Connecting replacement AirPods to your device

When you get new AirPods, connecting them to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch takes about two minutes. Put both AirPods in their charging case, open the case near your device, and wait for the setup screen to appear on your screen. Tap "Connect" when prompted, then follow the on-screen steps to name your AirPods and choose which devices should use them.

If the setup screen does not appear automatically, open Settings on your device, go to Bluetooth, and look for your AirPods in the list. Tap the name to connect. On a Mac, the process is the same: System Settings > Bluetooth, then select your AirPods from the available devices.

Once connected to one device, your AirPods will usually connect automatically to your other Apple devices if they share the same Apple ID. This means if you pair them with your iPhone first, they will typically show up on your iPad and Mac without extra steps.

Key Takeaways

  • New AirPods connect by opening the case near your device and tapping "Connect" on the setup screen that appears.
  • If no setup screen shows up, go to Bluetooth settings and select your AirPods from the available devices list.
  • AirPods paired to one device will usually connect automatically to your other Apple devices using the same Apple ID.
  • You can rename your AirPods during setup or later in Bluetooth settings to tell them apart from other pairs.
  • Resetting your AirPods by holding the setup button for 15 seconds clears old connections if they will not pair with a new device.

Renaming your AirPods so you can tell them apart

If you own more than one pair of AirPods, renaming them makes it clear which pair you are using. During the initial setup, you will see a screen asking what you want to call them — you can choose from preset names like "Sarah's AirPods" or type a custom name.

To rename AirPods after setup, go to Settings > Bluetooth on iPhone or iPad, find your AirPods in the list, tap the information icon (i) next to the name, and select "Name." Type the new name and tap "Done." On a Mac, go to System Settings > Bluetooth, right-click your AirPods, and choose "Rename."

Resetting AirPods when they will not connect to a new device

Sometimes replacement AirPods will not pair with a new device because they are still connected to an old one. The fastest fix is to reset them completely, which erases all previous connections and returns them to factory settings.

To reset, put both AirPods in the charging case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the lid. Press and hold the small setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light inside flashes amber, then white. Release the button. The AirPods are now reset and ready to pair with any device.

After resetting, hold the case near your new device and wait for the setup screen. If you still do not see it, open Bluetooth settings manually and select your AirPods from the list.

Connecting to Android or non-Apple devices

AirPods work with Android phones and tablets, but the setup process is different because there is no automatic pairing screen. Put both AirPods in the case, open the case, and press the setup button on the back until the light flashes white. This puts them in pairing mode.

On your Android device, go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn Bluetooth on, and look for your AirPods in the list of available devices. Tap the name to connect. The connection will work for calls, music, and apps, though some Apple-specific features like automatic switching between devices will not be available.

What to do if one AirPod will not connect

If only one AirPod connects while the other stays silent, put both back in the case for 15 seconds, then remove them and wait for them to reconnect. This usually fixes temporary connection drops.

If one AirPod still will not work, reset both AirPods using the method described above, then pair them again. If the problem continues after reset, the single AirPod may have a hardware issue and may need to be replaced separately through Apple or an authorized retailer.

Switching AirPods between multiple devices

Once your AirPods are paired to your iPhone, iPad, and Mac through the same Apple ID, switching between them is automatic. When you start playing audio on a different device, your AirPods will disconnect from the first device and connect to the second one within a few seconds.

You can also switch manually. On iPhone or iPad, go to Control Center, long-press the audio card at the top, and tap your AirPods name to connect them. On a Mac, click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar and select your AirPods from the list.

If you want to use your AirPods with a device that does not share your Apple ID, you will need to pair them again using the Bluetooth settings on that device. This does not erase them from your other devices — they will stay paired to all of them.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If your replacement AirPods connect but sound cuts out or they disconnect and reconnect repeatedly, try these steps in order: first, move closer to your device to rule out range issues. Second, restart Bluetooth by going to Settings > Bluetooth and toggling it off for 10 seconds, then back on. Third, restart your device entirely.

If cutting out continues, forget the AirPods from Bluetooth settings, reset them using the setup button, and pair them again from scratch. Interference from other wireless devices, a low battery in the case, or a software update on your device can all cause temporary connection problems that a full reset usually solves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unpair old AirPods before connecting new ones?

Not always. If your old and new AirPods have different names, your device will let you choose which pair to use. If they have the same name, reset the new AirPods first so they do not automatically connect to your old pair's settings.

Why does only one AirPod show up in my Bluetooth list?

AirPods pair as a single unit, so you should see only one entry in your Bluetooth list even though there are two physical AirPods. If you see two separate entries, reset both AirPods and pair them again.

Can I connect replacement AirPods to someone else's Apple ID?

Yes. Reset the AirPods, then pair them on the other person's device using their Bluetooth settings. They will not automatically connect to that person's other devices unless you add the AirPods to their Apple ID through iCloud settings, which requires their password.

What if my replacement AirPods are not showing up in Bluetooth at all?

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and the AirPods are in pairing mode — press the setup button on the case until the light flashes white. If they still do not appear, try restarting your device. If the AirPods still do not show up after a restart, they may have a hardware issue.

Will my replacement AirPods work with my old charging case?

Only if they are the same model. AirPods Pro work only with AirPods Pro cases, standard AirPods work only with standard cases, and AirPods Max have their own case. Check the model number on your new AirPods and case to make sure they match.