Connecting replacement AirPods is the same process as pairing new ones
Your replacement AirPods work exactly like the originals—they pair through Bluetooth using the same steps you would use for any new AirPods. The main difference is that your device may already have the AirPods model stored in its memory, which can sometimes speed up the connection. Whether you're pairing them to an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Android phone, the process takes about two minutes and requires only that you have the AirPods case and your device nearby.
The key is making sure your replacement AirPods are in pairing mode before you start. Most people skip this step and then wonder why their device won't find them. Once they're in pairing mode, your device will see them just like it would any other Bluetooth device.
Key Takeaways
- Put your replacement AirPods in pairing mode by holding the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes white.
- On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, wait for your AirPods to appear in the list, and tap them to connect.
- On Mac, open System Settings > Bluetooth, find your AirPods in the list, and click Connect.
- On Android, open Settings > Bluetooth, turn on Bluetooth if it's off, and tap your AirPods when they appear in the available devices list.
- If your device doesn't see your AirPods after 15 seconds, try holding the setup button for another 5 to 10 seconds.
How to put replacement AirPods in pairing mode
Before your device can find your AirPods, they need to be in pairing mode. This tells them to broadcast their Bluetooth signal so nearby devices can detect them. The process is the same whether you're pairing them for the first time or reconnecting replacements.
Open the AirPods case and look at the small button on the back. Hold that button down for about 15 seconds. You'll see the LED light on the front of the case start to flash. When it flashes white, your AirPods are in pairing mode and ready to connect. If the light flashes amber, keep holding the button a bit longer. Once you see white, release the button and move to your device.
Leave the AirPods in the case during this whole process—you don't need to take them out. The case itself is what enters pairing mode and communicates with your device.
Connecting to iPhone or iPad
On iPhone or iPad, the connection process is straightforward. Make sure your AirPods are in pairing mode (white flashing light), then unlock your device and go to Settings. Tap Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on—you'll see a toggle switch at the top.
Wait a few seconds and look for your AirPods in the list of available devices. They'll usually show up with a name like "AirPods" or "AirPods Pro" depending on which model you have. Tap the name to connect. Your device will pair with them when ready, and you should see a checkmark next to the AirPods name once the connection is complete.
If you see a popup asking you to confirm the connection, tap Connect. Some devices will also ask if you want to use these AirPods with Siri or for phone calls—you can say yes to both, or adjust these settings later in Bluetooth settings.
Connecting to Mac
On a Mac, the process is nearly identical to iPhone. Make sure your AirPods are in pairing mode with the white flashing light. Then click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs).
Click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Your Mac will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. When your AirPods appear in the list, click them once to select them, then click the Connect button that appears next to their name. The connection usually takes a few seconds, and you'll see "Connected" appear next to the AirPods name when it's done.
If you don't see a Connect button, your AirPods may already be paired to your Apple ID account. In that case, they may connect automatically the next time you open the case near your Mac.
Connecting to Android phones
Android phones don't have the same automatic pairing that Apple devices do, but the manual process is just as straightforward. Make sure your replacement AirPods are in pairing mode with the white flashing light. Then open Settings on your Android phone and look for Bluetooth or Connected devices—the exact name varies by phone brand and Android version.
Turn on Bluetooth if it's not already on. Your phone will start scanning for available devices. When your AirPods appear in the list, tap them to connect. You may see a popup asking you to confirm the pairing—tap Pair or Connect to finish. Once connected, you should see "Connected" or a checkmark next to the AirPods name.
Android phones don't automatically reconnect to AirPods the way iPhones do, so you may need to manually reconnect them through Bluetooth settings each time you want to use them. This is normal behavior for Android and AirPods together.
What to do if your device doesn't find your AirPods
If your AirPods don't appear in the Bluetooth list after 15 seconds, the most common reason is that they're not actually in pairing mode yet. Go back to the case, hold the setup button on the back for another 5 to 10 seconds, and watch the light carefully. It should flash white. If it's flashing amber or not lighting up at all, the case may need to be charged.
Try these steps in order: First, make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your device—this sounds obvious, but it's straightforward to miss. Second, move your device and the AirPods case closer together, within a few feet. Third, restart your device's Bluetooth by turning it off and back on in settings. Fourth, put the AirPods back in the case, close it, wait 10 seconds, and try pairing again.
If your device previously paired with different AirPods, it may try to connect to those automatically instead of your new ones. In that case, go into your Bluetooth settings and "forget" or "remove" the old AirPods, then try pairing your replacement AirPods again. On iPhone, tap the information icon next to the old AirPods name and select Forget This Device. On Android, tap the settings icon next to the old AirPods and select Forget or Unpair.
Reconnecting AirPods after the first pairing
Once you've paired your replacement AirPods to a device, they should reconnect automatically every time you open the case near that device. You don't have to go through the pairing process again. Just open the case and your device should recognize them within a few seconds.
If they don't reconnect automatically, check that Bluetooth is turned on on your device. If Bluetooth is on but the AirPods still don't connect, go to your Bluetooth settings and tap the AirPods name to manually reconnect them. This usually takes just a few seconds.
If you want to pair your replacement AirPods to a second device—like pairing them to both your iPhone and your Mac—you can do that without erasing the first pairing. Just put them in pairing mode again (hold the setup button for 15 seconds until the light flashes white) and pair them to the second device the same way you did the first. Your AirPods will remember both devices and switch between them automatically when you're using each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to erase my old AirPods before connecting the replacement ones?
No, but it's a good idea to forget the old AirPods from your device's Bluetooth settings first. This prevents your device from trying to connect to the old ones automatically. On iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to the old AirPods, and select Forget This Device. On Android, tap the settings icon and select Forget or Unpair.
Why does the light on my AirPods case keep flashing amber instead of white?
Amber means your AirPods case is low on battery. Plug the case into a USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on your model) and let it charge for at least 15 minutes. Once the case has some charge, try pairing again and the light should flash white.
Can I use replacement AirPods with multiple devices at the same time?
No, AirPods can only play audio from one device at a time. However, they can be paired to multiple devices and will automatically switch to whichever device you're actively using. If you want to use them with a different device, just open the case near that device and they'll connect.
What if my replacement AirPods won't stay connected?
If they keep disconnecting, try forgetting them from your device's Bluetooth settings and pairing them again from scratch. Also check that your device's Bluetooth is fully on and not in low-power mode, which can cause connection drops. If the problem continues, the replacement AirPods themselves may have a hardware issue.
Do replacement AirPods work with older iPhones or devices?
Most AirPods models work with devices going back several years, but newer AirPods models may not work with very old devices. Check Apple's website or your device's manual to confirm compatibility. If your device is too old to support your replacement AirPods model, you may need a different AirPods model instead.