Apple’s AirPods are a hot commodity, but do they work with Android? The answer is yes, but there are some caveats. Android users can use AirPods with Android devices by downloading the Apple AirPods app and connecting the earbuds to the device. However, there are some limitations. For example, Android devices must have an iPhone- or iPad-compatible Lightning connector and be running iOS 11 or later. Additionally, AirPods will not work with Android Auto or Google Assistant. Despite these limitations, AirPods are a great way to enjoy music without having to take out your phone. They’re also perfect for quick phone calls since you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel. ..
Android Sees AirPods as Standard Bluetooth Headphones
All models of AirPods operate as standard Bluetooth headphones, which can be used by just about any device with Bluetooth audio functionality. All you need to do to use them wirelessly with your Android smartphone or tablet is to pair them manually.
This is a bit different from how pairing works on an iPhone or iPad, where you simply open your AirPods case and tap connect. On an Android device, you’ll need to pair them the usual way.
First, open the AirPods case and tap and hold the button on the back until the indicator light flashes white. Now on your Android device access Settings, navigate to Bluetooth & Device Connection > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is enabled. Now tap Pair New Device and select your AirPods from the list.
Your AirPods should now function just like any other pair of Bluetooth headphones you own. If you want to use them with another device, you’ll need to follow the pairing procedure again.
Which AirPods Features Work With Android?
Aside from functioning as standard stereo headphones, AirPods Pro models can still use active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Toggling between the two works just as it does on an iPhone: by squeezing and holding the stem of either earbud until you hear the chime.
Transparency mode is useful because it allows you to hear the outside world while wearing your AirPods. This means you don’t have to take an earbud out to hear what someone is saying, though you may want to pause or turn down the music to make things easier. At low volumes, this is a safety feature since it allows you to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks without losing track of the world around you.
As well as noise cancellation and transparency mode, standard gestures also work. This includes the basic double-tap on AirPods (to play or pause music), plus more in-depth single squeeze (play/pause), double squeeze (skip forward), and triple squeeze (skip backward).
Which AirPods Features Don’t Work With Android?
Many Apple-centric features don’t work on Android, such as the expedited setup process when you first connect your headphones to an iPhone. Android devices must be paired manually, and that also means that Android users miss out on the automatic switching feature that makes AirPods so great for Apple users.
If you have an iPhone, an iPad, and a Mac, your AirPods will automatically switch between devices paired to the same Apple ID. This means you only ever have to pair your AirPods with a single device. Android users will have to pair their AirPods with each separate device they want to use.
Another potentially useful feature that Android users miss out on is voice assistance via Siri. Since Siri is an Apple-only feature, the “Hey, Siri” always-listening trigger won’t work here. Out of the box, Android users won’t be able to use their assistant of choice with AirPods (though there are apps that can help with this).
Being able to check your AirPods’ battery using a widget on iOS makes it easy to know when your headphones need a charge. Apple even has Siri functionality to handle this, if you want. Like voice assistants, Android users have no way of enabling this without the aid of additional apps.
Apple’s useful “Find My” app makes it easy to find your iPhone, Mac, AirTags, and AirPods. Since the feature relies on companion Apple devices to work, AirPods that are paired to an Android phone won’t be updated on the “Find My” network, and thus won’t be trackable via iCloud.
AirPods Pro users can use the “Ear Tip Fit Test” under the AirPods Pro settings (accessible by tapping the “i” button next to your AirPods under Settings > Bluetooth). This checks whether or not your current choice of ear tips (small, medium, or large) fits correctly, but it’s not available on Android. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to tell when the tips are too big or small (they may not fit, might fall out or the time, or cause excessive sound leakage).
Another Apple-exclusive feature is the ability to customize your AirPods controls. While AirPods will default to simple play/pause for double taps and AirPods Pro can use single, double, and triple squeeze gestures; on iPhone and iPad, it’s possible to do more than this.
Finally, Android users will miss out on in-ear detection which allows for the automatic playing and pausing of music or podcasts when you place an AirPod in or remove it from your ear. Fortunately, similar functionality can be achieved with an app.
Some Features Work With Third-Party Apps
There are a few third-party apps for Android that can restore some of these missing functions. This includes a battery level indicator, in-ear detection, and the ability to trigger the voice assistant of your choice while wearing your AirPods.
These apps include AndroPods and Assistant Trigger (for all three functions), and AirBattery (for battery level). These apps are free but full functionality requires an in-app purchase. Reports about how well these apps work are mixed, so you might want to adjust your expectations if you’re expecting iPhone levels of compatibility.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
When using AirPods with an Android device, sound quality takes a dive compared with using the same headphones on an iPhone. This is because AirPods rely on the AAC codec, which tends to function better on an iPhone. SoundGuys has an article explaining the ins and outs of this phenomenon, which involves a higher noise floor on Android as well as a tendency for the platform to de-prioritize Bluetooth encoding in favor of energy efficiency.
The same problems don’t occur on iOS because Apple handles audio streaming differently. There are better wireless headphones that use different codecs like SBC and LDAC which are better designed for the Android platform.
Should You Buy AirPods for Your Android Device?
If you have a pair of AirPods that you use primarily with your iPhone, there’s no harm in connecting them to your Android device for listening to a podcast or taking a phone call. You could even get away with streaming music if you’re not too fussed about AAC streaming quality.
But you shouldn’t go out and purchase AirPods specifically for use with your Android device. You’re better off buying something designed with features specific to your device (like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, above), or something at a more reasonable price point. It’s worth checking out ReviewGeek’s assessment of Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series, which are only $99.
Streaming quality problems aside, you’re missing out on the features used to justify Apple’s premium price point. On an iPhone AirPods and AirPods Pro deliver good sound quality, but it’s all the other features like being able to seamlessly switch devices, trigger Siri, and set them up in a few seconds that make them a worthwhile investment.
Wireless Headphones for Use With Android
There is a range of headphones at different price points for Android users who want decent wireless sound. For something comparable to the AirPods Pro (our top-rated earbuds for iPhone) then look at the Sony WF-1000XM4 which has best-in-class noise cancellation and support for LDAC.
Instead of purchasing AirPods for use with Android, check out our best wireless earbuds roundup instead. You can save some money on cheaper headphones with a similar feature set, or spend slightly more to get some headphones that make the most of your smartphone of choice.
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