Can You Use AirPods With an Android Phone?

AirPods have become synonymous with premium wireless earbuds, thanks to their seamless integration with Apple devices. But what if you don't own an iPhone or iPad?
Can you still use AirPods with an Android phone? The answer is yes, but there are a few things you should know to get the best experience.

Let’s explore how to connect AirPods to an Android device and what features you can (and can’t) use.

How to Pair AirPods with an Android Phone

Connecting your AirPods to an Android phone is simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Enable Bluetooth on Your Android Phone

First, make sure your Android device has Bluetooth turned on. You can find this in your Settings app under the Bluetooth section.

2. Put Your AirPods in Pairing Mode

• Open the AirPods case (leave the AirPods inside) and press the small button on the back of the case until the LED indicator starts flashing white.
  
  

• This signals that the AirPods are in pairing mode and ready to connect.
  
  

3. Connect to Your Android Device

• On your Android phone, open the Bluetooth settings and look for "AirPods" in the list of available devices.
  
  

• Tap on the name of your AirPods to connect.
  
  

Once connected, you should be good to go!

What Works When Using AirPods with Android?

While the pairing process is straightforward, some features that work seamlessly on Apple devices won’t be available on Android. Here’s what you can still enjoy:

1. Basic Audio Playback

• You can listen to music, take calls, and watch videos with your AirPods on Android, just like any other Bluetooth earbuds.
  
  

2. Touch Controls (Limited)

• You can use single-tap for play/pause (depending on the model) and double-tap to skip songs or answer calls.
  
  

• However, more advanced gestures like Siri activation (holding the stem) won’t work.
  
  

3. Automatic Device Switching

• AirPods won’t automatically switch between your Android phone and other devices like they do with Apple products.
  
  

• You’ll need to manually connect to your Android phone each time.
  
  

4. Battery Life Indicators

• Some Android phones can show the battery level of your AirPods when you open the case.
  However, this feature might not be as accurate or consistent as on Apple devices.

What Doesn’t Work?

While you can still use AirPods for basic functions on Android, some features are exclusive to Apple devices:

1. Siri and Voice Assistant

• Siri is not available on Android. You can use Google Assistant, but you’ll have to activate it manually via your phone.
  
  

2. Advanced Customization

• Customizing AirPods’ touch controls, activating “Find My”, or adjusting settings like “Automatic Ear Detection” require an Apple device.
  
  

3. Seamless Switching

• Switching between devices automatically (like from an iPhone to a MacBook) is exclusive to Apple products.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can definitely use AirPods with an Android phone for basic audio functions like listening to music and taking calls.
However, to get the full Apple experience with automatic switching, seamless controls, and advanced customization, you'll need to stick with an iPhone or iPad.

If you're looking for similar functionality on Android, you might want to consider Android-friendly earbuds like Google Pixel Buds or Samsung Galaxy Buds, which integrate better with Android features.

But if you already have AirPods, they’re perfectly functional with Android—it’s just a matter of adjusting to the missing features.