and iPhones at the same time?

No, AirPods can only be connected to one device at a time. If you want to switch between your iPhone and Samsung tablet, you will need to disconnect from one before connecting to the other. The fastest way is to turn off Bluetooth on the device you are leaving and turn it on near the device you want to use.