Apple’s AirPods have become extremely popular since their inception in 2016, owing to their flawless interaction with Apple devices. But what if you’re an Android user looking for the ease and quality of AirPods? The good news is that AirPods can be used with Android smartphones.
We will take you through the process of connecting and using AirPods with your Android smartphone or tablet in this detailed guide. So, let’s get going!
Compatibility
Before we go into how to connect AirPods to your Android device, it’s important to understand the compatibility requirements:
AirPods Models
These versions include minimal Bluetooth capabilities and are thus compatible with the majority of Android devices.
These include extra capabilities like noise reduction and transparency mode, but they should only function with Android devices that support Bluetooth audio.
While they were built especially for Apple devices, they should function with Android smartphones as well, though certain features may be limited.
Android Device Compatibility
Most Bluetooth-enabled Android smartphones and tablets are compatible with AirPods. However, in order to fully appreciate all of the capabilities (such as automated ear identification and personalisation), a smartphone running a more current Android version is recommended.
How to Pair AirPods with Your Android Phone?
The steps below will allow you to pair your AirPods or AirPods Pro with any Android phone.
- Make sure your AirPods are inside the charging case.
- Open the AirPods case.
- Find the Setup button on the back of the AirPods case.
- Press and hold the Setup button until the LED indicator on the case begins to pulse white. This indicates that the AirPods are now in pairing mode.
- On Android, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Turn on Bluetooth and start searching for available devices.
- Your Android device will start searching for available devices to pair with. Wait for your AirPods to appear in the list of available devices.
- When your AirPods appear in the list, tap their name to initiate the pairing process.
There you have it! It’s worth noting that Apple uses the AAC codec for streaming audio over Bluetooth to the AirPods. While Android phones also support AAC, there may be variations in audio quality due to how different device manufacturers implement this codec.
What Settings Do You Need to Adjust on Android for AirPods?
While the basic pairing should be seamless, there are several settings and features that can be changed for a better experience.
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Checking Battery Life
Because Android devices do not have the same battery life widget as Apple devices, you must check the battery level of your AirPods by opening the AirPods case near your Android smartphone. Your screen should display the battery status.
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Customising Double-Tap Controls
Apple AirPods have configurable double-tap controls for tasks like play/pause, track skipping, and activating your voice assistant. Unfortunately, most of Android devices are incapable of directly customising these features. You can only use the default settings, which can be managed on your iOS device.
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Using Assistant Apps
Google Assistant or other virtual assistant applications can provide a comparable experience to Siri on Android. By heading to the app’s settings on your Android handset, you can configure these applications to react to voice commands via your AirPods.
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Software Updates
Ensure that your AirPods are running the latest firmware version. You can update your AirPods using an Apple device or a Windows PC, as the official Apple app for Android doesn’t support this feature.
What are the Tips and Troubleshooting to Keep in Mind?
Here are some common issues that Android users may have with AirPods and how to resolve them:
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Disconnecting and Reconnecting
If your AirPods fail to connect or disconnect, open the Bluetooth settings on your Android device, “Forget” your AirPods, and then pair them once more as described above.
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Audio Quality
AirPods should provide acceptable music quality on Android, but if you have problems, make sure your Bluetooth connection is solid and your AirPods are clean.
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Missing Features
Due to differences in Bluetooth profiles, some capabilities, such as automatic ear identification, might not work on Android as they do on iOS. Therefore, keep your expectations in check.
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Battery Life
You can check the battery life of your AirPods on your Android device, although accuracy may vary. Make sure that your AirPods are fully charged and up to date.
What are the Best Alternative Android-Compatible Earbuds?
If the limits and functional differences between AirPods and Android smartphones are too much for you, you can look into Android-compatible earphones.
Several companies provide wireless earphones that are specifically built for Android users, with capabilities and seamless integration that can be more appropriate for your smartphone.
For example, Samsung, Google, Sony, and more companies make popular Android-compatible earphones. They frequently include their own applications and features that are optimised for Android smartphones.
Conclusion
While AirPods can be used with Android smartphones, the seamless integration and personalisation provided on iOS might not be replicated completely.
Users of Android can enjoy high-quality music, but they should be aware of some feature limits. If you want a more personalised experience, Android-compatible earphones can be a better option. All in all, connectivity is achievable, but changes and compromises might be required to fully utilise your AirPods on an Android smartphone.
